Here’s a candidate for ArtWranglers Design Aesthetics Index category, wherein we will notice examples of Architectural and Urban Design, and provide a ranking system to provoke critical debate amongst our readers.

In instances like this example of a new apartment complex in Lyneham, we begin in negative territory. This is the least meritorious example we have seen of the architectural solution to global warming, here expressed as a feature by placing both the heat exchangers and the hotwater system on the front balcony. But clearly the design decision process in this case was more like “hell, let’s really compromise the amenity and appearance of the north-facing balconies, and put the hot water system there as well!”

This follows a number of prior design decisions: 1. design a building that needs airconditioning. 2. provide a non-solar electrical hot water system, and 3. avoid the cost of a designed solution to where to put them. Imagine the pride of the new owners in the appearance of their investment, and the way it advertises design integrity issues facing all 21st century buildings. Imagine the pleasure of sitting outside on a hot summer evening, made hotter and noisier by your neighbour’s heat exchangers. Imagine.

A ranking below 5/10 also qualifies for the Avert your Eyes! category on ArtWranglers. With this first example we establish the 0/10 benchmark.