Architecture is a very dynamic field and it is constantly exploring different avenues and trends. Some have stayed and got modified over the years whereas some of them have vanished completely. Throughout history, we have seen different movements starting from Classical (between 7th and the 4th century BC) to slowly progressing over to Romanesque (between 6th and 9th centuries), Gothic (between 900 and 1300), Baroque (around 16th century), Neoclassical (from 18th Century), Art Nouveau and Art Deco (Around 1900), Bauhaus (20th century), followed by Modern, Postmodernism and Deconstructivism. Although they have taken place at different times, they have always been an action-reaction process.
We see the History of Architecture as an evolution of its own, where all the styles had some prominent features of their own which have either passed on or been replaced. But one thing that has remained constant over the years is the fact that we often visit our past experiments and either try to replicate them as symbolism or learn from them.
Current times
We have always been surrounded by architecture, good and bad. But then it was until we were hit by a deadly pandemic that we started acknowledging and understanding its importance. After being locked indoors for months we finally started to appreciate the importance of good designs and not to mention the existence of break out spaces.
Globalization on the other hand has caused people to change the vernacular pattern of living. Similarly, the housing patterns in rural areas cause people to change their living patterns. New buildings are constructed and older buildings are replaced or modified. The lessons of vernacular architecture regarding climate control have also been generally ignored. The relationship between architecture and its area is fragmented, resulting in a more Aesthetic oriented approach. Dwellings are constructed as a large enclosed glazed space with no proper provision for ventilation and protection from the sun. For that, people are increasingly dependent upon artificial means to maintain basic comfort levels. This cost of maintenance becomes responsible for the loss of the rich architectural heritage of the region.
I believe this pandemic has given us the time to reflect on how we built and live today while trying to bridge the connection of the essence of the past lifestyles to the compacted, suffocating agenda of the stereotypical new cities.
Perspectives
A good design according to me is one that respects and expresses the beauty of the existing place and its harmonious integration with the new creation. However today we see a monotony being generated due to the standardization of contemporary materials. Which has led to the loss of identity and generalization of the Grammar of Architecture.
Concept of Sustainability
The word “sustain” means “to hold up” or “to support from below,” society needs to be supported by its populations in the present and future. Most traditional societies took care of their community through the amalgamation of the natural and physical environment with cultural, social, and mystical values. These are the societies where sustainability is evident and liveable as daily practices. Sustainability is not merely the integration of environmental, social, and economic issues and improving quality of life. The idea of sustainability is to make sure that our decisions and actions today do not compromise future generations to meet their own needs.
While in the current scenario, the profession has been pulled at extreme ends by people who are inculcating technology on one side and people who are trying to harness sustainable means by going back to our traditions with the technology and coexist with nature rather than being in constant turmoil.
We are in constant attempts to find creative solutions for the same. On one hand, we are trying to explore alternative methods to build while utilizing the underground as well as floating cities to expand and accommodate the needs of the time. There are also experiments regarding setting up a habitat on Mars. While there is this other sting of thought which has come up while we have all been adopting to working remotely is the excessive use of artificial intelligence and paired with the advent of technology and the addition of a new palette of materials has shifted the complexities and scales with which architecture needed to respond.
Conclusion
Architectural Evolution has never been a linear process. So even if we see growing monotony in the built form as we try to explore the vertical realms of the place, there are other sets of values trying to explore and harness different possibilities. It is all a process of trial and error to finally find the perfect fit. As we all know architecture is a dynamic system and it is a matter of time until we find out which elements will be carried forward and which respects will be left behind.
(Nikita, 2021)
Reference list:
https://www.archdaily.com/900027/the-characteristics-of-12-architectural-styles-from-antiquity-to-the-present-day
https://www.ted.com/talks/marc_kushner_why_the_buildings_of_the_future_will_be_shaped_by_you?language=en
https://www.intechopen.com/books/urban-and-architectural-heritage-conservation-within-sustainability/sustainability-and-vernacular-architecture-rethinking-what-identity-is
