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Straight Up

When it comes to construction and remodelling, straight lines are a fairly typical and expected style. It makes sense since we can more easily forecast the structural load and estimate production costs when shapes are made of straight lines.

I think it’s uncommon for someone to think about using curved lines in a building while designing a remodel or new construction. Curved buildings will probably be more difficult to construct and require more materials and labour. Therefore, even if the concept could appear good, it is quickly abandoned when you, the Client, find out how much it might cost to construct an “outside the box” design.

Naturally Uncommon

In a recent 99% Invisible podcast, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, an Austrian designer and artist, questioned the convention of straight lines in building. Hundertwasser believed that more curved buildings as well as more organic and natural components should be incorporated into the surroundings in which we live and construct. He believed that as we are both natural and organic organisms, we ought to design our surroundings to be as natural or harmonious as the surrounding natural areas.
Given the neighborhood you reside in and how it would portray you to your neighbors, it would be difficult to build or renovate your house to resemble a Hundertwasser structure. Being unique is difficult. It’s difficult to alter or question how things are perceived. Everyone has a different idea of what constitutes art. I remember that we were required to build a petrol station in one of my first architectural lessons. It may seem straightforward and uninteresting, but it was difficult for those who first “wanted to be architects.” I recall my initial instinct, which I followed, was that the structure had to be circular. Why? I have no idea why. It most definitely lacked any useful (or buildable). I believe it was comparable to Hundertwasser’s perspective and this post’s title. The rarity of something constructed in a more organic form is or was obliviously more alluring because we are surrounded by straight-lined buildings everywhere we look.

Your Line or Mine

I’m not claiming that, like Hundertwasser, my perspective on architecture and design has changed to one that is more organic. I really enjoy taking in the beauty of straight-line structures. I enjoy pointing out structures or spaces that have strikingly straight lines and symmetry that is hard to miss. It is an independent art form. I’m arguing that it’s worthwhile to think about creating and constructing in ways that deviate from the norm, particularly by incorporating more organic features and flow.
A straight line is the fastest route from point A to point B, so why rush?

Curve My Enthusiasm

Myth busted.