Why Fast Architecture Is Failing Us—and the Movement That Could Save Cities

Have you ever walked into a building and felt it just… fit? The way the light floods a room at just the right angle, the way the air feels cool without the hum of an air conditioner, or how the space seems to breathe in harmony with its surroundings. Compare that to the soulless concrete blocks that crop up in cities at an alarming rate—designed to meet tight deadlines and tighter budgets. It’s like comparing a home-cooked meal to a fast-food burger: one nourishes your soul; the other is just functional (and sometimes barely that).

This isn’t just about aesthetics. The rise of “fast architecture” has dire implications for sustainability, community well-being, and even our wallets. But there’s hope, and it lies in embracing the concept of “slow architecture”—a movement rooted in intentionality, longevity, and harmony with our environment. It’s a philosophy that I started looking more into after reading Cal Newport’s book Slow Productivity, which challenges the modern obsession with doing more, faster, as well as reading on Carlo Petrini's Slow Food movement that promotes local food and traditional cooking.

The concept is not new and by no means original. The term slow architecture originated in the slow-food movement of the mid-1980s. A more recent blog post that I enjoyed reading on the topic is a transcript of an opinion piece by Nahm Yoon-ho, deputy city news editor of the JoongAng Ilbo, taken from the JoongAng Daily Opinion, posted in 2004, in archidose.blogspot (link here). However, the literature is fairly extensive, stretching books, articles and sub-reddits, but not seeming to reach architecture mainstream. That might also be because although it is a fancy word, it is meant to describe something more than a architecture style, it is intended to describe a way of thinking and practicing architecture. It might also be because as architects, we are not that good at marketing.

Let’s explore how slow food and slow productivity’s principles can reshape the way we build, live, and think about architecture.

What Does Sustainable Architecture Really Mean?

When you hear the term “sustainable architecture”, what comes to mind? Solar panels? Green roofs? Bamboo flooring? These are nice touches, sure, but they’re like putting a cherry on top of a melted sundae. Real sustainability digs deeper.

Sustainable architecture isn’t just about ticking a box for energy efficiency. It’s a holistic approach that intertwines:

• Functional Design

  Creating buildings that truly serve the people who use them.

  
  

• Site Orientation

  Designing structures that embrace the natural environment—leveraging sunlight, wind, and terrain.

  
  

• Urban Planning

  Ensuring buildings work as part of a cohesive, accessible, and resource-efficient community.

  
  

• Longevity

  Crafting spaces meant to stand the test of time, both physically and culturally.

Take Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute in California. This iconic structure isn’t just a masterpiece of design; it’s a lesson in sustainability. Every detail, from its layout to its materials, is tuned to its surroundings, making it both functional and timeless. It’s what sustainable architecture should aspire to be—purposeful, resilient, and beautiful.

Fast Productivity, Fast Architecture

In his book 'Slow Productivity', Cal Newport critiques our culture’s obsession with efficiency. We’ve become a society addicted to ticking boxes, valuing quantity over quality, and prioritising short-term wins over long-term impact. Sound familiar? The same mindset dominates the construction industry.

Fast architecture is the architectural equivalent of fast productivity and fast food. Developers push for faster timelines, cheaper materials, and lower costs to maximise short-term profits at the detriment of the end user. We will explore in a future post the idea behind sustainability as it relates to future proofing buildings but for now, keep in mind that as a developer, you might create and leave. However, the new building managers, will have to cope for decades to come with high energy bills, faulty installations, inadequate surfaces and constant repairs. So although the cost was cut for the delivery team's bottom line, the cost on the environment and occupants is long lasting. If this is ignored, then the result? Cookie-cutter designs that:

• Age poorly, requiring constant maintenance or early demolition.

• Ignore local context, leading to inefficient energy use and community disconnect.

• Contribute to urban sprawl and environmental degradation.

One tragic example is the Grenfell Tower fire in London. While the specific causes were complex, it stands as a stark reminder of what happens when cost-cutting and speed take precedence over safety and durability.

The irony? Fast architecture often ends up costing more in the long run, whether it’s through maintenance, environmental impact, or loss of community trust.

Slow Architecture: A Counter-Movement

Enter slow architecture. Like slow productivity, it’s about stepping back, focusing on intentionality, and designing for the ages. Here’s what it looks like:

1. Human-Centred Design

   Slow architecture begins and ends with people. It’s about designing spaces that adapt to human needs, promote well-being, and encourage connection. Think open courtyards that invite gatherings, natural ventilation that reduces reliance on air conditioning, and layouts that prioritize accessibility and flow.

