The legitimation of innovative ideas in the process of architectural design

Abstract

In the architectural practice, the correct ideas - being property of all - are naturally assimilated and its validation is guaranteed by the evidence of the facts in the building. This way, the good ideas result in good practice, decoding a “modus faciendi” inherent to the discipline of architecture, where the passage of time does lead to its own tradition. But when the craving of innovative and different ideas, absurd ideas arise, what legitimacy has the architect to persuade the client, or even being persuaded by the client, to effective them? What methodological tools are available to measure and avoid incongruous and even counterproductive actions and effects for the sake of good architecture? When Aires Mateus Architects chose a sandbox to consolidate the floor of the living room in the weekend house "Casas na Areia” (2010, Comporta_Portugal), appealing to the particular characteristics of this material, read mostly through a sensitive and poetic context, characterizes an absurd idea when read from a functional and operational perspective, taking into account the values contained in the concept of home. Therefore this example will be the motto for the development of this reflection. To sum up, this paper aims to make visible the importance of values in architecture, in defense of a professional practice that aims to go beyond the charming and pleasing design or the blind will to innovate, gauging the role of architecture in our contemporary society.