Regress, No Way

Abstract

Architects have largely avoided contingent, difficult factors. They design close-ended proposals that are envisioned to remain in pristine state after the building is constructed. Confined to the studio, these architects are removed from the same everyday condition that they should be incorporating into their designs. An alternate course can be taken based principles of the lo-fi architect, who works in the field to study and observe the everyday conditions before reacting with a design proposal. Embracing the contingent factors of reality, the lo-fi architect must precisely design for the unknown. To add a level of concreteness that is somewhat absent in contemporary architecture, the lo-fi architect advocates hand-made, analog methods in the design process and in how the structure is assembled. Acting as a modern day bricoleur in post-industrial environments, like Detroit, advantage could be taken of leftover resources, both natural and man-made. Dependent on limited resources and the contingent, the lo-fi architect creates tactile, hand-made structures welcoming wear, use, and user alteration.