At its very core, Architecture is the creation of the physical world you live in, but with time it has grown to be more than just the built environment. Architecture today represents communities, cultures, and individuals, and the way we perceive life.
Architecture is everywhere. We are surrounded by what is called the thoughtful making of space. It has always been a considerate process; the early designs of buildings were based on climatic and geographical aspects which used readily available materials. Now design is more accessible, with equally important factors like climate and geography, you get your desired style of Architecture, materials, and modern-day technology makes sure that you are pushing boundaries while never compromising on comfort and functionality.
Architecture and Social Impact
From the very beginning, we know architecture has been a form of representation of society, from monumental structures, cities to residences. When we design something, it is influenced by ideas, beliefs, activities, relationships, and the social organization they sustain. These buildings are what help maintain the social forms of society.
They are a result of social needs. They accommodate various functions; have an appearance based not only on the physical features but the society’s idea of appropriateness.
Architecture is used as an instrument of social conduct. It is an expression of strength, an expression of how society sees itself. An Architect helps achieve and fulfill the needs of society, individually and socially, based on our past experiences and our vision of the future. Designs are now more community engagement and socially conscious. Sustainability, disaster relief, cultural assets, and crisis control are a few of many public interest spaces that are bringing a change in society.
Any building or space that has been built from a well-executed design, inter-related activities, and functional spaces that fulfill a purpose and the requirements of now and the years ahead, are designed to cater to the need of the people, to comfort them, give them a sense of belongingness and relieve them from the social dilemmas of the modern world. A social impact building is built on many aspects; one of them is good architecture.
How is Good Architecture Relevant?
People usually don’t tend to expect that architecture or a mere building can enhance one’s daily life and that is what good architecture does. The buildings that leave a positive feeling, encourage progress, and enhance productivity fall under the category of good architecture. As a part of social impact designs, good architecture takes care of the quality of life and societal progress among other things.
How does an architect create good architecture?
Well, when you think of the Louvre, what comes to your mind? Is it I.M. Pei’s pyramid? The Mona Lisa? Or a trip to Paris? For any person, it is a trip to Paris. The Louvre, the pyramid, and the Mona Lisa being a delightful part of the trip. For an architect, it is a case study. A case study where you see a well-engaging public space, Pei’s masterpiece, and a great collection of art. An architect reads the spaces along the way; they read people and their behavior and try to understand what makes the place. That is how they create spaces that are engaging, functional, and serve the purpose of being a good design, they observe and implement.
Architects, in comparison to most, have a very particular point of view. The park you go to for your morning jog, your favorite café, the place you work at, your home, and all the places you are in and surrounded by has an impact on your daily life. These spaces affect how you feel and an architect knows how people interact with the spaces, how to make them feel safe, how to ask the right question, and have the correct answer.
How is good Architecture related to societal progress?
Good Architecture creates a good quality of life. It adds beauty and functionality to a space and adds to society as a sturdy and healthier neighborhood. It takes into consideration how the building will benefit the community economically, functionally, or in terms of safety and comfort.
Good architecture always keeps economic and functional aspects as its priorities, makes sure that the building drives the economic flow, adds beauty and interest to one’s life, is easily located, has good internal circulation, and makes every day more efficient.
Good Architecture solves problems, progresses, encourages the user to be efficient, it gives us buildings or spaces that try to accomplish something. Good architecture is ever-evolving. We no longer live in huts and clay houses because someone somewhere progressed, and with their progress, society did too. When a building accomplishes its goal, the architect succeeds in creating something better. Brought a change, made a difference, and progressed. To sum up, Buildings are influenced by the society we are in, but they for sure influence the society we are building.
