Taste

[nodit]

I think most people with an interest in architecture agree that the majority of housing schemes/apartments currently being built in Ireland are stylistically tacky, pseudo-historical. Those that aren't architects wonder why they are designed like this. Those that are architects seem to think that the style is dictated by the market, and they are just responding to what people 'want'.

Does anyone have any views on this?

Are architects so powerless?

I don't mean to be getting a dig in, but would love to hear some thoughts on this.

[Donncha]

Its all down to the cheapness of developers to increase their profits. They generally don't use architects, clearly thinking that the form will follow the function. This together with poor materials and workmanship, again in the name of profit, give us huge eyesores that we will all be nominating in ten years time to have demolished.

[K.S.]

It is not entirely true that developers do not use architects in housing schemes, it's time that we took our share of the blame for the rubbish that is happening all over the country. It is far too easy to say "oh well the developer probably designed the damn thing himself", when the fact is that Dublin has more sub standard, second rate architects than it has pubs.

[Donncha]

that's because this country still allows those who don't have qualifications to call thamselves architects. would you let an unqualified doctor treat you?