I was talking to architect Mark McInturff, FAIA, recently about where the best residential architecture is currently getting built, globally speaking. He mentioned Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and Singapore. Our conversation made me wonder about other readers’ opinions on this topic.
In a completely non-scientific poll, I asked a handful of architects. Max Strang, AIA, agreed with McInturff on Singapore, also naming Australia and Brazil. Jody McGuire, LEED AP, of SALA Architects pointed to Japan, as did Anne Fougeron, FAIA. “Japan is where construction and site constraints come together to enhance creativity,” Fougeron told me. “The houses are innovative without being trendy, [they’re] well executed and provocative.”
Other votes went to Chile, Scandinavia, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, and the western U.S. “I think sustainability to contemporary Dutch architects is second nature, and they are innovative with materials and design ideas,” said Nicole Migeon, AIA, in an email.
Myself, I’d probably choose Australia and Japan off the top of my head. But there is so much good residential design going on internationally that it’s a tough call. I’d love to hear more feedback from readers; if you have thoughts on this subject, please post a comment below.
