As a homeowner planning a remodel, you should be aware that changes you make inevitably have some effect on your neighborhood and surroundings and are affected by the surroundings as well. Choices made historically in response to these factors contribute to design consistency. In Tucson, Arizona, where timber is scarce and temperatures are extreme, readily available and thermally consistent adobe is frequently used. In Charleston, side porches running the length of houses provide much-needed ventilation. People tend to enjoy the distinct identifiable features of design in their region.
Regionalism gives a sense of place.
The advent of higher technology has wrought changes in regional character. We now have the choice to go against the prevalent stylistic grain, replacing climate-responsive design features with air conditioning and central heating. For instance, a desert house's thick adobe walls are not essential if there is an adequate and affordable supply of power for cooling. On the other hand, we may choose to follow the historical local style even though technology has rendered its distinctive features unnecessary. There are several ways in which communities control homeowners' design choices and thus shape the neighborhood context.