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Sustainability has done a great deal of amount in taking the heat of design critique. The incredibly valuable and responsible industry sector has been critiques for hiding a whole range of design sins in the aim of offering functionality, environmental, social and economic solutions.

But really, what is a design sin? And what are the rules for attractive architecture?

Well as we know, both of these are completely personal. What pleases one designer, architect, construction member or member of the public, will possibly not please another. That is the benchmark of this incredibly varied industry. This is seen no more so than in the construction of residential spaces, as there no greater consumer involvement in a person’s ‘dream home’.

A legitimate question that can arise is if the new and conflicting architectural forms have a place in traditionally designed city’s and communities.

Modernist architecture has been an absolute go to style for some time now, with a cultural and social move towards the simple, the sophisticated and the now. Australia plays host to modernist icons, our very own Sydney Opera House standing on a world platform promoting the genre. Arguable forefather of the style, Frank Lloyd Wright has been a major influence on this century’s love affair with modernism, taking on the sleek, block like shapes into both infrastructure, churches and architecture design review

But, as was mentioned then, and what remains relevant, is that modernist architecture, in its simplicity, functionalism and distinct no frill style, it is so very at odds with traditional architecture, such as baroque, gothic, neo-classic and Victorian stylings.

Taking into consideration, while an incredible monument and update to what was formerly a barren square, the new structure is undoubtedly at odds with the character it surrounds, beautiful or otherwise.

While modernist architecture has held the floor, post-modernist architecture review is reportedly making a come back, with a pointed avant-garde flair. While post-modernism represents all that modernism isn’t, its pop-up toy like style takes its true roots from its short life in the 1980’s. So while it definitely isn’t modernism, it certainly is a subtle style, one that is equally at odds with traditional, or perhaps historical design.

The term bandied about by those in disagreement to architectural change is ‘its ruining the character’ of any given area. While there is a definite need to keep heritage buildings protected, it has to be remembered, that at one point in history, these buildings were designed in their own kind of modernist style.

Here in Australia we have a sort of ‘new country’ luxury, which allows old to mix with new. We do not have ancient ruins, or even simple buildings that are older than two hundred years. Design is going to evolve. There is no sadness in an experimental style. The real tragedy is in taking away architectural freedom and creativity.

DesignBuild Source delivering architecture, architecture news and green building news and analysis from architecture australia and around the world. With tens of thousands of monthly visitors, DesignBuild Source is the most prolific news site in the industry for green building australia.