Architecture is characterized not only by its design process and evolution but also by several modifications and thought processes involving deep research. In this never-ending evolution, time plays a significant role. The production of built space is time-consuming but an interesting one when viewed with creativity. With time, these creations could either stand the test of modernization or be demolished into old memories. In either sense, time management in architecture can be perceived in various ways but always with prominence to better creativity from its creators. Therefore, it is safe to say that time is equally crucial for architecture and architects.
Time as a Factor in Architecture
There is no doubt that the influence of time on architecture is vast. Time and managing it within the acquired schedule are vital factors in the design process. With more time, a design is produced in many possibilities, and the end product could be of any output. The options are just beyond imagination, which is architecture’s beauty. The transformation caused by time occurs irrespective of the designer’s initial intentions (551 New Design Concepts and Strategies -Volume 2 -eCAADe 30 |, n.d.). Day by day, design trends are progressing, and new styles are being introduced to the design world.
In all these, time is a constant element that helps develop and implement new techniques in the built space. These ongoing changes in technology and construction could further change the perception of time in architecture. Time management also gets highlighted within this concept of time. Even though the architects gain ample time for a design, managing it within the schedule might get tricky.
Time Management in Architecture: A Battle
It would be overstating to say that time management in architecture is a battle. Still, it is hard to implement when it comes to reality. Even after years of introducing and inventing new technology for design, the one thing that makes things difficult for architects is time management. While it is known that a building could be made into an outstanding design with time, it is also vital to finish design work on time. And for this very reason, managing time in the architecture field is essential.
Why Time Management?
Time management is the process of organizing and managing your time (Pettit, 2020). In this era of living with constant stress and anxiety, managing your time in all aspects is crucial. Working smartly with enough time to utilize for rest or other meaningful activities is essential. Work and life balance is the result of good time management. Architecture is a creative process that can often be time-consuming with its endless creativity. Most of the time, meeting a deadline at the last minute with sleepless nights might be inevitable. This is a recurring incident for students as well as professionals in architecture. Running behind on deadlines is not an alien concept in this field.
Tips for Better Management of Time
Prioritizing your work with better organization and decision-making skills results in improved outcomes. As the saying goes, we should work smarter and not harder. Time management helps you improve the quality of your work and prevents you from overdoing a specific task. The following are some essential tips advised by experts on achieving time management.
- Separating important work from urgent work helps in utilizing the time effectively. Focus on the actual results that would benefit you in the end.
- Staying focused with limited distractions will help you achieve your deadline on time. It is easy to get distracted by so many platforms these days, but always try to concentrate on completing the work first.
- It is time to understand that multitasking might be a possibility but also the opposite. Start from a single task and then move on to the next because human brains are not designed to do multiple actions simultaneously.
- Planning your week might sound a little doubtful but organization can lead you to do wonders. Always try to keep a to-do list for daily tasks.
- Lastly, it is always important not to overburden yourself with work. Taking small breaks is equally important as finishing your task on time.
Conclusion
The concept of time is interconnected with many aspects of architecture. Time management is a term that is well-recognized in the modern world. It is well used in the professional world to bring out excellent skilled workers with the best job results. We only get 24 hours a day and attempt to make it the most useful by prioritizing important work. Alternatively, time depicts various architectural elements, but managing it is another topic to discuss. Having a clear-cut knowledge of your goals is beneficial in time management. Moreover, it will help lead a life with less stress and more productivity.
Image 6_Stopwatch_©Gerd Altmann via Pixabay
It is essential to acknowledge that we, as humans, have limits. Time management is a term that is easier said than done in practical terms. It takes a lot of patience and organization to implement this in architecture. While there is a misconception that time management in architecture is hard to follow, and design work is a never-ending process, it is also not impossible to achieve. With minimum effort and intelligent work, there is no doubt that architecture can be an easy field and brings excitement even during the deadline. In the long run, it is evident that time and time management is inevitable in architecture and will continue in the future.
References
- 551 New Design Concepts and Strategies -Volume 2 -eCAADe 30 |. (n.d.). [online] Available at: http://papers.cumincad.org/data/works/att/ecaade2012_54.content.pdf.
- Pettit, M. (2020). The Top 10 Benefits of Time Management. [online] Lucemi Consulting: Strategic Business Coaching. Available at: https://lucemiconsulting.co.uk/benefits-of-time-management/.
- www.mindtools.com. (n.d.). What Is Time Management?: Working Smarter to Enhance Productivity. [online] Available at: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_00.htm#:~:text=Time%20management%20means%20organizing%20your.
