Ordinary Banana

you know those terraced Italian villages that are on really steep hills right on the shore? there aren't many of them, but I think that's about as good as it gets when it comes to city aesthetics, if you subtract the tourism. if you have a different idea do tell

was just noticing how hideous my town's hillside houses are compared to like portofino

pretty sure the answer is that old things are beautiful because they used good pattern languages now extinct

so far istm the look of the individual houses doesn't matter as much as their and positions and orientations... but I have such a soft spot for all hilly architecture even slums so it's hard to tell

In the ancient times (you know, like the 18 and 1900s), before air conditioning, people went outside a lot more and so went to some effort to make sure the outsides of their expensive houses were pleasant to be in and around. Now people just watch TV inside.

it’s odd because these particular eyesores are surrounded by expensive/beautiful/popular parks

What if it's building codes? I was talking to my architect about putting up a little wall and park in front of my house and he said it wouldn't be allowed