Human Existence without Architecture
Imagine waking up on a sunny day with the sun filtering in through the window. You get out of bed and walk to the kitchen, which is right next door and make yourself a cup of coffee on the kitchen counter. Your dining room has a majestic view of your city, and you are sipping your hot cup while relishing the view through the window. Sounds fun, right? Will the human experience of space be the same without the architecture surrounding you?
Architecture plays a critical role in our lives. The subtlety of the discipline makes it almost unrecognisable to the common eye, and its impact is largely neglected. Nevertheless, it is a huge factor in catalysing our existence. To understand the correlation between human existence and architecture, let us dwell deeper into what architecture has meant to human existence since time immemorial. This can be understood in two ways, architecture as a cultural identity and architecture providing a platform to foster cultural identity.
Architecture as a Cultural Identity | Human Existence
The evolution of architecture as a cultural identity in itself can be seen in the way it has progressed from being a basic need to an ideology in itself. Cultural identity here refers to how architecture has fostered and passed down indigenous knowledge systems throughout generations. These knowledge systems have been an important component in human existence as they aid in the very survival of humans. Architecture also provides the cultural identity to a space. Throughout history, it has been seen as an artistic expression and has been an integral part of various movements as well.
As Martha Thorne rightly said, “ Architecture is created by people! The most successful architecture goes beyond just being a shed or a box for living… the most important architecture as we look back over history are buildings or environments that have done so much more in a variety of ways- be that innovation in building and construction, or buildings that have pushed the discipline to get us to think about our environment in different ways, or just incredibly beautiful buildings that have lifted the human spirit in addition to housing our activities and our lives.” (DL, 2022)
Architecture as a platform for fostering Culture
Architecture acts as the stage for the culture, which helps in fostering connections and communications between a diverse population. As said by Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, “Man is by nature a social animal; an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human. Society is something that precedes the individual.” (Man as a social animal, 2022) Humans, other than food, water, air and shelter, have the fundamental need to socialise, interact and learn from each other for their survival.
The Sociological Aspect
This directs us to the role of architecture in its contribution to the sociological aspect of a public hemisphere. Architecture does the job of facilitating it, thereby giving meaning to human existence. Architecture plays a vital role in catalysing interactions and interactivity between people by not only setting a stage for facilitating interactions but also by removing tangible and intangible barriers. Our cities are a heterogeneous mix of identities. In such a setup, the need to establish a relationship between different groups becomes a core idea for the very functioning of the society itself. It will facilitate the setting of what can be termed a tranquil society, stemming from increased shared values and trust. Architecture has time and again proved to help in this by acting as a binding medium, laying the ground for social interaction between varied groups, as well as giving people the flexibility of exploring their individuality.
Cases of Architecture bringing about Interaction and Cultural Identity | Human Existence
An interesting example to support the claim of how architecture brings people together can be understood through the design of the KMC corporate office building in Hyderabad designed by Rahul Mehrotra Architects. The building has a green façade which needs to be maintained by 20 gardeners. The process of which leads to interaction between people of different backgrounds and economic groups, which otherwise wouldn’t happen.
Similarly, architecture is also capable of generating activities which can lead to more interactions. A case of which can be seen in Aranya housing. The planning of the township was done keeping in mind not only the physical features of the site but also the sociological aspects, hence leading to more integration of different income and social groups. Not only that, a typical street can be seen as a hub of varied activities, these activities are generated by the different needs of the people, thereby bringing different demographics closer in the process of fulfilling them. (Khatri, 2022)
A similar case can be seen in the design of the Waterfront clubhouse by Abin design studio, which was essentially a for the people, by the people project. The design has now become a community recreational spot that also is a cultural symbol; people of different age groups are seen coming together and celebrating and collaborating on their skills. (Abdel, 2022)
Be it promoting social justice, uplifting the besieged or tackling mental health; architecture has something to contribute to the larger discussion. Human existence depends largely on coexistence with each other and surroundings, culture being an essential part in the process of passing down the knowledge of existence. Architecture facilitates the process of this and provides a platform for interaction, thereby playing an important role in human existence. If done the right way, it may as well pioneer the change the world needs.
References:
- DL, V., 2022. The Role of Architecture in Humanity’s Story – Thought Economics. [online] Thought Economics. Available at: <https://thoughteconomics.com/the-role-of-architecture-in-humanitys-story/> [Accessed 24 July 2022].
- Thehindu.com. 2022. Man is a social animal. [online] Available at: <https://www.thehindu.com/features/education/research/man-as-a-social-animal/article2988145.ece#:~:text=Aristotle%20the%20legendary%20Greek%20philosopher,something%20that%20precedes%20the%20individual.%E2%80%9D> [Accessed 24 July 2022].
- Khatri, A., 2022. KMC Corporate Office by Rahul Mehrotra: Modulation of light and air – RTF | Rethinking The Future. [online] RTF | Rethinking The Future. Available at: <https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/case-studies/a4093-kmc-corporate-office-by-rahul-mehrotra-modulation-of-light-and-air/> [Accessed 24 July 2022].
- Abdel, H., 2022. Waterfront Clubhouse / Abin Design Studio. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/957412/waterfront-clubhhouse-abin-design-studio> [Accessed 24 July 2022].
