The Ethical Architect: The Dilemma of Contemporary Practice. . - Reviews - Design Ethics - book review

Architectural Review, The, Jan, 2002 by Bobby Open

By Tom Spector. Princeton: Princeton Architectural Press. 2001. Hardback [pounds sterling]37.95, paperback [pounds sterling]17.95

What is the value of architecture? What constitutes good design? What is an architect's duty? These are fundamental questions which this ambitious book aims to address. Spector's intention is no less than a restructuring of the practice of architecture through a unified design ethic.

The first two chapters cleverly align practice and theory. The role of the moral professional is the focus of the chapter entitled 'Practice' and explores concepts like professionalism, duty and contract. 'Theory' introduces the Vitruvian values of utilitas, venustas and firmitas (utility, beauty and firmness) and shows that little consensus exists over their relative importance. Recent theories (after Modernism) which endeavour to separate morality from artistic merit are then placed in a context which demonstrates that architects today face ethical dilemmas over their professional position, which are intimately linked to a lack of agreement over what constitutes good architecture.

The next three chapters apply aspects of moral philosophy to evaluations centring on Vitruvius' values, which in turn are structured around relevant case studies. Intermittently, the discussion encourages developing a subjective ethic based on personal values and virtues, and promotes truth to this ethic as a means of resolving design dilemmas. This notion is elaborated on by asserting that architects should develop a personal style, although the epilogue raises an ambiguity: is this style as architects traditionally understand, or style as process? Spector is convincing when he argues that buying into established stylistic conventions facilitates community dialogue and societal development; but, one is left unsure that such objective arguments could alone explain the reality of Corb's Ronchamp Chapel or Zumthor's Vals Thermal Baths, unique buildings married to their context in subtle, elemental ways. Indeed, essential notions like space, place and dwelling are consistently underplayed. However, the book is i mportant for professionals and students alike, and of importance not just to architecture.