I am confident that everyone who studied architecture or even gained a little knowledge about it has for sure experienced a major change in their perspective to comprehend things. And thus, all of us are living proof that Architecture has the power to change a person’s perspective towards not only the structures and surroundings but also towards his/ her life; architecture becomes a tool to live life.
The brain structures itself to focus on the details and analyze spaces more deeply keeping in mind various parameters like context, light and shadow, form, function, materials, services, scale, and many more. This data is further converted into different forms of presentation and representation that help everyone understand each other’s perspectives.
Let us look into some situations where all of us have experienced this change:
1. It starts with your surroundings
Once a student is introduced to the basics of architecture such as design principles, anthropometry, site context, spatial arrangement, etc he starts to implement that knowledge into his surroundings such as his home, neighborhood, and streets. This leads to an increase in his awareness and the daily vision towards the ignored spaces appears to enhance.
New questions arise, the why’s and how’s and its effect on us physically, mentally, and emotionally, which makes one curious to know more. And this curiosity, when guided properly by experts, becomes the stepping stone that leads towards improvement in planning and design.
2. A building is more than its aesthetics
Every space has its value, character, and feel. The design, its elements, structure, and landscape play a vital role. For example, consider the Taj Mahal; before joining architecture one knew only about its history and development and not why it is seen as an architectural marvel. The image below shows how an architecture student or an architect looks at a building.
A person with architectural knowledge develops the skills to consider and question every detail such as the materials used, the process of the design, structural elements like the dome and the arches, the landscape that fits as a part of the whole, leading towards the built environment.
3. Everything is a source that gives rise to new ideas
As mentioned earlier, one gets inspired by its environment and this observation helps architects and students come up with unique and new ideas not just regarding the structural form but also its spatial function and innovative materials. Even the simplest thing turns into a good concept.
4. God is in the details – Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
The idiom “God is in the Details” by famous architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe reminds one of the exquisite details and extraordinary dedication that an architect puts into his work. Details do not necessarily mean a huge amount of designing, rather even a simple wall can be designed in a detailed way considering every important aspect from its planning until its completion. Noticing these details is another important part of skills that are seen in the field of architecture.
5. Architectural styles are bliss to your eyes
Architecture in itself comprises infinite styles which prove to be bliss to everyone’s eyes whether an architect or not. Traveling is a large part of the field of architecture that allows architects to explore and widen their knowledge, experience, and perspective. Every style has its uniqueness and elements that speak of our ancestral history. Analyzing these styles helps architects compare them and come up with fresh and innovative ideas.
6. Ability to visualize at both micro and macro levels
Another advantage that architecture gives a person is the ability to visualize things at both micro and macro levels, connecting them simultaneously to come up with the best possible results. No matter the scale of the project, it is important to consider every aspect at all levels. While macro gives overall perspective, micro deep dives into the core in search of details.
7. Ways of idea presentation
Presentation is the most important aspect of architecture because a personal perspective will not be of any value if not understood by the audience and this is where architects come up with various ways to ease the complexity of their perspectives and compose them in an orderly manner. To do this architecture student learns a number of software that when utilized properly can give extraordinary results.
8. Importance of contributing back to society and nature
Architectural perspective is not just looking and analyzing structures but also how one develops their overall perspective towards implementing what they are learning regularly. And studying architecture makes one responsible by progressing their awareness towards both tangible and intangible aspects of society and nature. There are many architects all over the world working together with a large panel of experts from other fields to come up with solutions to conserve our planet and its ecology in all forms.
