Architecture, for me, has been that lens to my eyes, which helped me put a broader sense to my vision. The wisdom through architecture advances my outlook from mere looking at spaces to experiencing them. For each space has its narrative to tell, all we need is to be aware of our senses and enjoy the anecdotes in which architecture plays an important role. As rightly said by John Lenon, “The more I see, the less I know for sure.”
From a Building to Spaces
Before starting my journey through architecture, I always perceived architecture as the art of designing and constructing buildings. As and when I went ahead in this journey, I realised it’s not only about the structures but also about the context it exists. The culture, social and political background plays an important role while forming a series of superstructures that exist within that space.
The culture of space and the structures around it are interdependent. The repetitive patterns in forms resulted in styles that, thus, underline the culture of a space. Architecture not only made me admire the culture but also helped me determine the fashion it has grown into. Thus a standalone building may not express its purpose entirely unless and until the background is considered.
The Colosseum, Rome not only defines the structure standalone, but also helps us understand the culture of Roman Empire.
From Idealisation to Execution
Architecture has been the language that helps us to deliver a concept into a functional form.
Through a variety of ideas that come up, the implementation of ideas is possible through a thorough understanding of architectural design. Architecture made me realise that the generation of concepts is not only based on how fanciful a structure shall look but should also take care of the functionality it provides. So, whatever shall be idealised should be practical for the proper functioning of a structure.
Implementation of ideas can also be possible through scientific technology that aids architectural design concepts. An envisioned form may not function in a given environment. As a result, perception through architecture can help us determine what works best in a given space which makes execution through alternating measures possible.
The selection of materials according to climate plays a vital role in the proper functioning of a form. Thus, even if a glass facade may seem interesting for a structure, it may not necessarily sustain in a given environment. During such times, the perception through architectural knowledge may lead us to take alternative measures. It may be in terms of change of material or through innovative technology to assist the glass facade.
Jawahar Kala Kendra designed by Charles Correa, was based on the principle of design of Jaipur, which was designed by Maharaja Jai Singh. The idealisation to execution is seen in the figure below
From Admiration to Questioning
Architecture is a medium to attain maturity in how we perceive spaces. Architecture not only helped me interpret how to perceive spaces, but it also taught me to figure out why it exists that way. The appreciation of forms thus is not only limited to their physical appearance but also the experience it gives to all the senses.
Through architecture, I thus realised to question not only how structures look externally but also how it evokes one’s senses. The reasoning of how and why, thus in turn, led me to admire a space even further. Perception through architecture thus made me broaden my insights. Admiration of structures now happens after I tend to answer myself the questions I raise. It makes me understand the approach that may have been made by the architect while designing. Thus, it also gives me a foresight on problem-solving through designing.
IIM Bangalore which was designed by BV Doshi is inspired by the city itself as known as ‘City of Gardens”. and Fatepur Sikri in Delhi
The network of spaces and green lush around the campus thus not only provides visual connectivity but also enhances the internal spaces with wind movement creating an ambient atmosphere necessary for students.
This helped me not only admire the aesthetics of the structure but also made me realise the establishment of concept.
To Perceive Art in Architecture
Human comfort has always been of great importance while designing spaces. Architecture not only suffices human comfort through functionality but also provides a physical essence of art. Space being a blank canvas, cultural forms and structures have been a majestic art in itself. Through perception through architecture, my attention to detail increased. In addition to that, the emergence of style and culture made more sense as to how they evolved over a period of time. The barbaric artistic stories, for instance, inscribed on walls always made me question their existence until I realised it was for the people who are not literate enough to read. Thus, it was not a mere art to fill the space while designing but also to propagate the wisdom to the people.
The perception through architecture made me understand the art in architecture. One of the predominant examples that made me understand this can be The Library and the Indian Parliament Building. It was idealised based on the relationship between the KIng and the Guru. A Guru always acknowledges the power of the King, while the King always respects the integrity of the Guru. The same resemblance is noticeable within these structures.
The perception I had before starting with architecture was thus brightened up with my eagerness to learn more, and experiment with my ideas for that is the way to grow in the profession.
