We have a window in our home that looks out on what is arguably the most beautiful tree on our street. The window faces north, so a soft indirect light bounces off its leaves and spills into our living room all day. Because of the window’s orientation we never have any glare on the glass. In addition to enjoying that tree, it is a hot spot for various birds. I can’t tell you how much joy that ordinary, unremarkable window provides for our family — it is an endless and constant source of beauty and delight. I look at other nearby homes, and they don’t have the same situation.
Some windows look out onto cars parked on street or perhaps another home and its windows. I can say with a great deal of confidence our window placement and orientation is far superior to those of my neighbors, which is probably why most of the time they keep their shades pulled. It is amazing the impact one well-placed window can have on one’s life even though it is unlikely to show up on our property appraisal.
What some fail to appreciate is that good design is a constant process of prioritizing and making consequential decisions. What is the most important thing? What needs to be changed or put in place to achieve that objective? Unfortunately, our culture is currently encouraging us to be less discerning, critical or judgmental. We are to see the world through the lens of “all things being equal.” A world in which each choice we make is neither good nor bad … who is to say? Maybe looking at a car out your window is better or equal to a tree? I can now imagine a car enthusiast arguing that looking at a car would be preferred to a tree, but all things considered I highly doubt that is the case.
Regardless, designers can’t avoid making these types of judgements or decisions. They need to set priorities that have real consequences.
Where some get tripped up is that these priorities and decisions also take something away or eliminate another opportunity. To achieve one objective, one must sacrifice other opportunities. For example, I enjoy eating foods and drinking liquids that are not particularly healthy. I certainly have the freedom and ability to consume those foods and beverages, but I may then end up in my doctor’s office years later with pre-diabetes. The priorities, choices and decisions I make every meal is between my appetites and my health. Placing a window in a particular location is similar. To return to my initial illustration, if the window is located to frame a particular tree, you will not be looking at a car or a different tree that may not attract wildlife. Not every decision is equal; some are far superior to others. Design is all about setting priorities, making choices and exploring how to squeeze the most benefit out of those decisions.
david….I knew when I first saw your art that it was something special….like the tree! I see all of it everyday….like the tree….only it is on my wall (and I am so grateful that you made it and made it available to al)! And why the window may be be well designed and perfectly situated….perhaps it was the tree that someone wisely chose later knowing that it was the perfect tree and the perfect location for the tree….and I look out upon my neighbors and see all of the RV’s and motorcycles and waverunners, etc. etc. that clutter their yards and by contrast I know that I also have the best house around and I wonder how is it that these other people are so enamored with the material, but I try not to judge….the casinos are destroyers of humanity as well…they impale a certain apathy and harshness….I can only feel grateful for what God made and gave me to behold personally…the gorgeous desert sits directly behind me….the intense and massive Mohave for miles and miles (like an ocean)….you are one of those very very rare and lucky people…I know from readying your blog that it started with love….your family….I am so blessed as well to have started this life with a father and mother who knew how to engage their children on a positive path….thank you for another insightful read