There’s always a keen sense of inquisitiveness that triggers the learning process of some. Ranging from scribbling shapes on walls to asking the formative “why?” during your toddler stage, experimentations in all mediums in your teenage years, and the obsessive research with your newest interest as you grow older; humans by nature are always searching for a pattern. The whats, the whys, and the hows of these patterns are the building blocks of our society’s development.
As we grow older some people’s curiosity flickers uncertainty like a flame trapped in the upside-down glass of normalcy and monotonous routines. In contrast, others’ curiosity erupts into wild flames with the fanning of artistic and passionate endeavours to feed it. It’s those who are unshackled by tedious tasks and are set to surf the waves of their curiosity that are prone to catch the ‘artist to design enthusiast to architect’ pipeline and hold onto it tightly. These are the same people searching for a pattern that fits into a larger perspective. Those who believe that life is built, physically and metaphorically, in response to society and its revolving door of pressing current issues: political, economic and social.
What is “Architecture”?
People often confuse what “architecture” means. Is it a physical building with its tall frames and metallic beams? Does it refer to the fluid construction of materials that creates an artistic phenomenon? Or does it simply refer to the skyscrapers that pepper the skylines of famous cities but exclude the simplicity of a structure with four walls, a simple woodwork door, glass windows, and a tiled roof that looks like a 4-year old’s drawing come alive? Architecture, to those with visions beyond four walls and a roof, is a design philosophy. It refers to both the physical manifestation of a structure and the carved space within, that communicates meaning. It is the harmony between the built environment and the perception of societies and cultures. Architecture is more than just building; it is about crafting environments that enrich lives and shape the future.
Impacts of Architecture
The impact of Architecture is immense, we feel it in the grand scheme of things as well as through its most minimal effects. Consider the sense of awe that fills your body, top to bottom, inside out, when you’re facing a magnificent feat of architecture. Now consider the sense of warmth and comfort that fills you when you walk through your family home. Two different purposes and magnitudes of effects yet you can’t deny that they serve the purpose of their construction. It is easy to disregard the relationship between architecture, psychology, and art; however, it is exactly that aspect of architecture that touches us. From the intentional movement of light through buildings to the ventilation and open layouts of these buildings, these environments are designed to foster their purpose. Understanding these dynamics is crucial in carving out spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and promote functionality.
Future of architecture: What direction are we heading?
With the spotlight on building a sustainable future through a way of living, pioneering role models in the architectural field have emerged giving us a new perspective on the built environment. With the legacy of revered architects like Chitra Vishwanath and Stefano Boeri paving the way to a sustainable future, the excitement of one day contributing to this legacy pushes many students into this field of design thinking. The recent UN SDGs aim to reduce homelessness and housing shortage; alleviating negative impacts on our environment by producing living spaces that contribute to our surroundings suddenly became the new goal everyone was working towards.
This industry shapes the lives of societies through its discoveries; the only constant in this field is change. With further evolution comes a set of nouveau challenges that nobody has tackled or heard of before, it’s this aspect of architecture that lures design enthusiasts and mathematicians from all over the world.
Being born and raised in metropolis cities in the early 2000s, one has the privilege of watching the landscape change from traditional structures to feats of visionary art. Growing up with the backdrop of architects employing traditional materials and practices and then slowly transitioning to advanced technology and software that allows you to construct in under a year truly highlighted the speed at which we as a society developed. It further highlighted how quickly our priorities changed. How quickly the reason for the built environment morphs from what used to be considered as an important issue to what is now considered an equally if not more important issue. With these rapid changes come evolutionary ways to learn to adapt.
Architecture: a fossil of civilizations and culture past, a futuristic beacon of inclusivity
Moreover, architecture is deeply intertwined with cultural and historical contexts. Historical landmarks and ancient structures are testimonies to the ideology that humans have always found a way to express themselves and leave a mark. Society and culture have been defined over the centuries by the philosophy of its architecture and buildings. These passionate design notions are also a form of heritage and cultural preservation. It is through art, the ancient and oldest form of expression, that we know the history of our cultures and our people. It is how we communicate inclusively with understanding to people from all over the world.
Architecture has the power to influence social dynamics and inclusivity. The deliberate design of certain spaces can foster social interactions and community engagement. Through creating such environments that are accessible and welcoming to everyone, architects play a crucial role in shaping equitable and inclusive societies. Through the exchange of local art or outsourcing the architectural sites to designers from all over the world, we learn to communicate and preserve cultures. It is the main contributing factor to unity.
“Art is solving problems that cannot be formulated before they have been solved. Shaping of the question is part of the answer” – Piet Hein (Danish poet and scientist)
Many people go through an entire lifetime not knowing what their Ikigai is, fortunately for design thinkers, the answer was always there even before the question was asked. It is how most of us find ourselves studying to be a part of the future of this industry. While it is in human nature to find the pattern, it is in an architect’s nature to deconstruct the pattern and fit it into the new design to see which has the best outcome – both aesthetically and logically.
