Imagine a world with no architecture, nothing distinct about each building. There would be no particular street or structures we see as “landmarks”. Life with similar structures using the same material and viewing nature in no different perspective on how there are a variety of spaces being utilized right now versus how one would not gaze at them when there is no architecture in the world. Human existence without architecture is challenging to visualize as it has impacts on the community. Even before humans evolved the earth was beautifully designed with all imperfections. These imperfections over the years became marvelous creations designed by humans.
Walking in the past
As she walked down the muddy road feeling free towards the unevenly carved stone tunnel she passed a lot of buildings surrounded by stunning yet unevenly grown plants. Little did she know that architecture would change it into a beautiful city. Human existence without architecture was the only world known to her and society back then. They didn’t know about architecture, and even if they did know about it there was no guarantee that it would be used. People were accustomed to living without architecture. They knew each street and where it led them!
She scurried off to the market comprising bamboo tents placed unevenly. Entering the so-called market shifting from one kiosk to another was a task yet she managed to buy her groceries. Nobody cared if they had proper sub-streets leading them from one kiosk to another nor did they care what material they used to build the kiosks.
All the buildings looked the same. Vehicles were moving along the traffic though the roads were zig-zag. She swiftly moved her way through them, passing alongside a river and lush green. The place where she lived was calm and serene. If only they knew the space could be transformed, without destroying the environment like F.L. Wright’s masterpiece – Falling Water. They could have built a city, a planned one like Chandigarh. There isn’t anything to distinguish them from each other.
The idea of people brainstorming and bringing it in sheets of paper, working together, and going as per plan to bring together a beautiful space is the voice of architecture. Human existence without architecture is nothing but blocks of building material without planning, without knowing the beauty one creates or brings to life and enjoying those among the uniqueness in the environment, to envision, and dream a place unlike living and traveling to similar states or countries with different names. They have an identity to hold up. Humans do not have any creations that emphasize the difference between countries.
Materialistic Life
Humans live in a world where structures constructed are of various materials. The material used for construction differs in countries, and some states too! Locally found materials are commonly used as they would be in stock and are cost-efficient. Some structures stand out using a contrast material such that it holds up with the climatic changes and becomes a landmark there. Burj Khalifa, a landmark in Dubai, is a great example of this.
The materials used are such that it is convenient to the people using the spaces. The surroundings are transformed in the public spaces such that they are accessible to all. These spaces have seating made of stone that was there before. Visualizing spaces in a world with no architecture is equivalent to no or few connections with other people. Humans will evolve to think about themselves. The environment is nothing to their eyes except a source of sustenance. These will be fought for between humans when there is no community.
Placement without Architecture
The placement of spaces as private or public places is a no go when there is no involvement of architecture in the world. The residential, commercial, and institutional spacing have no purpose when there is no planning. It can lead to the clashing of spaces when architecture is unused in a city. The form and function of any structure can be interfered with when architecture is not an aspect of it as they try to figure out human existence without architecture.
The existence of humans without architecture makes dead souls re-living to die without embracing the environment and make the most of what nature provides us in various ways. Life on earth will be devastating if there is no architecture. Without architecture, buildings have no meaning,and the possibility of using our eyes to gaze at and dream of structures will be lost. We will not use our imagination to look up at each space and embrace the beauty in them. Human existence without architecture is a challenge for them to live in a place where it can lead to demolishing existing spaces and the environment. There are possibilities of them being against each other for resources. Ultimately they can all agree that architecture plays a role in the existence of humans and their betterment in living. Buildings have the essence and personality of the people living in them.
