Authenticity in Design
To be authentic is to say exactly what needs to be said and nothing more. In design, this means stripping away all unnecessary parts, leaving a creation that stands as something in and of itself. In architecture, this approach can evoke a sense of spirituality, relying on context for understanding. Authenticity, when achieved, can be the sole reason a project is deemed successful. A creative pursuit of authenticity suggests that the outcome is resolved—a response to a specific place, time, or cultural entity. In architectural terms, this could be a timber house on the Swiss Alps, where the design speaks clearly to its why, how, and where.
To define something as resolved is both abstract and objective. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to design; every project must be judged on its own merit. This highlights the importance of a strong brief and concept. A brief lists what a client requires, while the concept is a response to that brief, forming a hierarchy of priorities. By questioning and refining the brief, one can connect the dots and create a design that is clear and meaningful.
“Distilling a project to its essential parts brings clarity. This clarity highlights the unique elements of a design, making it appealing and aesthetically pleasing. It enables users to comprehend a space, creating value in everyday life.”
Distilling a project to its essential parts brings clarity. This clarity highlights the unique elements of a design, making it appealing and aesthetically pleasing. It enables users to comprehend a space, creating value in everyday life. By removing the unnecessary, a design begins to reveal its "language" — a physical wayfinding tool unique to each project. Individuality in design isn’t limited to form or materiality; it’s a synthesis of these elements, rooted in the core concept. Often, the personality of a design emerges when its elements reflect the concept with rigour and intention.
