Ugly vs attractive new buildings

I've seen that new buildings tackle two completely different kinds. These are all new developments in Philadelphia the place I reside.

Sort 1. These buildings often use one or two colours, have texture to create visible curiosity, use pure supplies like brick or stone or wooden, have constant repeating patterns usually utilizing symmetry, and use natural shapes like circle circles and arcs. They appear to be intentionally understated, permitting them to mix in and harmonize properly with different buildings alongside the road. Entrances are sometimes apparent making them really feel welcoming.

Sort 2. These buildings usually have 4 to six completely different colours utilizing distinctly completely different supplies organized in distinctive and asymmetrical patterns. The supplies are sometimes metallic panels with some highlighted in unnatural colours. Shapes are very angular with nothing spherical or arced. The home windows and doorways usually offset in a definite manner that doesn't line up. The form has elements that stick out in distinctive and fascinating methods. The entrances are sometimes not apparent being considerably small or obscured.

What’s going on right here?

I believe the overwhelming majority of individuals take pleasure in cities constructed with the primary kind of buildings. We like streets the place buildings are distinct and fascinating, but in addition really feel calm and harmonious. We like buildings that you’d name stunning utilizing a stability of concord, selection, symmetry, and sample.

The second kind of constructing appears designed to draw consideration, be distinctive, upstage different buildings, and disrupt your expectations. Whereas fascinating it appears the overwhelming majority of individuals don't like this buildings, however tolerate it as a result of they want housing.

What motivates architects to design these buildings on this second manner? Is that this design what purchasers ask for? Are this architects placing forth their very own inventive expression? Is it a approach to pad their portfolios? Do they acknowledge the affect such buildings trigger on the continuity and really feel of a avenue and total a metropolis? In a time when there's better consideration to creating cities, extra livable,, particularly within the US, wouldn't or not it’s advantageous to make our cities extra aesthetically pleasing?

I do know I’ve a powerful viewpoint right here, however I’m genuinely occupied with what others should say particularly architects.