Lifestyle Improvement
Design for the way we liveArchive for Outdoor Spaces
What happenend to the front porch?
When I was a kid, we had a craftsman styled house and my grandparents had a country farmhouse with a large porch. When the weather was above 60 degrees, we were always on the porch and friends were always present. Cooking, eating, drinking and general conversation all took place on the porch. It was second only to the family room in terms of use and even this could be argued in the summer.
Today suburbia has reduced the front porch to dimensions that don’t allow for any real practical use. The design reflects the style of the house, but the function has been eliminated. Is it a wonder why people in a neighborhood don’t know each other and beyond a door or two and don’t socialize? A porch is a requirement for building a community, not just a stylized feature stuck on to give a home a home character.
As an architect, I view the porch as a vital outdoor room, not just a fashion statement. Consider that character is defined by people who provide interaction with a community instead of character being defined by the garage door opening and people waving as they drive off to another location for social interaction.
For more information please visit my website www.architechstyles.com
We never go outside.
Outdoor spaces are difficult because homes are designed for the inside. I can’t remember any client ever coming to me and discussing how their outdoor needs should be incorporated into a floor plan. As a result, a deck or patio is stuck onto the project based on budget, usually after move in and occupants just make the best of the space they get.
Southern exposures are the most difficult, for the sun is difficult to control and provide the least comfort. To make matters worse, sliding glass doors typically access a deck or patio and you sometimes have to navigate a maze from the kitchen to the grill. Often left open, patio umbrellas get tossed about and the sun is an ever moving target for shade.
Consider your needs and desires as you plan your life. I have found that people will extend their lifestyle and enjoyment to the outdoors if a useful connection is provided!
For more information please visit my website www.architechstyles.com
