Architecture and the Environmental Impact of Artificial Complexity

Subscriber Access

This article was originally published on Common Edge.

There is an astonishing degree of complexity, order, and beauty in the natural world. Even so, and especially within the realm of living things, nothing is more complex than it needs to be to sustain its existence. Every aspect of the system serves a purpose. If it does not, the unneeded component eventually ceases to exist in future generations. Even with these constraints of resource and energy efficiency, we find boundless beauty and harmony in the natural world. Contrast nature’s “just the right amount of complexity” to the way many architects design buildings today. While nature is only as complex as it needs to be, architects and designers add excessive and inessential complexity to their buildings and landscapes when none is warranted.

Content Loader

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Michael Huston. "Architecture and the Environmental Impact of Artificial Complexity" 26 Feb 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/957549/architecture-and-the-environmental-impact-of-artificial-complexity> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.