   
   

2. Material Integrity

   Rather than cheap, disposable materials, slow architecture champions durability. Locally sourced stone, responsibly harvested timber, or even cutting-edge recycled materials become the backbone of designs that endure both physically and aesthetically. I will reference here a previous post that looks at the damages that unsafe materials can have, specifically focusing on lead. (Built on Poison: The Hidden Danger of Lead in Architecture)

   
   

3. Cultural Responsiveness

   A slow building doesn’t just exist; it belongs. It reflects the traditions, climate, and identity of its location. Japanese temples, for example, are often rebuilt every few decades to honour cultural rituals while preserving architectural integrity. The result? A harmony between past, present, and future.

   
   

4. Sustainability by Default

   Rather than slapping solar panels onto an otherwise unsustainable design, slow architecture integrates sustainability from the ground up. Passive design principles—like orienting buildings to capture sunlight or using thermal mass to regulate temperatures—are a cornerstone of this approach.

   
   

Consider Milan’s Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest), a pair of residential towers that host over 20,000 plants. These buildings do more than just look pretty. They improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and provide residents with a close connection to nature—all while demonstrating the power of intentional, biophilic design.

A prominent example of slow architecture philosophy is for me Peter Zumthor. With designs such as the Thermal Baths at Vals and other structure of stone and wood envisioned while working from his mountain office in Switzerland, his way of thinking of architecture can only been appreciated as masterpieces slow architecture.

Other well known figures embracing slow architecture are two of the recent Pritzker Prize winners, Eduardo Souto de Moura and Wang Shu, both hailed and promoted as ambassadors of a changing time in architectural design.

The conclusion is that it is not simple, it is necessary.

Why Slow Architecture Isn’t Mainstream (Yet) 

So, why aren’t we all living in thoughtfully designed, environmentally friendly spaces? The barriers are significant but not insurmountable:

1. Economic Pressures

   Developers often face immense pressure to deliver quick returns. Long-term investments, like durable materials or thoughtful design, can seem risky when short-term profits are the priority.

   
   

2. Cultural Mindsets

   We live in an instant gratification culture. Many people (and organizations) prioritize speed and cost over quality, seeing sustainability as a “nice-to-have” rather than a necessity.

   
   

3. Policy and Regulatory Gaps

   Building codes often fail to enforce sustainable practices. Even when incentives exist, they’re frequently underfunded or inaccessible.

   
   

4. Lack of Awareness

   Many homeowners and developers simply don’t realise the long-term benefits of slow architecture. Education and storytelling are crucial to changing perceptions.

Applying Slow Productivity to Architecture

Here’s where things get interesting. Slow productivity offers a roadmap for reshaping architectural practices:

Principle 1: Focus on Quality

Instead of chasing the latest trends, slow architecture focuses on timelessness. Consider the enduring appeal of Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has stood for centuries because it was built with care, purpose, and craftsmanship.

Principle 2: Embrace Long Timelines

Good architecture takes time. The Japanese practice of rebuilding shrines every 20 years ensures they remain functional while preserving ancient craftsmanship techniques.

Principle 3: Intentional Minimalism

Less is more in slow architecture. Scandinavian modernism exemplifies this—clean lines, efficient use of space, and a focus on what truly matters.

Building Momentum for Slow Architecture

So, how do we make slow architecture the new standard? It’ll take a village:

Architects

We must educate clients about the long-term benefits of slow, intentional design. By telling stories that resonate emotionally and financially, we can shift mindsets.

Developers

Successful case studies are key. Highlight projects that achieved high ROI and community acclaim through slow architecture principles.

Policymakers

Governments can incentivize sustainable projects through tax breaks, grants, and stricter building codes. Stronger enforcement is crucial.

Communities

Public demand can drive change. Grassroots movements advocating for thoughtful urban planning can make a big difference.

The Future of Slow Cities

Imagine cities built not around cars but people. Where buildings seamlessly blend with their environments, where public spaces invite connection, and where design prioritizes well-being and sustainability. It sounds utopian, but it’s achievable if we embrace the principles of slow architecture.

The greatest buildings in history weren’t rushed. They were crafted with care, for the ages. It’s time to rediscover that mindset and build a future that lasts. So, the next time you step into a building, ask yourself: does it feel like fast food… or a home-cooked meal?