Modern architecture is becoming overly decorative at the expense of functionality. Folks continue to add faux touches or cheap materials to structures only for decoration and appearance. The following should help you see why modern architecture needs to change and go back to being functional.

Usefulness

Many nonfunctioning building elements are potentially hazardous and unhealthy. For instance, windows that can’t open from the inside. In the event of an AC malfunction on a hot summer day, functional windows help maintain airflow while waiting for air conditioning repair technicians. They also provide a means of escape in case of fire or other threats from within the building itself.

Interest

More people are interested in genuine architectural designs that are functional. It seems people want to feel like they are getting the most out of their investment, and this is something architects need to keep in mind when designing their next building. Folks who want functionality in every corner of their design are willing to pay for this, which should help reverse the current trend. In residential design more than ever, daring and stunning design are demanded by homeowners. Second hand stay markets like AirBNB and VRBO have made unique homes easy to monetize on a nightly basis, encouraging daring design instead of the same old single-family home.

Wise

Installing elements without purpose is starting to look like a waste of money to some folks. The problem is folks have gotten used to some of these elements as part of a home or commercial building. If they’re going to install them anyway, they might as well be useful. Power outages and other malfunctions are still possible, so having something like a natural fireplace as a backup makes sense.

Why Did it Become Phony?

There are several reasons why architecture became less functional and more decorative. The following are some of those reasons:

Inexpensive Materials

One reason contemporary architecture is overly decorative is that affordable material is available. Manufacturers continued to create more affordable materials that made it easier for folks to design buildings without expensive materials like brick. It should be pointed out that while brick is costly, it’s quite functional. For example, it seems to retain heat much better than other building materials.

Simplicity

The other reason architecture has gotten so decorative is that it’s easier to create buildings that look like they have functional additions, like windows that don’t do anything but look like a window. There are many examples of similar additions that remind you that this is a home or a building without really serving a function. Simplicity continues to rise in popularity because it’s cheaper to design and build.

Technology

Another reason homes and buildings have several different nonfunctional elements is because of technology. For example, creating heat using electricity or gas lines made it possible for folks to avoid the need for chimneys. Still, a lot of people install chimneys even if there isn’t a need. They install them because it makes their property look luxurious; sometimes, they even install a digital screen to replace firewood.

It’s easy to see why the phony elements became popular, but it’s easy to see why there’s a movement pushing back. There’s no telling which side will win; maybe it’ll be both, but it’s good to pay attention.