A home is much more than the sum of its materials and a building site, although some architects say “you cannot build a good house on a bad site”, I believe that we should take this further than just a connection with site. A truly great home must also connect with its local culture and community.
How does a home, a physical object, connect with something as ethereal as culture? What possible values are associated with this deeper connection? How do we achieve this?
Firstly, a home’s design and use of materials may be true to local traditional/vernacular architecture. This is low hanging fruit in every sense because most of our communities are rooted in some history, even in relatively young North America. Buildings connect us to our regional heritage be it farming, industry or something in-between. Materials used may be indigenous to that area and include locally harvested wood, clay brick or even fieldstone. A contemporary design, linked with the right materials and connecting with vernacular architecture can fit very well indeed, as shown in these examples from Stedman Blower Architects.
Social values/culture are somewhat more difficult to link to an architectural form. Yet this is seen in many communities that are connected through a common need or cultural heritage. I’m fortunate enough to spend a good deal of time in The Bahamas and have seen first-hand how social and cultural connections form a major part of life there. Small settlements are diverse in nature and many do not have specialized facilities regarding eldercare and care for the young and displaced. Residents will open their doors to the greater community and share resources and shelter, regardless of socio-economic status. Another example is a communal gathering place to celebrate collectively. These building structures may take the form transient shacks or tents and offer limited protection, yet serve as a place of congregation for the community to celebrate the simpler things in life. Check out one of these events on the Island of Eleuthera, central Bahamas.
The resurgence of the front porch concept is a local form that connects us with our neighbors and beyond. Our current design trend has seen us become isolated and at arms length, living in homes that have insulated us from the outside world in order to protect and sanctify. I think The Bahamians have it the right way around and we are just starting to get that here (again) in North America, rediscovering a concept that has somehow gotten lost in our apex-consumer society, valuing size and quantity over community and quality.
Yes the site is important but let’s not stop there, rather strive to connect with the cultural significance of that site and the larger community it is a part of. Tapping this potential affords us a connection with the past, while still having both feet planted firmly in the present – truly the best of both worlds and the proper starting point for a sustainable home and lifestyle.