Architecture changing perceptions
Architecture can impact most aspects of their lives wherever they reside, commute or perform activities. Be it a structure, cluster, or surrounding environment could influence them and their day-to-day living. While leading in the overall design development and seamless execution of a project, architects should have a broad range of aesthetic, creative, technical, and management skill sets. Especially in the modern era, when concepts of neuro-architecture are gaining precedence, the question arises as to how various design elements (materials, planning, etc.) in numerous typologies have potential cognitive effects on people, consequently changing their perceptions.
The perspective of an architect
As part of the architecture & design community, every professional and student will have their perspectives based on the experiences they have acquired and learned professionally & personally in their journey. Based on the knowledge gained, designers can provide a wide array of narratives with differing perceptions since they understand the connection between various aspects of a project: be it the site context, design development, sustainability, service integration, etc., and how it will affect the area spatially on a micro & macro scale in the years to come.
As youngsters at school, they were predominately fascinated by attractive books, stationery, sports equipment, etc. However, some elements experienced over the years must have sparked their interest and provoked them to pursue a creative taxing profession. It would have been sketching, expressing themselves through various mediums, travelling, and visiting historical marvels, or even being as simple as an attractive spot in their neighbourhood. Having said that, it is crucial to note the differences in how they perceive various spaces over the years, be it a towering skyscraper, an urban park, or on a smaller scale, a residence. As novices, they may have been intrigued by aesthetics primarily. With years of experience acquired academically and professionally, they start envisioning spaces giving equal precedence to functionality with aesthetics and how well it would perform in the future for the benefit of society.
It all starts at home!
Echoing the words of architect Peter Zumthor, one experiences architecture often without thinking much of it. Something as simple as feeling cool flooring tiles barefoot in our residences during scorching hot summers, the metal doorknobs on the entrance doorways, the traditional kitchens we grew up experiencing, etc. As rightly stated in his book ‘Thinking Architecture’ the atmosphere of the spaces we grew up in laid the foundation of how we perceive different architectural experiences. Moreover, this further comes into play if someone chooses to pursue a career in building planning and design as they frequently go back to their spatial experiences deeply rooted in their minds since childhood.
Public spaces
Take public spaces, for example, public parks, roads, etc. these infrastructures are accessible to everyone, be it residents of that particular city or tourists. For a layperson, it may seem like a simple area to travel in regularly or engage in numerous activities. However, in architecture and urban design, it is incredibly challenging to not only design but create a space that will be functional and timeless in the years to come. These urban areas must stimulate community spirit among their users, particularly in a post-pandemic era. After all, as rightly said by urbanist Jane Jacobs, “Streets and their sidewalks-the main public places of a city are its most vital organs.”
For instance, Mahatma Gandhi Road, or M.G. Road, has always been an iconic boulevard in the city of Bengaluru. Renamed in the 50s, this busy street lined with shops, restaurants, theatres, offices, etc., has been well-loved by previous generations and youngsters of today. Although issues of traffic congestion due to external factors plague that area today, it still never stopped being that iconic place to meet and perform different activities to spend time with friends and family.
Commercial developments
Common factors come into play in commercial infrastructure, irrespective of horizontal developments or vertical high-rise structures. Designing this sector is a two-way street. The architecture and facilities provided ensure that alongside being a recreational space where customers come to refresh their minds from a hectic day through shopping, fine dining, etc., these areas should boost employment opportunities, particularly for the service industry and economic growth in their respective urban contexts. Additionally, over time, it could develop into an iconic landmark of the city in its distinctive urban landscapes, imprinting its essence in the hearts and minds of future generations.
Structures in history
Looking back, historical structures have played a significant role in changing the way of thinking in architecture and design over the years. Rich in cultural heritage, each fort, palaces, and religious buildings have a unique style that cannot-be-repeated today despite technological advancements. One might wonder how, having very few resources compared to the present, the design team collaborated cooperatively, keeping in mind the final result, and overcame obstacles. These historical marvels have laid foundational building design knowledge for generations.
In conclusion, to remind the readers of the two most rewarding aspects of being an architect. Firstly, is the power to change and impact lives, not just of the society but of the existing flora & fauna that desperately need care. Structural marvels become truly successful once they accelerate positive development in their respective sectors. Be it by increasing employment opportunities for the public, reviving lost history, improving healthcare infrastructure for people and animals who are innocent hapless creatures, etc. Secondly, how this profession trains in a method, commencing from our roles as apprentices at the office, which will subsequently improve our rational and logical thinking helping us further in managing various challenges in life.
References:
Kappan, D.H.N.S.Rasheed. (2018) M G road, then and now, Deccan Herald. DH News Service. Available at: https://www.deccanherald.com/m-g-road-then-and-now-698978.html [Accessed: January 14, 2023].
Zumthor, P. (1998) “A way of looking at things,” in Thinking architecture. Basel, Boston, Berlin: Birkhäuser, pp. 9–26.
Image 1: Deva Stuthi, S (2023) Bengaluru’s MG Road metro line.
Image 2: Deva Stuthi, S (2023) Bengaluru’s MG Road.
Image 3: Apadegal, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
