Architecture is everywhere. The spaces which we experience, impact how we act and hence how we feel. But how can we define ‘Architecture ‘? It is a philosophical question that the majority of professionals ask themselves. One can perceive architecture in multiple ways. mostly it is viewed as an art and science of building. Many people claim that architecture around us is mostly a manifestation of a designer’s artistic sensibility and abstract conceptualization. In some ways, it would be true that both art and architecture are created using principles of rhythm, repetition, and geometric composition of visual elements, and therefore the same engagement of the senses. As an example, In urban settings, it is the organization of the structures, the squares, the alleyways, and accordingly the association among density and openness that defines the expression of a space. This also features the artistic virtues of the space. However, the importance of Architecture goes far beyond feel-good aesthetics. The geometric principles applied within the layout of most urban cities wouldn’t affect the user until and unless it’s a human-centric approach. Spaces are framed with various identities, welcoming individuals to hang out or just function as transit regions. Spaces and structures that feature a unique identity are a critical part of our social and cultural roots.
How does architecture impact architects?
Architects usually visualize spaces around them differently, curious about investigating space as an objective reality. Designing a building implies a comprehensive knowledge of the particular building type one is developing; it also implies knowing the way to ask the right questions regarding the varied scenarios during which the buildings are often used, and also answering them. Therefore an architect, while perceiving an area would attempt to visualize the origin of the planning and methodology of its working.
As we travel through towns and urban areas we arbitrarily see façades, behind which lay interiors with remarkably distinguishing characteristics and impacts. The shells of the structures work as thresholds between inside and outside, serving to tie or separate the private and public elements, to define a boundary between uncovered spaces and sheltered retreats.
Approach towards perfection:
Architects are fixating for a long time over the proper proportions of their buildings. Going back as far as the traditional Greeks, the composition of the facades, the language of designs, and thus the principles of architectural orders, characterized through the architect’s methodologies, have always looked for and argued over the “right” way of perceiving architecture. For instance, the golden ratio is probably the best-known example of the mathematical search for the right proportions in architecture.
How does Architecture shape our society?
This can be best explained with a classic example of public architecture. The greek colonnade walkway – The stoa played an enormous role in shaping the societies of ancient Greece. Not only it provide a platform for traders to sell their goods, the transparent yet grand architecture of the stoa also attracted philosophers and educationists to host their discussions. It also served as a public gallery of art and religion. stoicism- the philosophy of gratitude derived its name from the stoa in Athens.
How does a common user perceive Architecture?
A nonarchitect won’t enter the intricacies of typologies and technical detail. However, everyone has an understanding of aesthetic and spatial comfort. Perception is what the individual perceives on a singular and subjective basis. a standard user may simply experience the spaces in terms of their scale, color, contrast, temperature, etc., and judge it by its level of comfort and extent to which they will relate to the space. For instance, neighborhoods with access to greenery and public spaces show greater community participation. We currently know, for example, that structures and urban areas can influence our mental well-being. Particularly cells inside the hippocampal region of our cerebrums are receptive to the geometry and spatial arrangements of the spaces we live in.
Does Architecture always impact us positively?
In his book- “The Architecture of Happiness”, author Alain De Botton critically argues that though architecture has the potential to impact our mood positively. It becomes powerless when it involves changing someone’s personality. Therefore, we cannot solely depend upon Architecture for our well-being. an area could also be grand in scale, yet disconnected from the user. An example that would portray this aspect would be large offices in skyscrapers. These buildings are magnanimous in scale and are made comfortable by using artificial ventilation which is completely detached from the outer world. Claustrophobic spaces can affect our stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, it decreases our ability to focus, affects our eating decisions, and also our sleep patterns.
Present State of Architecture:
The pandemic has redefined our perception of architecture. We have to reimagine our ideas about the scale and purpose of styles aligning with the new norms. The present generation who are pursuing their education are learning the new principles of design. Practicing professionals even have to adapt to the new situation. to the practice, to deal with these urgent global issues with more efficiency. As we move forward within the various phases of the pandemic, we’ll focus again on our intimate spaces. New design concepts are being developed, for example, the 15-minute city. We will prioritize the standard and luxury of our homes. While we are confined in our homes, we are reconsidering our prerequisites and necessities, along defining the “new normal”, from green areas and gardens, exploitable rooftops, natural light, and ventilation, buffer spaces like balconies, and terraces, minimal and healthy indoor conditions, transitional and filtered entrances, etc.
What happens within the future?
While we cannot foresee the future, we’ll create logical analogies that support this situation and our first responses. One thing that we learnt from the pandemic, is that architecture cannot save the planet. As the industry is resuming, our combat and the built environment are changing. Interdisciplinary approaches are built up, bringing new expertise and views to the practice, to deal with these urgent global issues with more efficiency.
Citations
- Articles
- Julean. D. (2016) Why Architects See Things Differently An Architectural Approach On Teaching Space Perception. European Scientific Journal April 2016 /SPECIAL/ edition ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e – ISSN 1857- 7431, Pg 1-2
- Online sources
- WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE? [online]( last updated:31 July 2018) Available at WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?. The question “what is architecture?” is… | by All About Architecture | Medium
- The hidden ways that architecture affects how you feel [online] Available at:The hidden ways that architecture affects how you feel – BBC Future
