The two essential factors that have influenced human existence over time are food and shelter. The human lifestyle constantly needed a proper shelter to protect themselves from extreme weather, external threats and natural disasters as they migrated from one place to another. Eventually, the humans modified the concept of shelter based on social and cultural development as the humans began settling in groups based on the availability of the resources. Each settlement had their own identity, which significantly influenced the structures they constructed. Eventually, the art and science behind designing the system was termed Architecture. Architecture made its way through different trends and traditions with timeless history, from caves to contemporary buildings.
The electronically connected world that we currently live in is the combination of different aspects of architecture. From the shelter, resources we use, road network, transportation through aircraft, and landscapes, all these things have a system, and the system is possible only because of Architecture. From stone structures to skyscrapers, every design has its purpose and need, thus making architecture one of the vital factors for human existence.
The Evolution of the Architecture
The evolution of architecture started in the Neolithic period, which was 10,000 years ago (Timeline of the history of Architecture 2023). It was when humans stopped living in the caves and started designing their structures based on necessity and utility.
For example, the early men used straw bales & mud for constructing the houses. Considering the stability of the structure to prevent tear and wear from the climatic changes, they opted for solid building materials such as stone, wood and brick. Soon, there was a demand for buildings based on functionality, which included public buildings that encouraged social interaction institutions such as hospitals, schools and religious facilities.
Eventually, humans started giving importance to how the building looked and modified the structure based on color, form and style, representing religions, communities and settlements. Architecture has created a positive impact on the emotions and well-being of humans. Spaces designed with Natural light and ventilation with sufficient vegetation have improved the quality of people using the buildings.
Positive Impacts of Architecture
Modern techniques in architecture focus on reducing the negative impact on the environment. This includes preventing waste using recyclable building materials, promoting sustainability by using locally available goods and supporting local traders. Incorporating thoughtful design such as minimizing material wastage, gray water recycling techniques and optimizing energy consumption by using natural lighting systems, solar panels
Architectural conservation has made it easy for people to access natural buildings and historical monuments and stay connected with history and tradition; it also helps people express their freedom and emotion through art and architectural movements over time.
Contemporary architecture has also made the buildings and spaces available to everyone worldwide. It brings people from different backgrounds and ethnicities together. The proper construction of roads and bridges has contributed to the infrastructure by helping people to travel from one place to another, even on the hill.
The absence of architecture and design could lead to poor hygiene, sanitation and health standards. Access to clean water, waste disposal, and healthcare facilities would be limited, leading to higher mortality rates and health-related issues.
With architecture, the development of communities and settlements was possible. Without proper planning and building control systems, city planning and urban development would remain undeveloped. Several architectural styles have evolved to improve the quality of human life, such as sustainable, vernacular, energy efficient, urban infrastructure, conservation and landscape architecture.
Architecture – Educating people around the world
The media and architectural journalism also provides opportunities for people to learn about culture, history, architectural education and industry trends; architectural journalism and photography has helped document different type of buildings and architectural characteristics, helping ordinary people to read and develop knowledge about architecture and construction. As a result, several people are interested in architecture and gain understanding from the architectural media.
The admiration for architectural buildings remains the same from time to time. Architectural buildings that stand as tourist attractions contribute to the revenue of several countries. These buildings bring people worldwide together, leading to a rich tapestry of global architectural diversity and cross-cultural exchange.
Human existence without architecture
Overall, Architecture is a boon to humankind. It has developed the infrastructure, influenced our traditions, and promoted our quality of life.
In a world without architecture, human beings would lead a nomadic way of life, leading to the downfall of the human settlements. There would be no scope for positive cultural expression. The absence of constructed shelters would necessitate a constant search for natural refugees. It would also diminish technological innovations, increasing vulnerability to natural disasters. Ultimately, a world without architecture would reshape the lifestyle of human society, offering an alternative narrative of our shared history and possible future.
References:
- Timeline of the history of Architecture (2023) Urban Design lab. Available at: https://urbandesignlab.in/timeline-of-the-history-of-architecture/ (Accessed: 16 October 2023).
- Alpert, K. (2020) The 10 oldest man-made structures in the world (that are still worth visiting today), Fodors Travel Guide. Available at: https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/the-10-oldest-man-made-structures-in-the-world-that-are-still-worth-visiting-today (Accessed: 16 October 2023).
- Timeline of the history of Architecture (2023b) Urban Design lab. Available at: https://urbandesignlab.in/timeline-of-the-history-of-architecture/ (Accessed: 16 October 2023).
- Architect (2011) Evolution of architectural styles: History of architecture, Architecture Student Chronicles. Available at: https://www.architecture-student.com/architecture/evolution-of-architectural-styles-history-of-architecture/ (Accessed: 16 October 2023).
