Week 3: Reading 01 - Shearing Layers

The reading “Shearing Layers” by S. Brand in How buildings learn: What happens after they’re built? begins by discussing the initial marketing of Architectural Digest as an architectural magazine and its evolution towards focusing on the interior. A general perception by heads of the magazine that readers revamped the interiors of their homes more often than the exterior led to this change in focus. In discussing this change, the author elaborates upon the concept of buildings fundamentally consisting of layers, all of which possess varying life spans.

I found this concept to be very interesting. I believe that looking at a building/space in terms of layers changes how one would approach the design of it, how an owner would look at renovating/renting it, how a real estate agent would approach selling it, etc. as opposed to viewing a building/space in the traditional sense. From a business perspective, it was mentioned in the article that an architectural firm attempted to keep long term clients by approaching their projects from a time perspective – the use of the building over time.

This ties back into previous blog posts of previous readings which high lighted the need for adaptable architecture - architecture that can change with the needs and wants of the users over time. I believe this could be made possible if architects and building designers were more aware of the varying longevity of different parts of the building from the early stages of design.

The reading made a good point in noting that adaptable architecture allows growth but growth can come in varying forms. Architecture that inhibits good growth in terms of adaptability and improvement in aesthetic shortens its longevity. The reading noted that “graceless turnover” is the opposite of adaption.