The Absurd Superficiality of Suburban Homes

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_Thanks_
Evan Montgomery — co producer, camera, editing

_Description_
A surprising number of materials and features in our homes aren't what they seem. From vinyl siding that mimics wood to fireplaces that never burn a single log, modern construction is filled with clever substitutions that provide the illusion of tradition without the cost or maintenance. But why do we accept these deceptions so easily?

In this video, we explore the five key expectations—protection, health, connection, status, and control—that drive us to embrace these illusions in our homes. From the foundation to the attic, our psychological needs for security and comfort push us to prefer appearances over reality, and how construction technology has evolved to satisfy these desires without us even noticing.

Whether it's decorative shutters that no longer function, or fireplaces that offer ambiance without warmth, our homes tell a story—and it’s one we’re more than happy to believe. Click to learn why we’re okay with a little architectural fakery, and how it shapes the way we live today.

Keywords: home design, fake features in homes, modern construction, vinyl siding, fake fireplaces, home psychology, architectural fakery, home materials, traditional home features, home architecture, home illusions, siding materials, foundation design, home status


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_About the Channel_
Architecture with Stewart is a YouTube journey exploring architecture’s deep and enduring stories in all their bewildering glory. Weekly videos and occasional live events breakdown a wide range of topics related to the built environment in order to increase their general understanding and advocate their importance in shaping the world we inhabit.

_About Me_
Stewart Hicks is an architectural design educator that leads studios and lecture courses as an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also serves as an Associate Dean in the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts and is the co-founder of the practice Design With Company. His work has earned awards such as the Architecture Record Design Vanguard Award or the Young Architect’s Forum Award and has been featured in exhibitions such as the Chicago Architecture Biennial and Design Miami, as well as at the V&A Museum and Tate Modern in London. His writings can be found in the co-authored book Misguided Tactics for Propriety Calibration, published with the Graham Foundation, as well as essays in MONU magazine, the AIA Journal Manifest, Log, bracket, and the guest-edited issue of MAS Context on the topic of character architecture.

_Contact_
FOLLOW me on instagram: @stewart_hicks & @designwithco
Design With Company: https://designwith.co
University of Illinois at Chicago School of Architecture: https://arch.uic.edu/

_Special Thanks_
Stock video and imagery provided by Getty Images, Storyblocks, and Shutterstock.
Music provided by Epidemic Sound

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