There is a quote by British German Art Critic Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, which goes, ‘A bicycle shed is a building; the Lincoln Cathedral is a piece of architecture.’ In simpler terms, he draws the line between a mere building and architecture, dictating that while both are essentially buildings, one is simply designed and meant for practical purposes, whereas the other was consciously crafted with the intent and consciousness to serve both its purpose and aesthetically.
The author of “Why Architecture Matters,” Paul Goldberger, stands to disagree and claims that both are indeed architecture, arguing that “There is much more to say about a great cathedral than about a generic shed, but each helps shape our environment.”
While Pevsner’s words hold true, Goldberger’s viewpoint is more relevant today. While the Lincoln Cathedral speaks far more words than the bicycle shed could, the shed, too, has some stories to tell, whether the architect designed it that way or not. Reiterating Goldberger’s views, where he says, “The way a community builds tells you, sometimes, all you need to know about its values”, it can be taken a step further and believe that even the most mundane architecture and design choices speak about their community, surroundings, and values.
Even if the architect is less invested in the building or didn’t put much thought into the space, it still speaks volumes. The very fact that the design was done without much ado to simply meet the building’s purpose usually reflects its surrounding space, which acts as a microcosm of the environment in which it is built.
Here are a few ‘typical’ or ‘mundane’ specifics of architecture that speak a particular language and narrate certain ideologies and values of their environments, irrespective of whether they were intended to.
1. Anti-homeless architecture or Hostile Architecture
While designed and marketed to be ‘innovative’ and narrated as ‘modern design’, it is a clear sign of concealing homelessness. While anti-homeless architecture is sometimes also designed to appear ‘more convenient’ or ‘better for comfort,’ such as benches with multiple armrests or dividers, its true intention speaks volumes. Aside from the obvious fact that its purpose is to keep the homeless out of sight and, therefore, out of mind, it can also be an indicator of deep-rooted classism and capitalistic ideology of the specific environment and area it is found in.
2. Temples with lots of stairs
Another more subtle example is large temples with lots of stairs leading up to the main chamber. While this may be due to reasons such as Vaastu or requirements of specific areas the deity should be in, it is a sign of devotion, that despite the harrowing task of an ancient civilisation having to build and design a temple, say on the top of a mountain, it is still done as the community values their religion. They would clearly brave 100 steps to seek blessings and perform rituals, which loudly speaks of the community’s true devotion.
3. Green spaces
In today’s world, designed spaces which focus on greenery and, more specifically, green spaces stand out as an outlier. Many buildings prioritise the commercial and profitable aspects of architecture, where profit sometimes comes at the expense of space, design, and detail. With areas focusing on green spaces, however, it is a sign that the community values the greenery and environment more. It also conveys the notion that certain communities have stronger morals, as they aren’t easily swayed; in a more comical analogy, they don’t succumb to peer pressure.
4. High security houses
Estates where high security tells us more about the area than the wealth of the person inside. In some countries, even the wealthiest can leave their doors unlocked and sleep in peace, while in others, the average person is scared to leave their doors unlocked even in broad daylight. The presence of grills and locks correlates with the area’s crime rate, safety level, and the type of people living in the community.
5. Parking lots
Parking lots are a telltale sign of valuing efficiency. It highlights how the city’s spaces are often designed to be unwalkable or bicycle-unfriendly, reflecting the community’s preference for cars. The dependence on cars stems from the fact that the city was not spatially designed to accommodate walking or public transportation, which is beneficial in a multitude of ways, but prioritises efficiency and comfort provided by cars; therefore, the need for large empty parking lots.
In conclusion, as Goldberger mentioned, it is the smallest details and design choices that reveal the character of a community. While not as significant as the Basilica or as widely acclaimed as the works of Zaha Hadid, these choices still shape their environment. They also speak about the space they occupy and their surrounding community. Everything that is designed and built inherently mirrors its people and values, irrespective of whether it is meant to or not. This article aimed to highlight the power of architecture and design and how they can be read as narratives of their environments.
Reference List:
Goldberger, P. (2009). Why architecture matters. New Haven, Conn. ; London: Yale University Press
Moore, R. (2011) Lincoln Cathedral is a piece of architecture — 360° view. The Guardian, [online] 4 December. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2011/dec/04/lincoln-cathedral-360-degree-rowan-moore (Accessed: 19 June 2025).
