Science is part of everyday life, so is Architecture. The shift in the paradigm of architecture from mere shelter sculpting to inducing meaning to spaces has made the profession more challenging and intriguing to work and take pride in achieving the same. Though the time spent is ephemeral, the experience that architecture gives is perpetual. The spaces used, maybe regularly or a place of once in a lifetime visit, everything has been shaping lives, adding values and sophistication during their course of stay on earth. Is there a bucket list of places to visit during one’s lifetime listed without getting intrigued by the nature, culture, and Architecture of that place? Can any of the vacation pictures be without any architectural marvels of that locality? I believe not. If that’s the scenario for a common user, imagine what it would be like for the architects whose minds are tuned to watch for details, being taught that nature is the greatest teacher and live experiences of spaces are incomparable.
Observational Adepts
Observation is one inextricable asset of an Architect. Reminiscing back to the times where it all begun. The initial years of the bachelor’s degree course in architecture laid the groundwork for the gift of meticulous observation. The course is a wholesome package of every emotion one could probably feel, it mostly feels daunting, but it does have some reservations for happier times, one such scenario is the visit to different places as study tours. That’s the cradle for this elixir.
The most famous statement during times in universities – “Architecture knowledge doesn’t only have to studio-based or lectures, it’s everywhere, there can be no better teacher than nature”. There were indeed renowned architects like F.L Wright, Tadao Ando, Louis Sullivan, to name a few, who don’t have a professional degree but still their works stand out, hitherto. Then there are authors like Jane Jacobs who is not an architect but her book “death and life of great American cities is a must-read for any architect who wants to understand urban design. People like them learned architecture by traveling to different places, working in architectural offices as an apprentice, visiting buildings. Thus, observations are crucial, it’s the third eye for architects.
World in the eyes of creator vs user
Earlier, the article started with the phrase “Architecture is a part of everyday life”. The statement was not merely because shelter is one of the fundamentals for human existence. It is no more just the apartments, offices, or some institutional edifice but, the streets people walk, the neighborhood, the life, the public square, the community spaces, the parks, the recreational spaces are all the works of an Architect. So, it is not only the interior behavior or the user pattern that gets scanned but also the outside space.
When a commoner walks down a neighborhood, the observations made are more on a macro scale, like, the neighborhood seems posh, there are hardly people on the streets, plots are well laid, and it has good infrastructure. But the same place when an architect walks by, all the basic standards are checked, the behavioral pattern of the residents are watched carefully, nearby amenities are located, basically identifies the issues of the place, and tries to reason out why things are in a manner they are for better understanding and note down the positives.
Architects manipulate the senses of the users through various methods to make them feel and see what the architect wants to tell them or the purpose on which space was created. And to achieve it architects use this tool of observation to serve as references from the existing structures and places. They learn from the users to design for users.
What an architect sees during his/her visit to places?
Even before reaching the destination a basic knowledge of the place induces into the minds of the creatives. The history and culture of the place, the traditions they follow, materials and construction methods available in and around give them a brief understanding before visiting. On route to the destination they have a glimpse of the people on the routes or approaching the destination as they are, the transportation modes available, amenities in and around the place, on reaching the destination the structure or the place is studied in-depth, even before that the first impression it creates and how is that conveyed to the people using or viewing them, then comes the functional aspects, check on the fundamentals, and specifically if one feels something while using the space or just staying in it for some time it means the place is trying to convey something to you, the materials used, the construction methods followed, and so on.
Architect’s perception – Architectural impacts:
Architecture is not only about enthralling but it has to be more susceptible to the environment and the users. The success of the project is not upon the completion of it, rather only when it is put to use and it serves the users; the purpose it was built, and the design implications made to improvise both in terms of function and aesthetics. How are all these possible without observations that are made every day? Perceptions may differ from architect to architect. When the world is enthralled about the structure architects may still not be satisfied with that and are always in search of betterment.
Architect’s perceptions are diverse as they may find the best work in the eyes of the world to be lame, and they may find inspirations from the least of the expected buildings. They are always in a search to reinvent ways to design. The skyscrapers are of glass and aluminum in most places but an architect finds was to improve the living of the people inside it. There is a lot of research that has happened which concludes that the environment a person is working or living in has an impact on the quality of work or living.
Every architect has their own beliefs, values, and visions for the present and future. Variety is something that makes the world lively than being monotonous. To find what the architect wants to make this world they must first be open to all types of information then start laying hands on what they think and feel the world needs the most.
References:
Tishk barzanji (1997). Illustrations envision complex universes inspired by surrealism and modern architecutre. [illustration]. Available at << https://www.archdaily.com/892591/tishk-barzanjis-illustrations-envision-complex-universes-inspired-by-surrealism-and-modern-architecture?ad_medium=gallery>>
Artist using his brush to judge proportion. [Photograph]. (https://thevirtualinstructor.com/blog/observational-drawing-and-painting-6-things-to-look-for).
Picture on perception [illustration]. https://satmuse.wordpress.com/2008/11/04/one-smile-different-perceptions/
Before and after architecture image [illustration] https://mymodernmet.com/webcomic-architects-leewardists/
