NPR

Those 'Luxury' Condos Look A Little Drab

Condos and apartment buildings are going up in cities across the country to meet housing demands. But many of these buildings look like simple, plain boxes.
Pedestrians walk past new apartments in Los Angeles, Calif. on Oct. 12, 2017, where a new report from USC and Beacon Economics shows Southern California's housing crisis is leading to an increase in rent for Los Angeles and Orange county into 2019. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images)

In cities like Seattle, Boston, Denver and Charlotte, new “luxury” condos and apartment buildings are going up to meet demand for new housing. But many of these buildings look like simple, plain boxes.

Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson talks with architecture critic and author Sarah Williams ( about what makes these buildings “poor,” “boring” architecture, and how monotonous architecture actually negatively affects us.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization Bill, Sending Legislation To The House
The Senate passed a bill designed to improve safety and customer service for air travelers, a day before the law governing the Federal Aviation Administration expires.
NPR2 min read
What's Past Is Present For Ukrainian Composer Valentin Silvestrov
The 86-year-old Kyiv native, living in exile in Berlin, has a new album of symphonic works that explores the idea of reminiscence.
NPR4 min read
New 'Doctor Who' Star Ncuti Gatwa Feels 'Sad' For Critics Of Show's Diversity
Gatwa is the first Black man and the first person born outside the U.K. to play The Doctor. He's candid about how his own life has influenced his take on the role — and about his critics.

Related Books & Audiobooks