The existence of Architecture is parallel to the homo-sapiens first instinct that all species share: the desire to preserve and survive. Over the years, man-made Architecture’s initial intention to provide shelter for survival has evolved into something that serves a grander purpose towards civilization. Encapsulating the past for the future, embodying a thousand emotions within a space and awakening the senses through spatial communication are just a few of the numerous evocations that Architecture can conjure. The inclusion of multiple disciplines in Architecture has elevated mere human existence to the emergence of culture. Apart from the widespread acknowledgement of Architecture being an artificial creation, there is also the intricate architecture of peaks and valleys that Mother Nature has generously sculpted to provide us with an abundance of resources and inspiration. The possibility of humans not existing entirely in the absence of Architecture may never have crossed our minds due to our perceived sense of superiority. The active nonchalance towards this likelihood may prompt some to wonder whether human existence and civilization as we know it will still be intact with man-made Architecture out of the picture.
The Age of Ego
From the discovery of cave paintings over 40,000 years ago to the mass printing of history books on human events, mankind are creatures of documentation. The desire to be remembered stems from the self-centred perception of importance. This sense of superiority is derived from the progression of a civilization through centuries of development when the maturing of other species remained stagnant. Decisions and changes regarding other creatures were made on their behalf based on our selfish agenda. Megastructures like skyscrapers reaching for the clouds or massive extension of cities that destroy natural habitats are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of examples that the human ego has made us turn a blind eye to the detrimental impacts caused by our actions. If the development of so-called ‘civilization’ means the eradication of human decency, it is time to re-evaluate our values and morals.
Mother Nature as an Architect
Planet Earth being around for 4.5 billion years as opposed to the 2 million years humans walked the earth is proof that nature has been flourishing and existing way before our presence. The accuracy and details found in nature led some to suggest that this is a creator’s design, regardless of the existence of a deity, objects about such specificity that a slight imprecision may cause a domino effect that cascades into the non-existence of the whole planet should always be treated with caution. Moreover, the earth providing all our basic needs upon arrival should be reciprocated with gratitude, yet humanity is destroyed as if fuelled by hostility. From making creatures extinct to exploiting natural resources, humans boasting about their superiority towards other species but failing to be humane is the ultimate form of irony.
Reimaging a World Without Man-made Architecture
The crafted natural landscape that existed way before human existence is evidence that humanity will never be without Architecture. However, the existence of humans without man-made Architecture can be a viable thought. Facing the harsh environmental conditions with no shelters constructed guarantees a low survival rate for creatures with unadaptable bodily features like us. The constant hustle for survival leaves no spare time for contemplating philosophical ideologies or appreciating arts. The vanishing of the skills in humanity would be the biggest shame as it is equivalent to the lost admiration of beauty. However, suppose the ultimate destination of civilization is the destruction of the world’s natural habitat and, subsequently, the entire ecosystem that is currently ongoing, in that case, the loss of arts may be a blessing in disguise. Humans may finally learn to coexist with the environment and truly respect its way instead of utilizing greenwash as a publicity stunt. Incessant attempts at strategies to conquer nature to prove superiority will be tamed by the fear of living at the mercy of Mother Nature. However, without the ambition and desire to achieve, the lack of purpose may put humans in a contrasting state of aimless existence or a self-sufficient content. Without the urge to breakthrough, humans may finally be blessed with bliss by ignorance. Humans resorting to animalistic ways of living, be it physical or mental, may benefit the ecosystem, but not without the sacrifices of culture, civilization and vision.
Conclusion
Opinions may be divided on the outcomes of humanity without man-made Architecture, but the course that history has taken did bless us with the presence of civilization. The absence of man-made Architecture in our lives is not likely to happen but indulging in the possibility of what could have been shedding light onto the relevant ongoing problems. To make amends and establish respect towards nature, compensatory measures are needed, and human values need to be realigned. De-centering humans from the design process and considering all elements in nature equally could be the start to fulfilling our humane responsibilities.
