Essence Of Architecture
From comfortable cottages to the tall skyscrapers of urban cities, architecture has always been more than just functional spaces. It is tangled with human existence. Each building, each structure tells a story, bringing together the strings of history, tradition, and innovation into architectural marvels.
“The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our civilization.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
The Royal Crescent: A Timeless Symbol of Human-Centric Design:
The Royal Crescent is located in Bath, England. It is an example of a combination of Architecture, human comfort and social interaction. It was completed in 1774 by Architect Robert Tor Russell. This architectural wonder is a prime example of Georgian architecture during the 18th Century in Britain. It creates a sense of community and belonging with its elegant facade and picturesque lawn.
Casa Batlló: Where Art Nouveau Meets Human-Centric Design:
Casa Batlló rises like a red rose from a concrete jungle. Casa Batllo is located in Barcelona, Spain. It is a perfect example of Art Nouveau style. It was designed by Architect Antoni Gaudi. From its facade to every whimsical detail, it creates a fairytale-like environment. Every space is thoughtfully designed to make a magical experience for the human experience.
Even from olden times, Architecture has been dedicated to humans and their sense of comfort. Architecture has always been for humans, by humans.
Architecture: Always for Humanity
Architecture has always had a strong connection to humans. Architecture has always been for humanity. It could be ancestors’ simple hut shelters or towering skyscrapers that dominate today’s skyline. It gives shelter, security, and comfort, but it is more than just useful. Architecture shapes culture and ideas. Every structure shows the connection between Architecture and humans.
Kevin Lynch: Image In The Mind
One of Lynch’s ideas was the concept of place legibility, which refers to how easily people grasp a location’s arrangement. By developing this concept, Lynch was able to extract various elements of a city and determine what makes it so dynamic and appealing to people.
Lynch took several experiments to understand more about Urban Planning and Humans. Lynch came up with the term, Imageability. It is the mental image of a place remembered vividly by the observer. From his experiments, Lynch came to know that people have a mental map of their way. It could be a trip for groceries or the exhausting office travel. People seemed to remember everything by a landmark.
Architecture does play a big role in human life. Somehow the day-to-day life of humans relies on Architecture. Architecture is not just building, it also helps us with traveling and recognition, like how it helps people recognize a place. Humans might not realize that Architecture has already become a part of their life. It might be navigating through a new place or a familiar place. It’s the architecture of the surrounding that gives us a sense of familiarity or alienation.
Urban Planning: Creating Spaces for Human Interaction
Urban planning plays a big role in shaping the society and its environment. By incorporating human-centric design principles, Architects and Designers can create a livable community that prioritizes the needs of people. It can range from pedestrian-friendly streets to green spaces. Understanding what humans need, what makes their livelihood even better, and creating more opportunities for them is the goal of urban planning.
“In the planning and designing of new communities, housing projects, and urban renewal, the planners both private and public, need to give explicit consideration to the kind of world that is being created for the children who will be growing up in these settings.” – Urie Bronfenbrenner 2
Innovations and Challenges in Architectural Design:
Architects are constantly innovating something that is beyond traditional while also inspiring the upcoming future generations. From Eco-friendly design principles to new cutting-edge technologies, Architects are pushing the existing boundaries to create useful environments that are also sustainable.
Though there are new advances that are sophisticated and useful, so is the complex urban scenario. Balancing the needs of a growing population with limited resources requires creative thinking and collaborative solutions are challenging. Rapid urbanization, population overgrowth, and current wonders are a reflection of human creativity, imagination, and aspiration. Architects and Designers have to think much forward for a better present and future.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the relationship between architecture and humans shows design long-lasting ability to change our lives and enrich our experiences with new perspectives. Not only does Architecture solve practical problems, but it also enhances our lives.
“ Architecture, from ancient wonders, said that it was fire and water which were initially responsible for bringing men together into communities, but we, considering how useful, even indispensable, a roof and walls are for men, are convinced that it was they that drew and kept men together.” 3
– Leon Battista Alberti, On the Art of Building
Citations:
1.Stock photo and image portfolio by 1000 words (no date) Shutterstock. Available at: https://www.shutterstock.com/g/thousandwords (Accessed: 27 February 2024).
2.Bronfenbrenner, U. (2019) Top 5 urban planning quotes and their meanings, Centroid PM. Available at: https://www.centroidpm.com/top-5-urban-planning-quotes-and-their-meanings/ (Accessed: 17 February 2024).
3.Alberti, L. (1488). The Art Of Building In Ten Books. United States: The MIT Press.
Citations for images-
1. HoldTheAnchoivesPlease (2014). View Of The Royal Crescent. Available at: https://holdtheanchoviesplease.wordpress.com/2014/07/15/bath-the-royal-crescent-hotel/[Accessed 17 Feb. 2024].
2. Femturisme.cat. (2024). Available at: https://www.femturisme.cat/_fotos/establiments/general/12116-02-Casa-Batllo-Barcelona-Antoni-Gaudi.jpg [Accessed 17 Feb. 2024].
3. Unsplash (no date) Logan Armstrong (@loganstrongarms): Unsplash Photo Community, Beautiful Free Images & Pictures. Available at: https://unsplash.com/@loganstrongarms (Accessed: 27 February 2024).
4. Holzerkobler.com. (2024). Available at: https://holzerkobler.com/sites/default/files/styles/hka__fullscreen_b_w/public/hk_449_bu_011_pacocarrascosa_allweneed_25_300.jpg?itok=H6rGJ9aX [Accessed 17 Feb. 2024].
