Modern society is obsessed with greatness. One recent piece of evidence is the popular use of the acronym G.O.A.T. — greatest of all time. It is most used in conversations about athletes and entertainers but seeps into our mental framework, impacting almost every aspect of our lives. While most focus on the surface conversation, the more interesting observations and information is gathered by paying attention to how we attempt to make these determinations. How is greatness defined, and specifically how is greatness defined in art or the built environment? Some focus on the individual and their accomplishments. Once that person achieves a certain status, everything they do is considered great. Picasso, for example, is and should be considered one of the greatest artists of all time. As a result, everything he produced, regardless of its quality, is considered valuable and in most people’s eyes great. Greatness by association.
Regarding the built environment, many use the matrix of usefulness to determine if a space or design is great. Does it address an important human need or desire? Others focus on performance — how well or efficiently a design achieves its objectives. The business minded might utilize R.O.I. (return on investment) as the ultimate criteria for greatness. Still others might emphasize longevity or standing the test of time, aesthetics or appearance, intellectual rigor, or perhaps the way something makes us feel. Declaring something is great is easy — we do it all the time without even realizing it. However, examining the criteria and processes we use to evaluate greatness reveals what we value and hold dear. Regardless of our particular opinions and determinations, it is certain that the way we determine greatness reveals more about us than the things or people we are evaluating.