approach & process
At Hargidon we believe that the rewards for producing good architecture outweigh the effort it takes to get there- for the owner, for the users and for society as a whole.
What then is good architecture? Ask 10 people and you will get 10 different answers.
Our answer is still evolving but here are some ideas that we like:
Approach:
Places Designed for People - So much of our environment is designed around engineering for roadways and parking. Somehow we have forgotten how to make places that are delightful, human-scaled, comfortable and that make us want to stay.
Open to Innovation - A healthy approach means being open-minded about how to solve problems and embracing new technologies when they make sense.
Contribution to the Public Realm - Almost all buildings have the opportunity to enhance the livability of and interaction with the public realm.
Economy in all things - Expensive materials do not equate to good design. We are interested in using everyday materials in unique ways in order to solve problems or convey ideas.
Incorporation of Green Materials - When we use materials that are not highly processed or that have not come form a long distance, we put less stress on the environment.
Reduction of the Carbon Footprint - For us to leave a habitable world for our descendants, we need to re-think much of what has got us to this point. Considering that buildings use about 40% of the energy in the US, every project has the capacity to have a significant impact.
Focus on Indoor Air Quality - Better insulation and air sealing in buildings are fantastic improvements but have put all the more pressure on following paths to improving the air quality inside of buildings.
Process:
Assuming there is a lot we don’t know - In the beginning of a project, we ask a lot of questions. We want to know what will make a successful projects in terms that don’t prescribe a particular forgone solution.
Taking Time to Define the Problem - We believe that the quality of a particular solution can only be as good as the quality the team brings to defining the problem. We take the time to do this prior to jumping into design.
More Design Earlier in the Process - Time spent up front in early design is the most valuable part of any project. Decisions made here have the most likelihood of impacting the design while also costing the least.
Early Involvement of All Stakeholders - Ideally, everyone who will become a major player in the project should have real input in the early stages of design.
Design is a Process of Discovery - We know that the first ideas may not be the best. Patience and willingness to make mistakes often lead to the best ideas later on.
Fun - Architecture has a habit of being somewhat inaccessible to a lot of people and of being too serious. We seek out fun in design wherever we can- whether it’s noticeable in the final product or in the day to day process of getting there.