No Species, No Architecture.
Believe it or not, whether it dates back 200,000 years, to the origin of humankind in African regions, we are also talking about the birth of the Architectural revolution at that very moment. When Author says “Viewed zoologically, we humans are Homo sapiens, a culture-bearing upright-walking species that lives on the ground and very likely first evolved in Africa about 315,000 years ago”, I believe the physical form of human being on ground, started its very own meaning of forming spaces, whether it is sitting on a stone, discovering shade under a tree, understanding that having some form of shelter is a way to live, these all instances are nothing but a sheer form of forming and understanding the sense of shelter, protection and home, Architecture.
This was just an example of how I started perceiving Architecture in my 7 years of Bachelors and master’s study, learning not just how to design, construct, or ideate, but to craft my version of what the real core of Architecture and its meaning associated with it. I believe that without the existence of Species, there is no birth or existence of Architecture. If we understand this, Architecture, in its true form, has always meant to serve a purpose, for, by, and of the species. Whether that beautiful stucco ornamentation and the play of colors that soothes the eye and the mind, to the bed and mortar brick or stone caves that were once used for shelter, or that one intersection with a landmark building, which always navigates us to travel, Architecture was born to perform and serve.
AI, Culture, Food, and Architecture.
Let’s go back to the streets of Manek Chowk to Jama Masjid, the street known for its multi-functional urban design core, where both jewel business in the morning and the Food market at night thrives. Why do you think the need for it arises to form the space in such fashion? It is because Architecture is a very rooted and clear reflection of Society’s values and priorities. Ahmedabad is a business-driven city where people either do Real estate business or own shops in the old city, where every shop offers a unique product and business. The need to buy and eat are the primary 2 main activities that people enjoy there, and that leads to the rise of the urban design for food streets converted to business markets and vice versa.
Now, let’s understand this more with a different example. Let’s travel to Denver, Colorado. In my recent trip to Denver, I visited an Architectural marvel, the Red Rock Amphitheatre. Spread wide, approx. 700 acres and 6400 ft above sea level. It was created, yes, created by the CCC Civilian Conservation Corps Reforestation Relief Act on March 31, 1933, as an attempt to give more jobs to unemployed young people and to preserve the natural habitat of the land during the Great Depression. But the vision to create an Amphitheatre and being today with the capacity of nearly 10,000 people to enjoy music shows and concerts, lies the very answer of Architecture and its reflection of society, which enjoys gathering, vibing, jamming, and socializing, irrespective of a long walk to a heritage site context.
In today’s context, Artificial Intelligence and Architecture have become entangled to serve more. Though AI has its setbacks, the Design industry has started its way to more Sustainable and inclusive Architecture and understanding that it has a direct link to people’s values and a reflection of one’s culture. The use of AI in perceiving space from all aspects, building performance, energy intake, and sustainability has brought all designers together to deep dive into the very social and economic challenges our society faces today, besides being a representation of culture.
With AI, we as a society will move forward, but in the end, it is we who decide the driving factor and the medium for the change.
With all that said, one must understand the function of Architecture in our society, to understand what purpose it serves to people and their beliefs. Looking forward, it is not just the duty of an Architect, but the duty of all to preserve the memories Architecture has brought to our lives and cherish them, whether it’s a tiny home, a shelter under a canopy, or a terrace in the Rain. The world is changing every day, and so are we, to nurture, live, and celebrate together.
References and Citations:
Tuttle, Russell Howard. “Human evolution”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Jul. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/science/human-evolution. Accessed 16 August 2025.
https://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/beene/life.html
https://www.redrocksonline.com/our-story/history/
https://productiveurbanism.com/project/manek-chowk-precinct/
