Architecture is a fundamental need for humanity, often taken for granted by privileged individuals who have access to shelter, well-provisioned public spaces, or efficient transportation systems in their cities. What some perceive as a basic entitlement, others view as the utopian ideal of a world abundant with opportunities. In essence, architecture serves as a barometer of societal development. This reality is underscored by projections indicating that approximately 2 billion people will be living in marginalized conditions by 2050 (United Nations, 2023). This alarming statistic demands practical and effective solutions capable of providing housing and essential services to these vulnerable populations.
In light of all these points, architecture not only becomes a necessity but also an opportunity, as the starting point towards a better future, as Le Corbusier said (Mejía-Amezquita, 2011). However, over the years, the essence of architecture has been distorted through controversial and unsustainable practices, leading to a disregard for its true purpose: human inhabitation. Looking to the past becomes imperative to recollect lessons from masters who epitomized the essence of architectural endeavors, emphasizing the harmony between function, aesthetics, and technique.
The purpose of architecture: inhabitation
Like Adolf Loos’ stance on the separation between architecture and the arts, based on the fundamental principle that a house should appeal to everyone, whereas a piece of art should not (ETSAM). This critical viewpoint challenges the true purpose of architecture. Inhabitation extends far beyond merely occupying a space; it transcends into impacting the quality of life, productivity, health, climate resilience, and providing protection and security.
Since its inception, Alejandro Aravena asserts that it is crucial to be able to design within constraints. Analyzing the environment serves as a tool to find answers and propose solutions, such as a model of progressive and adaptive social housing over time and space, or a tsunami barrier comprised of forests along the coastal area to mitigate waves as high as 6 meters (Fundación Arquitectura y Sociedad, 2010). These solutions, at first glance, may seem practical and “simple,” yet they are often not considered because they are underestimated from a common-sense perspective, and other factors come into play, such as the ego-driven desire for architectural spectacle, which can result in projects that are disconnected from their surroundings.
But how can architecture be made meaningful for inhabitation? Architecture is where the community takes ownership of the space and inhabits it according to its nature, whether it should be for resting, moving, working, eating, or any other activity that the space accommodates. What should be the architect’s stance regarding the responsibility to positively transform an environment on environmental, social, cultural, economic, and even political levels?
The role of the architect in shaping inhabitation
While the architect’s eye may not hold all the answers, it is crucial to analyze the comprehensive landscape to identify needs and create synergies among the different systems that make up the city. According to Norman Foster, the success of a project lies in its ability to adapt in this ever-changing world, at the pace of current technologies. Sensitivity to situations is key to finding solutions to problems (El futuro es apasionante de Vodafone, 2015). To, translate them into opportunities for improvement through the implementation of practical and transformative solutions, such as changing the material of an enclosure in critical climatic conditions, adapting green areas and park lighting in a residential area, or repurposing an old building for a new museum.
The magnitude of a project does not diminish the impact of an intervention. On the contrary, the impact of small changes enhances the project itself. False expectations stem from the architect’s training, driven by the desire to excel in this urbanized world influenced by egos passed down through generations of colleagues. Being aware of the needs of the current world is essential for designing sustainable architecture.
Simply observing social and environmental issues is enough to understand the direction actions should take. The primary challenges facing humanity are influenced by global warming, forced displacement due to wars and natural disasters, new lifestyles, and associated consumption patterns, among others. Therefore, the role of the architect in shaping inhabitation demands a critical, reflective, and adaptive stance toward future social transformations and emerging realities. This implies that architects must develop the ability to learn and unlearn, recognize the starting point from the basics, and identify the true need.
In brief, understanding architecture as a fundamental right accessible to all communities regardless of their socioeconomic conditions constitutes a cornerstone in the architect’s role. The true impact is achieved through constant reflection and learning, not just by acquiring knowledge and techniques. Through this fusion, it’s possible to strengthen the necessary skills for architects to design and create habitable, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable homes, parks, buildings, and even cities capable of confronting future changes in society.
Reference list:
United Nations. (2023). Sustainable development goals report 2023: Special edition. New York: United Nations Publications.
Mejía-Amezquita, A. (2011). Le Corbusier: Architecture as a project of the world approach to a philosophy of architecture. Revista de arquitectura, 13, pp. 66-72. Available from: https://revistadearquitectura.ucatolica.edu.co/article/view/770/800 . [Accessed: 23 February 2024].
Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid (ETSAM). Capítulo 1. Problemas generales y problemas de metodología histórico critica: Algunas definiciones de Arquitectura. Madrid: Polytechnic University of Madrid
Fundación Arquitectura y Sociedad. (2010). Alejandro Aravena “Arquitectura y cobijo”, Congreso “Mas por menos”. [YouTube video]. Available at: https://youtu.be/bN6XhPyukQw?si=kw1cLpSs02Ess4aq . [Accessed 22 February 2024].
Sanfulgencio, J. (2016). Quinta Monroy, Chile. [Photograph]. (Arrevol ISTA, S.L.)
El futuro es apasionante de Vodafone. (2015). El futuro según Norman Foster: adaptación al cambio, reinvención de
edificios, la Luna. [YouTube video]. Available at: https://youtu.be/HIX8sEAPl2c?si=36QbmRygeO3CizFD . [Accessed: 22 February 2024].
Foster + Partners. Hearst Headquarters building. [Photograph].
