A famous Polish-American architect and poet Daniel Libeskind once said, ” Architecture is the biggest unwritten document of history.” Architecture has always reflected people and the state of human evolution during its construction. Different architectural styles developed over time as public tastes have changed and new materials and construction techniques have been developed, even influencing some current architecture today. It highlights many unsaid stories and beholds new stories as people continue to live and prosper.
Therefore, there is no surprise that architecture directly influences society, but the kind of space one lives in also impacts the user a lot; on the psychological level, it can positively or negatively impact the person. Architects have always attempted to explain their ideas via the images of their buildings. As a result, many architectural styles have emerged throughout history. Different types also impact differently on the psychology of the users. They were taking clues from the past. The red fort built by Mughals in Delhi represents power and authority. In contrast, the Sanchi stupa built by Asoka in Madhya Pradesh represents peace and serenity. When one enters these spaces, even without prior architectural knowledge can connect to the theme of the space. This proves that architecture isn’t just about buildings; it is also about the story it narrates, which impacts the users, making them feel comfortable while using the space. Architecture can influence our emotions is more nuanced than merely replicating nature. The types of patterns employed in design have a significant impact on how we see things.
Architecture is not just about buildings
We’ve all experienced the sensation of walking down a new street and feeling as if you’ve been there before when you’re actually visiting for the first time or entering an apartment and feel at ease. This happens when the spaces are well designed, impacting the users in a positive way and building a conscious connection with the surrounding—helping people feel more engaged and satisfied. Some aspects of design also decide the mood of the space and affect the users. For example, colour, ceiling height, light, facades, landscape, and many more affect the overall vibe. In creative studios or certain businesses, dramatic high ceilings are frequently employed to encourage free, abstract cognitive processes. Studies have found a link between our sense of freedom and our desire for spatial freedom and connection to the natural world. Also, natural light has been proven to have a more significant influence on employees and their welfare than on those who have fewer windows. This is where the role of a designer comes in place, to put the pieces of the puzzle in their proper place, revealing the big picture.
College life is one of the stepping stones in architectural education, which impacts the student’s mind. This is the time when future designers start looking at the world with a different lens. Students practically understand their concepts and begin to find details in their surroundings. Exposure to various study tours and exhibitions builds their imagination and creates the aspiration to design positively impacting spaces in the future. Architects and designers taking their education and experience forward, aim to design spaces keeping the functional, environmental, and aesthetic factors in mind. Works of various famous architects also influence the designers; as we say, learn from the past to define your future; studying iconic projects opens a world of new opportunities. Traditional structures all around the globe can teach us a lot of things. These lessons will help us appreciate our global history while also assisting us in transferring some of that knowledge to future buildings impacting urban development design.
Architecture has always been known for its dynamic nature. With time as humans advanced and their needs changed, this started impacting the structures built. Today the situation in the world is very puzzling and unpredictable; we are at a crossroads where architects have to rethink their way of working. The subject itself has always been about practically experiencing the aspects of design. Therefore the general working of professionals has been impacted. Students also have to adapt to this sudden change that doesn’t seem to have a solution. Online learning has made the juries, discussions, presentations, and exhibitions virtual, which has taken away the essence of offline learning, throwing us into an unavoidable situation where the solution still seems unfamiliar.
But change is the only constant in life. The impact of these unfamiliar situations has made architects move out of their comfort zones and reshape spaces preparing us for the post-pandemic world. With design and innovation as the driving forces, designers are constantly trying to find new ways to address the pandemic situation. The current crisis has widely affected our mental health; this is where architects propose we rethink our living spaces as where we live impacts our minds. It is hard to accept that the world isn’t the same and will be post covid. Still, architects and designers recognize the importance of developing spaces that gradually adapt to the future post covid era. Good design isn’t just about decoration; it’s about how it impacts the users and the future of our humankind.
Citation
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