A "McMansion 101" post for those who wish to arm themselves with studied arguments against this popular style of residential construction.
[Updated June 26, 2017] Just asking the question of what makes or break the quality of residential architecture indicates a lack of knowledge of "basic architectural concepts," according to an article on the Worst of McMansions blog.
Thus, the post examines the lack of quality that makes McMansions "especially hideous" by explaining several key design principles. For instance, the article begins by describing masses and voids, showing examples of where these concepts are well crafted, and then rendering the verdict on McMansions. "The McMansion has no concept of mass," and "[uses] too many voids." The latter sin makes some McMansions "resemble swiss cheese" and "give the façade an overall appearance of emptiness."
The article then builds on the concepts of mass and void to describe concepts of balance, proportion, and rhythm.
Update: The Worst of McMansions blog is now known as McMansion Hell.
FULL STORY: McMansions 101: What Makes a McMansion Bad Architecture?
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UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
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HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research