In some corner of the universe, in a world far away, exists a planet where humans live under trees or inside caves. Despite their technological progress, these humans do not perceive shelter as a necessity. In this dystopian scenario, living in built houses equates to restriction in movement which is why there aren’t any. After the robot apocalypse, they lost faith in anything remotely related to technology, or things built by the upper-class citizens and felt that it was safer to live in forests. No, it’s not this planet. This is not about high-tech AI robots, it’s not even about a dystopian society, this is about how architecture goes hand in hand with our lives and impacts us.
Do we even need Architecture?
Do we even need Architecture?For every person, architecture means something different. But one thing that everyone can agree about is that there’s a need for shelter, and various kinds of spaces to do a variety of things that serve a specific purpose. The feel of a person’s bedroom cannot be the same as a corporate office. Houses cannot be designed like hospitals, and no two buildings can ever be the same. While structural and civil engineers attend to the physical structure that acts as the body of the building, architects breathe life into this giving soul. The impact of Architecture is not limited to buildings, it’s about spaces around us, and not all architects are humans. (Caution: birds, beavers, etc. are being referred over here, not aliens) Nature has its way of designing, in a similar fashion humans have their ways, every single seed planted serves its purpose just like how every element of a building plays an important role in the final look. Architecture is like living art where life thrives! Just like how paintings convey an artist’s emotion, spaces hold the power to evoke a myriad of emotions, influenced by the intended purpose, target audience, and the essence behind their creation.
Shelters, an integral part of human society since time immemorial, have coexisted with design. The nature of our thoughts and the depth of our feelings are intricately tied to our surroundings. This interdependence is directly proportional to our external environment. However, architecture remains incomplete without meticulous planning and seamless flow, making it a crucial factor for its current impact on people’s lives. Houses, far from being mere structures, fulfil an essential role—they provide security, comfort, and a haven where individuals feel at home. For the privileged majority who spend the bulk of their time indoors—be it in houses, schools, or offices—each aspect of design carries a unique influence. Architecture certainly has an impact on humans. Let’s take the instance of the undefined time to define how architecture has been and will continue to impact our lives.
The past
Every historical monument or structure is not just an extravagant piece of art, it reflects the history of that place, the kind of society that existed, hundreds of years ago. Many of these were built for a different purpose altogether yet architecture has a great impact on people’s culture and heritage. Even within India, each region boasts a distinct architectural style, a testament to the unique ideologies propagated by various dynasties. Cultures are not merely shaped by architecture—they are defined by it, and traditions emerge as a natural byproduct.
The present
In the ever-changing landscape of the present, architecture undergoes continuous evolution. Despite the digital whirlwind, there is a discernible shift in focus towards well-being, prominently reflected in contemporary architectural practices. Humanity has recognized the imperative of preserving nature, leading to the construction of environmentally efficient structures in harmony with their surroundings. Beyond its ecological dimensions, buildings are built to bring in a sense of tranquillity, which indicates the subconscious impact of architecture on human lives.
The future
Although no time traveller has disclosed insights, the murmurs from the walls suggest that the future of architecture will persist in influencing humans, irrespective of whether they inhabit houses constructed by AI or crafted by human hands. The facades of AI-built homes might lack inherent emotions, potentially emerging as an artificial ambiance distinct from those built by humans. Yet, the core focus lies not in the origin but in the impact of architecture.
Who influences whom?
There can’t be a defined answer for it’s a mutual exchange, it’s mostly the people deciding what they want to experience, but buildings aren’t something that can be changed every day (at least for now) it’s not feasible. At the same time architecture also impacts people on various levels, it could be emotional, it could develop a sense of pride, give rise to traditions and culture, and be like a mirror of the current society. No, buildings aren’t just structures made out of cement they are so much more! Take it this way, architects design buildings for people based on their requirements, and later those buildings continue defining their lives and architecture will continue impacting humans.
References:
Axiom. (2015). the last of us city. [Digital Art] Available at : https://carlosperez165.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/the-last-of-us-city.jpg
Linken Van Zyl. (2022). Bird nest hanging on a tree branch. [Photograph] Available at : https://www.pexels.com/photo/bird-nest-hanging-on-a-tree-branch-14199338/
Heewann Kim. (2012). Cave 2. [Digital Art] Available at : https://www.artstation.com/artwork/cave-2
Vectorpouch. Modern city highway street lamps light neon cartoon vector illustration. [Digital art] Available at : https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/modern-city-highway-street-lamps-light-neon-cartoon-vector-illustration_4394141.htm#query=cyberpunk%20city&position=26&from_view=keyword&track=ais
