How to Identify an Architect ?
If a person is transfixed in a position staring at the elevation of a building, or if a person is constantly touching surfaces and feeling textures, or if they are trying weird positions to capture art through a specific angle, congratulations! you have spotted An Architect.
When one learns to read in a particular language their mind is trained to read every script they look at. Similarly, when a person learns architecture and design, their mind – by default pays attention to the details, spatial planning, and designing of the structure.
An Architect’s perspective
Architecture is a way of expression, and an architect constantly strives to interact and understand it. A person from a non-architectural background would walk into a building and admire its aesthetics, scale, and proportions, and even acknowledge the intricate details of it. Some enthusiasts might even be interested in the background and history of the space.
Whereas an architect perceives it in a rather unique way. Every architecture has a bigger story to tell, and architects try to engage with it. The neighborhood setting is observed considering the orientation of the building and of course, locating the ‘most beloved’ – North. The context of space is studied from a user’s perspective along with the experiential quality that the built form has to offer. The movement within the building and how it eases the travel.
Front-row seat to an Architect’s mind
The study of architecture generates a unique perspective towards spaces. An Architect’s mind constantly looks out for a picture perfect frame that showcases the design elements like symmetry, contrast, juxtaposition, repetition etc. They are always looking for the details, like readers tend to read between the lines, an architect tends to look in the niches.
Public buildings, skyscrapers, or even community spaces that are regularly passed by are viewed from a different perspective by an architect. One such public building which is also a UNESCO World Heritage and the most photographed in India, The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus previously known as Victoria Terminus in Mumbai is an example where millions of commuters pass through this heritage site every day and are awestruck by the grandeur and detailing of the space.
But for architects, it is more than a marvel, it is an experience of witnessing a Humanities chapter, a culmination of cultures, and the fascination of a timeless monument. The story, the context, and the immense human effort required to intricately carve the details on every surface, ignite a sense of humbleness and respect towards architecture.
The building along with many other prominent landmarks in the vicinity was designed by British architect Federick William Stevens. The Victorian Gothic Architectural Revival amalgamated with traditional Indian palace architecture, built by Indian craftsmen resulted in a new style unique to Mumbai. The construction started in 1878 and continued for ten years. A decade of hard work and sweat went into creating this architectural wonder that can knock the wind out of a spectator.
It is a treat for the eyes of the common and a fiesta of expressions for an architect. The Gothic-style 3D carvings of local flora and fauna, exquisitely detailed rose windows, gargoyles, octagonal domes along with stained glass are enough to captivate an architect’s wit.
The elevation displays the designer’s acumen in creating an astonishing blend of architectural styles. The ornamentations like stone domes, turrets, and arches from traditional Indian architecture are paired with spires, gargoyles, and rose windows from Gothic revival architecture. One such outstanding example is the Tympana of Gothic architecture portraying a carved Peacock symbolizing the Indian style.
The materials used to construct this monument are another element that generates curiosity. These intricate carvings are done in locally sourced yellow Malad stone, and the architectural details are made using white limestone. Whereas the doors and windows are made of Burma teak wood. The exotic interiors of the building are enriched with the use of Italian marble along with motifs on flooring.
This grandeur of heritage is celebrated across the world as it never fails to wonderstruck its onlookers and continues to deliver its purpose.
Decoding the language
Architecture, when observed and experienced truly, could stir up emotions. It is enchanting how some spaces draw us in while trying to interact with them. To possess a hawk eye for details and the ability to understand design is the virtue of architecture. Spaces can impact the users, and architects need to make sure that the impact is an everlasting one and that their design is a container of human emotions.
Architecture is a language and architects write poems through their design. To be able to read this script is to be an architect.
Bibliography:
World Heritage centre, U. (no date) Chhatrapati shivaji terminus (formerly victoria terminus), UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/945/ (Accessed: 17 February 2024).
Aakar (2017) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj terminus : From Queen to Maharaj, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus : From Queen To Maharaj. Available at: https://aakarpatna.blogspot.com/2017/09/chhatrapati-shivaji-maharaj-terminus.html (Accessed: 17 February 2024).
