SHARE

Mar 31, 2023

This will be the first in a series of thoughts on the state of serviceability and repair in the products we consume. If it feels like the thing you bought last week is appreciably worse than the same product was 10 years ago, you’re probably right. Whether it’s toasters, washing machines, or cars, the quality of our objects has slowly but surely fallen off.

There’s plenty of reporting on this matter, but it’s typically shown framed for the average consumer, as opposed to a more architectural context. With the increases in mechanical systems integrated into the performance of modern buildings, this is a trend worth considering and designing around.

As a basic example, I’m currently shopping for a new vacuum cleaner and running into the planned obsolescence of many of the cheaper models available. If I were to spring for a $700+ model like a Miele, I could rest assured that it will last and perform for many years to come, but the $100 options are likely to only last me a year or two. A frustrating personal decision, but ultimately indicative of a larger shift in how our things are made.

One of the primary causes for this move away from repairability is the integration of silicon chips into more and more household gadgets. These chips allow for the complex function and interconnectivity we’ve come to expect, but also move us further away from the simple analog systems of yore. Those analog versions tend to be simpler and easier to repair, despite a slight lack in initial performance or sheen. To me, that lack of sheen is a worthy tradeoff, so long as the items can withstand the test of time.

In an architectural context, this decision can look a few different ways. Do you choose the higher-cost windows that seem extraneous at first, but save thousands in energy costs over the next few years? Do you skimp on your water heater, or try to save on repair costs down the line? These are the consultations a good architect can provide, parsing out the value and long-term viability of all these choices, resulting in a home that better serves you.

For a full-fledged primer on the topic, I’d highly recommend a read of Vox’s excellent piece on the

https://www.vox.com/the-goods/23529587/consumer-goods-quality-fast-fashion-technology

Biophilia – Part II

Biophilia – Part II

Biophilia is the innate human attraction to nature and natural processes. It is a concept that has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in the field of workplace design. Biophilic design is the practice of incorporating elements of nature into the built...

read more
Giving Tuesday – 2023 Recap

Giving Tuesday – 2023 Recap

In this season, it isn’t hard to remember the good fortune I have had in life. I am lucky to be able to do this work, have people who love and care for me, and to have comfort and stability in my life. When things weren’t so simple for me, a little help went a long...

read more
Best of The Northwest!

Best of The Northwest!

We wanted to thank everyone who voted for our company in this years Bellingham Alive, Best of the Northwest! For the first time, we have received a Gold award from the regional magazine! It feels great to be recognized for our work because it means that we have built...

read more
2023 Summer Internship – Part II

2023 Summer Internship – Part II

This June, we had the pleasure of hosting Josiah, a talented and enthusiastic intern who joined our team at Haven Design Workshop. Josiah impressed us with his skills, creativity, and personality. In this blog post, we want to share some of the highlights of his...

read more
What is Biophilia?

What is Biophilia?

I asked an AI about biophilia. Take a moment to read my interview about one of the emerging concepts in architecture and design. If you spend time perusing architectural blogs or periodicals such as ArchDaily, Dezeen, or Dwell Magazine you will soon come across a term...

read more
Where to find HDW at Housing Week 2023

Where to find HDW at Housing Week 2023

There is still time to register for next weeks housing discussions Bellingham! Here is a link! Voting has also opened for the ADU competition! You can vote for the people choice here. As an office, Haven Design Workshop is looking forward to getting out to Whatcom...

read more
WHA Housing Week Primer

WHA Housing Week Primer

Home ownership has always been a part of the American dream. It is a badge of pride of a symbol of success.  However, when we all watched the prices in our local housing market skyrocket to the point that a typical family can no longer get into the market, it became...

read more
2023 Summer Internship – Part I

2023 Summer Internship – Part I

This June 2023, Haven Design Workshop brought in Josiah Redburg from St. Andrews College in Michigan for a summer internship. He is going into his 5th year of study where upon completion he will attain his Master’s degree. We took some time recently to sit down and...

read more
Whatcom Housing Alliance – ADU Competition

Whatcom Housing Alliance – ADU Competition

The Whatcom Housing Alliance recently opened a public competition to source ideas for the design of accessory dwelling units. The purpose  is to increase awareness of the ADUs. They believe hosting a competition with foster ideas about what an ADU can be and to give...

read more
Haven Plays Pickleball

Haven Plays Pickleball

Hey All! Consider this an informal invitation to come play pickleball with your favorite Bellingham architects this summer.  Last week the office took the court for some competitive (and at times sloppy) pickleball. A few people came prepared, playing warm up matches...

read more

Join our quarterly newsletter

Sign up for our free newsletter containing our latest projects, insights and resources.

Blog newsletter form