“I don’t think that architecture is only about shelter, is only about a very simple enclosure. It should be able to excite you, to calm you, to make you think.” (Zaha Hadid) is the perfect explanation to the real meaning of architecture. Architecture surrounds humans and has an impact on them in some way. From the mattress they sleep on to the high-rise buildings they inhabit, the vehicles they drive, the streets they travel on, the dinnerware they use, the clothes they don, and everything in between. Since the beginning of time, architecture has had an impact on people’s lives. It served as the ancient civilizations‘ soul. Since then, everyone’s motivation has been fuelled by architecture. Humans have come a long way, indeed due to the same power. It causes a wide range of experiences for living things to go through, guiding all of them and making them reliant on it. From caves to newly developed parametric structures, everything points to one thing: “Imagination” which was the single factor that produced marvels.
“Consider yourself in a space. You sit in a chair that has some sort of joinery in it. You have a mechanical pen in your hand. You go to your cabinet to fetch a book; how do the door, the joints, and the lock function so flawlessly?” The designed mechanism created by the human imagination is responsible for this. Imagine, though, if the bed were just bare earth, the chair a pile of rocks, and the buildings caves rather than concrete. What would the world look like if we had no details? Without architecture, the world would appear and feel desolate. The ideals that architecture instills in people would not exist. Different eyes see architecture differently. It could be a means of luxury for one individual and a means of mental tranquillity for another. We shape our structures, and then they shape us. (Williamsburg Churchill). It does truly mold us and inspires feelings of kinship, awe, dread, and hope. People gain worth from their surroundings; when a person enters a temple, he feels rooted and at peace. On the other side, when he visits a recreational area, he interacts and opens himself up more. Studies have shown that people recuperate more quickly in green, open spaces than in a dark, enclosed setting.
The true meaning of architecture would be distinct for each individual. It may be
“The fundamental”
The roots of architecture are rooted in people’s most fundamental requirements for shelter and protection, building communities, markets, hospitals, schools, and other essential elements of a good life. In the modern world, those in the upper social strata dream of luxury, while those in the lower social strata only wish for the necessities. The fact that the value of architecture varies from person to person is an unfortunate truth.
“The slow progress” | On the other side
The materialistic significance of architecture ties it to people’s way of life, culture, and society. It is a clear sign of how society is changing. People’s living arrangements are a reflection of their personality, perspective on the world, and way of thinking. Architecture is currently influencing better homes and better minds alongside technology. Future apartments, new roads, bridges, and infrastructure are indications of steady progress driven by a single force- architecture.
“The revolution”
Along with technology, architecture seeks to enhance human value by giving people a comfortable living. Utilization of technology to create structures that serve as symbols The Burj-e-Khalifa, the Sydney Opera House, Big Ben, and the Eiffel Tower are just a few of Zaha Hadid‘s ground-breaking structures that changed public perceptions and showed what architectural marvels are capable of. These structures have now established brands and changed perspectives for the countries.
“The spirituality” | On the other side
Another side of remarkable trademarks is the culture and heritage of a country, which shines through its historic structures. The ancient structures, may it be Parthenon or Somnath temple, even the eight wonders, show how marvellous architecture is. It has restored faith and spirituality among humans through its features. These marvels make us realize how our forefathers were keen on values, religion, and details.
They showed what true architecture meant. It is not only a way to construct spaces but also to preserve human traditions and beliefs.
Consider the possibility that all of these structures disappear in a parallel universe. What if people are still living in the cave? Indeed, it is unthinkable. Without architecture, it is apparent that human beings will lose out on all intricacies and that the world will revolve around them. According to studies, we spend 90% of our time indoors—in our homes, offices, and other buildings—which have shaped humanity. It is surprising to realise how important architecture has been in making people’s lives easier. Everyone should ask himself, “What if?”
CITATIONS:
IMPOFF (2021). Importance of Architecture for Society in Modern World. [online]. (Last updated 1 June 2021). Available at: https://impoff.com/importance-of-architecture/
PRIME MERIDIAN (2021). Importance of Architectural Design. [online]. (Last updated 25 May 2021). Available at: https://www.prime-meridian.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-architectural-design/
SOURCES:
Figure 1: https://www.architecturaldigest.in/story/in-ahmednagar-residents-of-a-slum-design-their-own-homes/
Figure 2: https://qz.com/1895253/climate-change-in-india-is-fueling-unchecked-urbanization/
Figure 3: https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/zaha-hadid-architects-buildings/index.html
Figure 4: https://www.himalmag.com/buddhist-anxieties-in-bihar-2022/
