Architecture is more than just buildings and structures; it is a profound force that can be felt from within. Through architecture, stories can be told, and different cultures and periods can be understood.
Every corner turned becomes a new chapter for creativity and learning that can be done by experiencing architecture. Through architecture, you get a peek into multiple disciples. It has the power to alter perspectives and influence emotion.
Appreciate beauty and life
Our world is not just a stage, but a living, breathing work of art. Most of this art consists of different structures and buildings that emphasize the importance of aesthetics and beauty in the built environment. Architecture teaches you to create structures that are visually pleasing and harmonious with their surroundings.
Architecture teaches one to appreciate life. Even after humans are gone, our creations will remain as a connection to what once existed. This humbles a person beyond anything else.
Architecture teaches you to look at intricate details. Attention to detail makes a space feel complete. On the other hand, architecture also teaches you to look at the picture as one whole and to see how each building blends with the other on a large scale.
Cultural heritage and identity
The architecture of every place will differ depending on the culture of the place. It’s specifically tailored to reflect a certain identity of place. This is something that people belonging to a place can identify with throughout their lives, it plays a crucial part in place-making and creating nostalgia.
Traveling to different parts of the world and experiencing different architectural styles teaches you to appreciate the beauty of human diversity. It teaches one to understand other cultures and how each plays a part in the complexity of today’s globe.
For example:
The Senso-Ji temple in Tokyo and the Grand mosque of the Arab world are worlds apart yet the feeling one gets while standing in front of each of them; an ethereal feel that can be shared through the structure is the same.
Similarly, the world can be seen through different lenses looking at different structures, but the way its influences are always unique.
Emotional Impact
Architecture is an experience. It can evoke emotions through its many layers like lighting, materials, and spatial layouts.
For example 1: Sagrada Familia” in Barcelona, Spain.
This basilica, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, is renowned for its breathtaking and intricate design. When visitors enter the Sagrada Familia, they are immersed in a space that seems otherworldly, with towering columns that resemble trees and an awe-inspiring interplay of light and color through its stained glass windows. The experience inside the basilica evokes a sense of wonder and spirituality, demonstrating how architecture can profoundly impact human emotions and perspectives, transcending the boundaries of traditional religious spaces to create a universal sense of awe and beauty.
The difference in emotion felt in the above-mentioned grand cathedral with high ceilings compared to a cozy home are varied, one sparks wonder and the other comfort. This shows how different structures bring out different perspectives.
Views on history
Visiting ancient ruins, and historical sites deepens understanding of history. The remnants tell stories that cannot be read elsewhere. Preserving architecture helps us learn a lot about our past and how we can face the future.
Architectural styles change over time, reflecting the cultural, technological, and social developments of a particular era. From the ancient Egyptian pyramids to the minimalist lines of Bauhaus architecture, each period’s architectural trends provide insights into the values and aesthetics of that time.
The evolution of architectural techniques goes hand in hand with the advancement of civilizations. The transition from mud-brick constructions to the use of concrete and steel, for instance, tells a story of human innovation and how much was achieved.
Environmental Responsibility
Architecture plays a crucial role in environmental responsibility by influencing the built environment’s impact on the planet. Sustainable architectural practices can reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and promote the use of eco-friendly materials. This lessens the environmental footprint of buildings. Innovative sustainable architecture can serve as a tangible example, shaping public opinion and encouraging a more eco-conscious approach to design and construction.
It helps us keep future generations in mind while living on this planet. Architecture inspires a shift in societal perspectives toward greater awareness of and concern for the environment.
Buildings designed with sustainable features, such as green roofs or efficient ventilation, can contribute to a sense of environmental responsibility and well-being, evoking positive emotions.
Example of a sustainable building: Bullitt Center (Seattle, Washington, USA)
Think about past, present, and future
Architecture makes one think about the impact they have on the world. It makes one think about the ever-growing population and how skyscrapers are the way to go now. It demonstrates how humans started from stone caves and have now reached towering steel structures that hold multiple families at once. It displays beauty in change.
It prompts reflection on how people connect with their surroundings in places like public plazas and neighborhood gathering places. It demonstrates the value of establishing connections with one’s inner self, other people, and nature.
Futuristic designs open endless possibilities for human creation. Buildings like the Burj Khalifa inspire us to reimagine what architecture could be. These designs remind people that innovation and progress require new stimulants and breaking free of traditional constraints. Architecture often involves adapting to changing circumstances. Different spaces teach us to be flexible and open.
As architecture comprises different layers, it forces us to use different combinations of those layers to stays create something new.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving canvas of our world, architecture emerges as a brushstroke that paints different perspectives. It shapes our environments, our experiences, and our outlook on life. As architects continue to push boundaries, blending form and function with sustainability and innovation, they craft not just structures, but also stories.
Architecture isn’t merely about constructing buildings; it’s about sculpting the human experience, inviting us to explore new dimensions, and ultimately, inspiring us to see the world through a kaleidoscope of possibilities.
In each masterpiece, we find a fresh perspective, a vibrant stroke of creativity, and an enduring testament to the boundless power of design. Continue to explore, dream, and see the world anew through the transformative lens of architecture, for it is a journey without limits, where perspectives can forever evolve, one building at a time.
References
HMC (2019). How Does Architecture Impact Society? A High-Level Look
[online]. (Last updated 18 October 2019). Available at: www.https://hmcarchitects.com/news/how-does-architecture-impact-society-a-high-level-look-2019-10-18/ [Accessed 30 August 2023].
