‘’Architecture is the very mirror of life. You only have to cast your eyes on buildings to feel the presence of the past, the spirit of a place, they are the reflection of society.’’
– I.M. Pei
Throughout history, architecture has always stood the test of its times. It has played a pivotal role in reflecting people, communities, values, the ever changing cultures and traditions and sometimes even the end of eras in certain places. It is the crux of evolution and formation that makes the fabric of any city in the world.
Architecture as a foundation of society
Even when the term ‘architecture’ was not coined officially, it always had an extreme and vital role in the evolution of the human race. Right from sticks and stones to concrete and glass today, it has seen and observed a drastic change in the world today.
Architecture was born from the basic concept of ‘shelter’ wherein a certain person, animal or any living creature for that matter needed a space to reside or to simply call it their own habitat. That ‘shelter’ today has evolved based on certain factors such as the type of users inhabiting it, the environment, nature, climate and so on.
In ancient civilisations, architecture was deeply intertwined with religion, politics, and social hierarchy. The monumental structures of Greece, Egypt, Rome provide examples of how architecture has mirrored the societal values and cultural shifts in time.
Architecture demonstrates where the wealth and value is in a society or a certain culture. The buildings around us are the most primitive examples of where a certain society stands and represents.There are a plethora of examples that demonstrate the value of society depending upon the type of buildings built around.
Understanding Architecture – from macro to micro level
Architecture not only affects a society on a high level but also more personally, on an individual level too. It has its more adverse effect on its occupants. Everything from the layout of the space to the type of material can contribute towards the health, wealth and well being of an individual. As one tends to talk about its impact on society, it is also important to take a good look at the impact of architecture at a more microscopic level. As mentioned before, the architecture around us affects everything right from a tiny human dwelling to a humongous section of society. Therefore, it is extremely important to take a good look at both the aspects equally.
Architecture is an amalgamation of arts and science. It is also intertwined with layers of psychology, sociology, economics and politics. Below are some classic examples of various architectural styles all around the world and the significance they hold for their community and society.
Greek Architecture
Parthenon, the most famous example of architecture, reflects the society’s emphasis on harmony and beauty. The intricate use of columns, doric, ionic and corinthian demonstrate the most beautiful and aesthetic display of architecture. It also mirrors Greek values of democracy and public life, with spaces such as the agora which was the common market place and the amphitheater, which marked the most frequently visited places by the greeks.
Roman Architecture
In Roman Architecture, structures like the Colosseum display the use of arches, vaults, concrete and showcase strong engineering techniques and administrative capabilities of the romans.
The Colosseum served as a public space for spectacles and events, highlighting the importance of the togetherness and the spirit of society.
Post modern and Contemporary Architecture
Post modern architecture was governed by heavy ornamentation, historical references and different forms. The Piazza d’Italia showcases the very same elements. It was about cultural fragmentation and the beginning mark of the late 20th century.
Vernacular Architecture
Vernacular architecture is often described as the traditional building style which is typically governed by locally available materials of that specific region mainly depending on the climate, topography and various cultural practices. Examples of vernacular structures include mud brick houses of Rajasthan, India, stilt houses of southeast Asia and many more. Vernacular architecture promotes local and community practices and also caters positively to the cult environment and the climate of that specific region. These are typically practices that are embodied over generations and hold a sentimental value for its users.
Cultural and Civic Institutions
Civic institutions include public spaces for the community such as museums, libraries, theaters, amphitheaters and memorials which reflect cultural and societal values of respective communities. For example, the Guggenheim museum in New York designed by F.L. Wright is a symbol of innovation and an embodiment of modern art. Besides that, it is a unique community space which offers the space for the public to engage, inspire and interact with one another.
Architecture as a catalyst for social change
Beyond reflecting society and culture, architecture also holds a very vital role for social change. Innovative architectural practices and urban planning initiatives are moving towards the potential to address and deal with the numerous societal changes and to improve the quality of life for various communities around the world.
Conclusion –
Architecture, as a reflection of arts, culture and society, offers profound insights into the value, belief and cultural system of how the world works. From the monumental structures of the ancient civilisation to the ever changing contemporary structures of today, the built environment serves as a testament to human evolution. By exploring different architectural styles and practices all around the world, one can gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of how ‘architecture’ truly works and impacts each other’s lives. It’s not just a building, it’s the whole understanding of how, what and where a building is and what it represents and caters to.
As the world continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow, the role of architecture in shaping tomorrow remains as vital as it ever was.
