Follow Function?
Such repetition would possibly bypass opportunities to
methodologies enjoying market exposure. The challenges,
explore what may be more sustainable alternatives in the
however, faced in this segment have been design limitations,
industry. I must just add at this point that the word ‘alternative’
ease of application, addressing historical constraints
really bugs me! To me, when the word ‘alternative’ is used, it
(read meeting local needs & requirements) and having
denotes a lack of imagination or an unwillingness to challenge
an “aspirational” pull factor. The last point is arguably
the status quo. No, alternatives are all around us; what we
the “Achilles-heel” with all new building methodologies,
choose to use on a consistent basis changes the emphasis from
often implemented at the grass roots or social housing
an alternative to that of the ‘norm’ or, by association, deemed
market. It is presumptuous to expect this market to
to satisfy. It’s the reluctance to acknowledge or explore such
instantly accept a structure that has not enjoyed years of
‘alternatives’ that prevents us from development, exploration
exposure in middle to high income brackets. This aspirational
and other means of broadening our horizons.
factor needs revisiting through a push-pull marketing
The requirement for new ideas within the building
materials industry is also supported in new building
Should Form Follow Function?
strategy in order for high performing structures to enjoy
growth at grass roots level.
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