How has your life 'sheared' over time?
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| A representation of Brand's Shearing Layers Theory by researchgate.net |
What happens to buildings
after they are built?
How do they adapt and
change over time?
Stewart Brand introduced us
to the Shearing Layers concept
in his book, How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They’re Built.
In his view, buildings are made up of six
layers:
- The site (geographical setting),
- The structure (foundation and load bearing
elements),
- The skin (exterior surfaces),
- Services (electrical wiring, plumbing,
escalators and other working elements that make the building function),
- Space plan (interior layout) and
- Stuff (furniture and fixtures).
A building's slowest adapting layer is its
“site”,
Followed by its “structure”.
The site and structure of buildings rarely
change
Except perhaps during a demolition or
reconstruction.
On the other extreme, the most fluid layer in a
building is its “stuff” –
The furniture and other loose objects that we
continuously add
In the process of inhabiting the space.
Stuff changes every time a building changes its
occupants.
Now, let’s play a little game.
Let’s assume our lives are made of 6 layers:
- Body (your health and well-being),
- Mind (your intellectual growth),
- Spirit (your inner peace, joy and meaning),
- Community (your ties with family, friends and community)
- Experiences (love, aesthetics, wonder,
adventure and other intangibles)
- Stuff (physical possessions).
Which is the slowest adapting layer?
Which is most fluid layer?
Do you consider your answer a good thing or a
warning sign?
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