The evolution of apes to humans has been quite a journey. It is mind-blowing to realise the number of complications that we, as monkeys with slightly bigger brains than the rest of the species, have created over time. We have gone beyond our basic survival needs and invented newer systems, politics, and technologies. The evolution of mankind is truly a miracle in the world; whether this evolution is good or bad is subjective. Nevertheless, it can be agreed that development in construction technology is probably the most marvellous and positive child of mankind. The advancement in architecture is the truest and the most tangible proof of the achievement of man’s intellect.
A Good Design
We are surrounded by architecture and design more than we realise. Architecture has a grip on our lives from one of the most basic human necessities- shelter. However, in today’s world, a shelter is not the only structure that is required by humans. As complex as humans have become, our requirement for space has also increased concerning scale, functionality, and sustainability. The need for good design is of utmost importance. But what is good design?
“Good design, when it’s done well, becomes invisible. It’s only when it’s done poorly that we notice it. Think of it like a room’s air conditioning. We only notice it when it’s too hot, too cold, making too much noise, or the unit is dripping on us. Yet, if the air conditioning is perfect, nobody says anything and we focus, instead, on the task at hand.”
-Jared Spool, American writer and researcher
Accordingly, it can be said that an architect’s job is to create an efficient, aesthetic, and invisible design that is tailored exactly to the requirements of the space and its use.
For many reasons, the study of architecture is a rather holistic experience. While designing a space, an architect is mentally present either inside their design or visualising it from different vantage points, and actively thinking about ways to enhance the space. Unlike most other fields of work, our designs can be physically seen and experienced. The journey from designing something to seeing it standing alive in front of us is a stimulating experience, both for the mind and the heart. To achieve this, it must be every architect’s dream.
Substructure
The substructure, or the foundation of any structure is the most significant part, which anchors the superstructure above to the ground. A huge structure requires a strong foundation. Similarly, having a strong academic base is of paramount importance.
The course of five years of B.Arch. is all about creating this base. During this period, we are tutored about many facets of architecture. We are introduced to the building materials and technologies used in recent times. This study involves a detailed dive into the physics of a building. Learning the different technologies that make a building stand strong for years to come, through hand-drafted sketches is very important to know and understand. This makes the skeleton of any building.
Building services, which are synonymous with the nervous and respiratory systems of the human body, is another crucial topic to understand. Without the knowledge of implementing services into a building, one cannot bring efficiency into their design.
The most important learning from these five years is the chances given and the practice that happens, to design a variety of spaces. The period of B.Arch. provides opportunities to design without real-life constraints such as finances, the whims and fantasies of clients, execution deadlines, site restrictions, and various statutory norms under the guidance of experienced professors. There is a high scope for imagination. These academic exercises prepare a strong base of design thinking.
Superstructure
The process of learning does not stop at the end of the fifth year of B.Arch. It is never-ending; there is always something new to learn about. However, it is vital to understand that architecture is a subject that requires application. The whole idea behind learning, understanding, practising, and creating new ideas on paper is to eventually want it to be implemented in real life.
While a foundation forms a strong base under the surface level, it is the superstructure (or building) above that is visible to the world. There is no point in constructing a foundation when there is no scheme to build a structure above it. Similarly, an architect’s designs on paper mean nothing if they are not executed in real life.
The point when a fresher architect starts practising by themselves or working under an already operational architectural set-up is the point where one realises the knowledge that they lack. Execution of a plan brings in a plethora of constraints. The biggest of all is the financial aspect, be it a limitation from the client’s end or the lack of knowledge of estimation and being up-to-date with the ever-changing rates of different items. Then there is the statutory constraint, where an architect needs to understand and imbibe the development control rules, which vary from place to place, into their design. Construction work requires numerous permits, depending on the type of project. Combined with these two is a third constraint of deadlines, which an architect must abide by, while also coordinating with other entities involved in the project.
Last but not least is client management. Bagging a client, understanding their requirements, incorporating their new requirements time and again, and talking them out of an unreasonable demand; are aspects that cannot be taught in a classroom. The situation with every client is different. However, managing clients is crucial, and it can only be learned with time and experience.
The journey after the five years of academics becomes more about gaining, and entertaining the demands of clients, considering the various restrictions involved; design becomes secondary. Work-life limits the canvas required for free thinking, but on the contrary, it also forces the mind to think about more creative ideas. However, these ideas occur to the mind only when the understanding of planning in the initial years is built well.
A Coin has Two Sides
The nature of an architect’s work requires both a robust theoretical knowledge background as well as the adaptability and acumen to erect their designs. Planning and execution are the two sides of the same coin, and a balance struck between both creates the magic, that is architecture. The true spirit of an architect must always lie in the successful execution on site, of a design produced in the mind and planned on paper.
