How to Judge Good Architecture

Architecture For Dummies

How can you tell if a work of architecture is any good? It’s simple. You know a work of architecture is good if you can answer “yes” to the following questions:

Does it express its function in a visually intriguing way?
Does it complement or contrast with its surroundings?
Is it well built?
Does it continue to age well?
Does it have the ability to surprise, inspire, delight, or disturb you?
Is it simply unforgettable?

About This Article

About the book author:

Debra Dietch, (Washington DC) is currently an art and architecture critic for Sun-Sentinel, Tribune Co. She was a writer on architecture and design for major newspapers and periodicals such as Forbes, Florida Architecture, House Beautiful, Museum Magazine, Old House Journal, Sotheby's Domain, Washington Post, and more. She also held top editor positions at the two leading professional architecture magazines: Architectural Record and Architecture magazine.

Robert A. M. Stern is a New York City–based architect, educator, and author and was the Dean of the Yale School of Architecture. He wrote the foreward for Architecture For Dummies.