Throughout history, architecture has stood as a representation of society, reflecting culture, passion, religion, social needs, success and even the downfall of various past civilizations. Since ancient times, architecture has been the driving force behind the revolutionizing of human living spaces. Incredible buildings displaying staggering diversity have stood throughout history, with practically every culture having a unique architectural style. Astonishingly, quite a few of these structures stand tall even to this day.
From these monumental structures to various other built forms that make up the fabric of a city, there is so much to learn about the people who inhabited them long before our time.
Although, very sadly, the rest of the world doesn’t see the field of architecture as just as necessary as architects do. The worrisome emptiness in these statements is not the usual lamentation of the profession but the world’s failure to understand what it means.
While the entire ‘concept’ of shelter may seem relatively straightforward, buildings were initially shaped based on the region’s climate. These materials were easy to access and also based on the culture of the people.
Architecture goes further and impacts the emotional state of the people interacting with it. Whether it’s intended or not, a building can provoke a range of emotions, such as belonging, awe, fear or hope.
As the world became more connected, styles evolved but even in modern construction, there lies importance in honouring the cultural nuances in the built environment.
The role of the built environment as an interactive space can be seen at the very onset of human civilizations.
Roman and Greek architecture are the best examples of how architecture influences people in their interactions with society and how it creates common ground for social interactions. Thermae, stoa, temples, and theatres are a few examples of communal spaces during ancient times.
Architecture affects not only society on a significant level but also a more personal one; it can profoundly impact its occupants. With human-centred architecture, innovation and empathy lie at their core.
“We spend much time designing the bridge but need more time thinking about the people crossing it.
-Dr. Prabhjot Singh, Director of systems design at the earth institute.
Therefore, architects are bound to have a sense of responsibility to be more aware of our designs and their effects on the urban fabric.
Whether it is how the planning of the space has been done or a particular material finish being used, all of it contributes to the occupants’ health and productivity.
The culture of a society can be seen closely interacting with the structural, historical, political and even economic features of a community.
Research studies show that people working in well-designed spaces are more focused and productive in their work.
Hence, a world without architecture would mean a society void of creative and functional building structures. How architecture affects society may seem unimportant in our daily lives, but that is because we haven’t lived in a world without it.
Even before it became known as an expert art, there was so much to learn from architecture. The first men- the protagonist- have demonstrated a talent worth admiring of fitting their buildings into the natural surroundings. They welcomed the vagaries of climate, challenged the natural topography, and did not try to conquer nature as we do today.
The first men did not hesitate to seek out the most complex configuration of landscape, the most sanguine of them are known to have chosen sites such as Machu-Picchu, and Monte Alban, to name a few.
Architecture over the years has helped shape society by providing custom living spaces and countless new and innovative structures that give us comfort, good health, and safety. It adds a sense of awe and intrigue to iconic worldwide designs.
As these evolutions occur in design and society, there is a question of what to do with the old, outdated, rundown buildings. Some of these are worked on and modified according to needs and desires, while others that are beyond repair are demolished.
These structures make us realize the importance of architecture and how society and we as humans go hand in hand with it.
It’s often understood that architects continuously push the boundaries of new buildings towards pursuing the craft. Also, there is an understanding that within itself, architecture is discipline.
Hence, architecture is both an art and a science that allows us to blend what will work with culture and self-expression. Its ability to promote innovation makes possible a future world where the environment and humans thrive.
Today as the world’s population hits 8 billion and with sea levels rising, architecture holds the key to the future of living on our planet. It is the solution to poverty, overcrowding, and land depletion. With the ongoing debates, new technology in the field of architecture will ensure humans can still live on earth. However, architects need to be innovative and sensitive to the materials used.
The future of architecture for cities is most likely to be with buildings focusing on decentralized energy and transit hubs that improve the well-being of people and the ecology around them. The facade of the building is likely to live and breathe and also clean the air while enhancing the lives of their habitats.
With the onset of covid and as work from home is gaining momentum, the end of formal offices is fast approaching. The goal is not only looking for the operational performance of the building but also the employees’ health, happiness, and as a result, productivity.