What is Architecture?
Architecture can be defined as “the art and science of designing and constructing spaces for particular purposes entailed with aesthetics”. This is what is commonly known, of the field.
Being an incredible medium of infinite imaginative possibilities, architecture has more to do with human expression. It is a form of art that can satisfy both utilitarian requisites, tangible, and poetic and aesthetic requisites, intangible. There is positive tension between the two requisites when put together. It is a field that also psychologically strengthens your mind, opens new perspectives, and approaches towards life. Mentally it opens many thought portals, that aid in developing sensitivity towards various trivial factors in one’s design, thereby making the design better. As a profession, it is a wholistic experience of learning not only about the technicality of this field but about also how it is related to so many other professional realms at the same time. Besides, nature plays a quintessential role in imparting meaning and experience to architecture.
The Architecture of Nature
Architecture does not need human existence to be validated, although it has developed and evolved significantly together with human evolution.
Even before it was called “architecture” and before human life started, architecture had already existed in various forms. This diverse ecosystem has amazed us with naturally occurring legitimate shelter spaces like caves, hollow trees, canopy shelters, rock overhangs, etc.
Animals, birds, and insects in the natural world embrace and create architectural elements in their respective lives. Animal shelters like burrows, holes, nests, hives, shells, etc. are proof of architecture being practiced in all diverse forms of life. Nature has a unique method of preserving its species.
Life underwater has captivating legends of natural architecture wherein the creatures carry mobile homes on them like shells, and others like dens, mucus tubes, pits, coral reefs, etc.
Even though a significant portion of the earth’s heights, depths, expanses, times, and spaces remain unexplored, it is assured that diverse forms of natural sanctuaries exist on this planet.To a large extent, this entire planet can be considered a work of magnificent natural architecture.
It is important to be mindful of how technology is used. Although technological advancements are a pressing priority, the advancements made must prove to be harmless or sustainable concerning nature. Nature is a powerhouse of renewable energy available abundantly to be used. It is essential to forbid harmful practices from gobbling up the environment. At the end of the day, nature is all that remains for everybody, persistently and equally.
Today’s Epoch
Today, lives are extremely dependent on and constantly revolve around material requirements and fantasies alike. Human survival in this era requires architecture for humans to make the most of their lives, even though it can exist in raw forms without them.
Architecture is a multidisciplinary profession that significantly plummets into diverse domains of social, cultural, political, economic, technological, practical, psychological, etc. realms. It is something that one encounters everywhere one goes. Be it at work, home, recreation, spirituality, leisure, or travel, life is constantly in contact with the surrounding architecture of the respective locations. Architecture is present as infrastructural facilities, necessities, and luxuries.
Architecture has a grave impact on how we grow to see the environment mentally, physically, and spiritually. It can change one’s outlook and make people experience the world differently. It holds immense power as a profession, which is overlooked.
As architects, it is important to understand what would be good for the environment and all forms of life alike. Furthermore, as a common man, one must realize the importance and impact that architecture has in this natural ecosystem of existence.
Jumping Into a Reflective Perspective
Despite the fact that humans are social animals and intellectual beings with astounding abilities, they are pretty limited in their opinions, thoughts, and beliefs. Humans consider home to be a place restricted within four walls. This sort of constricting mindset leads to damage to the natural environment and thereby the planet. Other fellow creatures present in this broad ecosystem have much freewheeling contemplation as to what they consider their safe space. It is constantly changing. While other living creatures are able to embrace the uncertainty of nature, humans weigh themselves down to settle within obstructed territories.
Humans have made extraordinary advancements in life that give them the power to bring life to their thoughts and ideas. Architecture is a professional field that holds the supremacy of shaping the future of a nation. It is almost like a superpower that is being used exaggeratedly without second thoughts regarding the necessity and repercussions of the creation. Although this makes them superior beings on the planet, it also makes them the most unreasonably messy beings. This sort of exaggeration can occur in any profession, including architecture.
There is a great need to develop newer ways to redefine peace within humanity and the natural ecosystem in all its stipulations, especially architecture, as it is a dominating profession that technically runs the world away from adequate public view and recognition.
References:
Articles:
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2) VIKAS SHAH MBE (2015). The Role of Architecture in Humanity’s Story. [online] Thought Economics. Available at: https://thoughteconomics.com/the-role-of-architecture-in-humanitys-story/.
3) TIM MACWELCH (2020). 9 Natural Shelters that will Save Your Life. [online] Outdoor Life. Available at: https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/survival/natural-shelters-that-will-save-your-life/.
4) Home Science Tools. (2017). Types of Animal Homes – Habitat Science Projects | HST. [online] Available at: https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/learn-about-animal-homes/.
5) Orhan Ayyüce (2018). An Unimportant World Without Architecture. [online] Archinect. Available at: https://archinect.com/sleepless/an-unimportant-world-without-architecture.
6) Leeuwner, R. (2020). Home sweet home: How ocean animals make places to call their own. [online] www.aquarium.co.za. Available at: https://www.aquarium.co.za/blog/entry/home-sweet-home-how-ocean-animals-make-places-to-call-their-own.
