Quality in Architecture - A Disputed Concept

Abstract

The overall aim of this article is to clarify the concept of quality in architecture and urban design. Quality in design is connected to a set of values. The fact that the perception of quality connotes values, varies with time and is different among individuals does not free professional judges from taking a stand on essential quality questions. Therefore quality in architecture and urban design appears to be a fundamentally arguable concept that is subject to a wide range of interpretations. The hypothesis is that quality in architecture and urban design should be understood as an open and debatable key concept resulting in disagreement and discussion. New cases of quality arise continuously. The concept itself is value-laden and quality is interpreted with support of value charged criteria. Quality is something positive which meets with public approval. This type of knowledge is obtained by having good examples and interesting cases pointed out. The target is high quality. A special historical understanding is needed to reach this goal. The concept of quality even reflects the holistic approach of the architectural profession to design projects. The built environment is of public interest. Thus there are different interpretations of the meaning of the concept quality, its scope and status.