Humans have evolved from cave men to making modern technology and innovation. Does architecture have any role in it? Is architecture only the art of buildings and creating space? Can humans live on without architecture?
Architecture has an immense role in understanding the Holocene era. Millions of years ago, before war and wealth, humans survived and classified built structures, initially erected rocks, which might have accidentally led to what we now know as architecture. It was not a time people knew how to record those historic moments but the built environment at that time narrates the story of how humans once lived through.
Architecture as we know it
The concept of architecture was derived as a method by humans to settle down and live comfortably and gradually began reflecting the cultural identity and the demographics. The architectural style of each place speaks for itself to its visitors. Inhabitance and habitat of people navigate the course of lifestyle. Without architecture, people would not have been able to move from the primitive method of building a shelter to the comfort of a home. Moreover, smart technologies and the built environment may not be as popular as it is presently. Without this advanced system, life would not be as convenient as it is now.
Humans always transform spaces occupied so that it feels convenient and familiar. It’s proven that healthy architecture helps boost a healthier lifestyle and humans feel more at ease. Architecture has the flexibility to match one’s lifestyle for the psychological well-being of people. Architects take utmost care in building a place as comfortable and positive as possible where people spend most of their time which is why the design process always starts with the client briefing helping them to understand the user end thoroughly.
Influence of Build Environment at Present.
Although architecture may seem pretty complicated, the current trend is self-explanatory that humans now prioritize the inclusion of nature and minimalistic design. At present, sustainable methods and local architectural styles are embraced, tracing the olden days, and highlighting a safer and healthier environment. Intense and individualistic designs are current take on the design aspect of architecture where people can feel more attached and relieved at the place they spend their time. The modern built environment focuses on the comfort zone of the user in general, namely public transport connectivity to all the major nodes of the city, the availability of the public spaces, parks, and commercial areas, walkability, and use of the smart system while ensuring the safety and security of the user.
Built surroundings have perks over our physical and mental condition, and productivity and help people feel more focused on their assigned tasks. Architecture solves many social issues like overcrowding and aids in polishing the skyline of a city. Since the cultural background of an area directly influences the architecture, it provides a brief but crisp idea about the locality through its design, materiality, building technique, and so on. Architecture represents the host country, which explains how the natives view the style and would like to put forth their style to the world to experience their culture.
A World Void of Architecture
We all live in an era where the majority would choose comfort over style and technology over books. Imagine a world without architecture, with no particular assigned place for anything that we are familiar with, which would have turned out to be chaotic considering the increasing population of the world.
With architecture out of the frame, the evolution of human life would have been impossible, with no place for children to learn, people to work, public gatherings, or even a place to worship. Designed public spaces and landscapes have also been in the books for a long now since it captures the eye of the viewer and protects and preserves the natural species and environment. By serving public functions, the economic status of the host country improves as well. These spatial functions are included in the design palette to ensure that people are inclusive of their surroundings and the need to use the spaces.
Embrace the Impact of the Designed Environment
Many modern technologies have helped make our lives much more uncomplicated. Artificial Intelligence or AI technology is in favor these days, and it explains human dependency on technology from controlling the temperature and light in the building, security system, access, and entertainment which takes a toll on the overall building performance. Sustainability, pollution, walkability, and climate control are the other problems currently addressed by architecture. Renewable energy sources are considered for the design process, providing hope for a greener planet. Carefully designed spaces by professionals provide minimal damage to society.
Architecture is human artistic creation for any place. Human lifestyle is indeed dependent on architecture. Although our ancestors kickstarted it as a shelter or it is now a technologically advanced field, addressing people’s comfort individually and collectively and promises a better living for the future generation.
References and Citations:
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2.Dissertation
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3.Article
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