The glass is always greener

摘要

Architecture is a lot like art in that it is subject to sweeping changes in styles and design ideas that take on something of a life of their own. Sometimes these are fads that quickly pass and are almost as quickly renovated out of existence. Other times they are pervasive expressions of the spirit of a particular moment in time. Very rarely, they are true innovations that become part of architectural practice for all time. The long-term fates of all businesses in the construction industry come down to a series of bets on the nature of architectural trends as they emerge. Is it a fad that can safely be ignored? Is it an important trend that might require the development of new products and services? Or is it a revolutionary change demanding the complete overhaul of your business plan?