Short answer
When designing renovations or new structures in historically significant contexts, consider the prevailing social narratives and perceptions of existing materials and styles, and aim for interventions that acknowledge or thoughtfully reframe these narratives.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- City (2022)
- Method
- Qualitative research combining archival research, interviews, go-alongs, and photo-elicitations.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
The aesthetic perception and subsequent devaluation of socialist-era concrete architecture are driven by a societal narrative of deviation from Western modernity, leading to a drive for 'modernization' rather than class-based stigma. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in City. Using Qualitative research combining archival research, interviews, go-alongs, and photo-elicitations., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing renovations or new structures in historically significant contexts, consider the prevailing social narratives and perceptions of existing materials and styles, and aim for interventions that acknowledge or thoughtfully reframe these narratives.
Socialist-era concrete structures are devalued due to perceived aesthetic inferiority, necessitating 'modernization' efforts.
The aesthetic perception and subsequent devaluation of socialist-era concrete architecture are driven by a societal narrative of deviation from Western modernity, leading to a drive for 'modernization' rather than class-based stigma.
City · 2022
Key Findings
- 01The devaluation of socialist-era concrete housing estates is primarily driven by a perception that they deviated from Western European modernity, requiring aesthetic 'improvement'.
- 02This 'modernization' is not motivated by classist stigmatization of inhabitants but by a desire to align with a perceived superior Western aesthetic.
- 03The concept of 'fugitive modern' describes the effort to update built environments associated with an 'unfinished' socialist modernity, aiming to add value to structures commonly seen as lacking quality and beauty.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing renovations or new structures in historically significant contexts, consider the prevailing social narratives and perceptions of existing materials and styles, and aim for interventions that acknowledge or thoughtfully reframe these narratives.
How to apply
When assessing existing buildings for renovation, research the historical and cultural context of their construction and the associated public perceptions. This understanding can inform design decisions that are more likely to be accepted and valued.
Project actions
- 01When researching existing buildings, look beyond just their physical condition and consider their historical and social context.
- 02Use qualitative research methods like interviews to understand people's perceptions and feelings about design choices.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Utilizes a rich qualitative methodology to explore complex socio-cultural factors.
- +Introduces a novel concept ('fugitive modern') to explain observed phenomena.
Limitations
The subjective nature of aesthetic judgment means that 'beauty' and 'quality' can vary greatly between individuals and groups.
Reliability & validity
The qualitative nature of the research provides rich insights but may have limited generalizability. The validity is strengthened by the triangulation of multiple research methods.
Think critically
To what extent do designers have a responsibility to challenge or reinforce prevailing social imaginaries about architectural styles and materials?
Design Principles
"Design interventions should be sensitive to the socio-cultural context and historical narratives that influence the perception and valuation of built environments."
Understanding the socio-cultural drivers behind the perception of building materials and architectural styles is crucial for designers. It informs how historical contexts and societal narratives influence the reception and potential transformation of existing built environments.
What This Means for Your Design
Old concrete buildings from the socialist era are sometimes seen as ugly or outdated because people think they aren't as good as buildings from Western countries. This leads to people wanting to change them to look more 'modern', not because they dislike the people living there, but because they want to make the buildings fit in with a Western idea of what's fashionable.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify why certain aesthetic choices or material selections are made, especially when dealing with existing structures or styles that have a complex history.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The study by Halauniova (2022) highlights that the devaluation of socialist-era concrete architecture is often driven by socio-cultural perceptions of deviation from Western modernity, leading to 'modernization' efforts aimed at aesthetic improvement. This suggests that design interventions on existing structures should consider the historical narratives and public imaginaries associated with the built environment to ensure successful integration and acceptance.
Source
Questions About This Research
- What does the research say about socialist-era concrete structures are devalued due to perceived aesthetic inferiority, necessitating 'modernization' efforts?
- When designing renovations or new structures in historically significant contexts, consider the prevailing social narratives and perceptions of existing materials and styles, and aim for interventions that acknowledge or thoughtfully reframe these narratives. Evidence: City (2022).
- Why does "Socialist-era concrete structures are devalued due to perceived aesthetic inferiority, necessitating 'modernization' efforts." matter for design?
- Understanding the socio-cultural drivers behind the perception of building materials and architectural styles is crucial for designers. It informs how historical contexts and societal narratives influence the reception and potential transformation of existing built environments.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing renovations or new structures in historically significant contexts, consider the prevailing social narratives and perceptions of existing materials and styles, and aim for interventions that acknowledge or thoughtfully reframe these narratives.
- What were the main findings?
- The devaluation of socialist-era concrete housing estates is primarily driven by a perception that they deviated from Western European modernity, requiring aesthetic 'improvement'.. This 'modernization' is not motivated by classist stigmatization of inhabitants but by a desire to align with a perceived superior Western aesthetic.. The concept of 'fugitive modern' describes the effort to update built environments associated with an 'unfinished' socialist modernity, aiming to add value to structures commonly seen as lacking quality and beauty.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative research combining archival research, interviews, go-alongs, and photo-elicitations..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2022 journal from City.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When assessing existing buildings for renovation, research the historical and cultural context of their construction and the associated public perceptions. This understanding can inform design decisions that are more likely to be accepted and valued.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on a specific region and type of architecture, and findings may not be universally applicable to all concrete structures or historical periods.