Creating a signature design style as an architect

Architecture might be the science of shelter, but it has its roots deep in art. It is a bridge between art and function. Architecture throughout history has been seen as a manifested symbol, defining communities. From individual houses to group housing, religious buildings, commercial buildings, educational buildings, political buildings, and art museums, architectural designs bloomed in their categories, adhering to the context of places and giving them meaning and identities. 

The world has seen architectural movements since prehistoric times. Every movement concentrated on developing multiple versions of design and construction using available materials and experimenting with better and newer technologies. The architects of every movement tried to strike a resonance with each other to create a big homogenous city picture. The use of local materials defined the style of certain regions, developing their unique design language. 

The concept of ‘starchitects’

The rise of star architects, famously called ‘starchitects,’ accelerated the process of finding a signature architectural style. These structures scream the architect’s name through their appearance, just the way an artist creates their own style and creates art in that style for a lifetime. Some examples of popular starchitects of the Deconstructivism Movement are Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, and Daniel Libeskind. Creating a signature style of architecture is a breath of fresh air; the buildings stand out, creating landmarks in urban areas. Not all architects are artists, and not every architect is expected to develop a signature style, but an architect should always strive to create a balance between creativity and functionality.

The role of form and function in architecture

The long debate of ‘Form follows Function’ and ‘Function follows Form’ presents varied samples to side with either point. Form follows function is mainly practiced in industrial buildings where the processes are prioritized over the structure’s exterior, and a building can follow this principle without being an eyesore if implemented with aesthetic strategies. On the other hand, the buildings that follow the guide of ‘Function follows Form’ start with birthing the form of the structure first and then creating the functions inside. These buildings can be categorized as structured art; their main intention is to invoke unique user experiences. Most of these buildings are museums and other public infrastructure; their primary purpose is to catch everyone’s attention and let people experience awe and beauty.

The example of Daniel Libeskind’s Jewish Museum of Berlin can be considered to explain further the ‘Form follows Function’ concept. According to the museum visitors, it is clear that the architect has achieved his goal of creating a signature style and presenting the structure as an artwork to the public. Every space, nook, skylight, and void speak in poetry that pierces the visitor’s soul. The story of the Holocaust becomes and the experiences get mirrored to the user through their senses with Libeskind’s unique plays of sense of space.

Another example of an artistic architectural masterpiece is the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. Zaha Hadid was an explicitly remarkable architect, joyously remembered as the ‘Queen of Curves.’ She set the bar high in the category of artistic architecture. The center offers a plethora of experiences that psychologically impact the user with its greatness. The structure is built to create a unique permanent memory and makes the user spurt out compliments for the great architect.

Signature architecture styles receive a spectrum of opinions from the general public and the architecture community. The positives focus on the artistic freedom and creation of distinctive spaces, while the negatives put forward the points of material and sometimes space wastage, calling it irrational. Signature architecture often fails to blend in with the surroundings and urban context. Structures stand out like a monolith, catching attention for the details of design elements from the point of view of bystanders. 

Signature design style and sustainability

With the increase in global temperatures and climate change, architects are now focusing on designing sustainable structures, switching to materials causing less environmental impact. Several architects have used sustainability as a signature in all their designs since they started the practice. A prominent example of such work is architect Shirish Beri from Maharashtra. The Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species in Hyderabad, Residential Vocational Training Centre, Sanjeevan Vidyalaya of Panchgani, and SDM Medical College in Dharwad count as some of his famous works that have made an impact in the Indian architectural context. He inspires young architects by creating art using the existing natural elements of the site, using them as props, and making them join hands with his architecture.

Creating art through architecture is a process that needs consistency and creativity. With biomimicry becoming the next big trend in combating environmental pollution, architects are developing ideas shaping the world in a new direction. Signature styles in architecture, when executed sustainably, are more likely to be appreciated and celebrated in the context of 21st-century issues. Still, signature styles do end up producing iconic structures that etch their names in national and global history.

References

1. Images/visual mediums

Citations for images/photographs – Print or Online:

1. Ravenscroft, T. (2021). Santiago Calatrava Tops UAE Pavilion at Dubai Expo with 28 Opening Wings. [online] Dezeen. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2021/10/01/uae-pavilion-dubai-expo-2020-santiago-calatrava/ [Accessed 22 Oct. 2023].
2. Unsplash (2022). Photo by Inga Mucke on Unsplash. [online] unsplash.com. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-couple-of-people-walking-down-a-narrow-alley-RDQnC7azlmM [Accessed 22 Oct. 2023].
3. Unsplash (2020). Photo by İltun Huseynli on Unsplash. [online] unsplash.com. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/sydney-opera-house-near-body-of-water-during-daytime-BzjjoIeu-Ds [Accessed 22 Oct. 2023].
4. Archello. (n.d.). Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species | Shirish Beri & Associates. [online] Available at: https://archello.com/project/laboratory-for-the-conservation-of-endangered-species [Accessed 22 Oct. 2023].