Being in the architecture field has changed my vantage point toward every block of structure. Every individual has a different perspective because of their liking for one form over another; some need attractive facades while others need technical forms, or maybe simple plain forms work for others. Forms, drama, color palettes, and other instances are crucial factors in this creative field.
When I did not have deep knowledge of this creative field, I would roam around a structure without even noticing its integral details or knowing the importance of the surrounding landscape. Acquiring knowledge about these features changes me in a way that even the tiniest details can change the environment completely. Having meaningful conversations about the specific project can alter its outcome.
In architectural design and planning, directions and orientations play a vital role. The most important is the north because, according to Vaastu Shastra, the important aspects of each space, for instance, the placement of the kitchen stove, the temple, the headboard of the bed in the bedroom, etc., are oriented to face the north. Ventilation, sun path, and most other environmental factors have an importance all their own in the architecture field; north-facing windows and openings let in more light, whereas south-facing ones bring in warmth, and thus spaces are oriented depending on their heat and light requirements.
For instance, when I saw Kanchanjunga Apartments designed by Ar. Charles Correa in Mumbai for the first time, I thought, “Why are these openings used?” Why didn’t the architect include that space in the flat itself? Later, coming into the field, I came to know the scientific reason for the punchers.
Coming to public spaces, I only knew the Mughal gardens in New Delhi were inspired by Persian gardens, precisely the Chaarbaugh style. Thereafter, during my studies, my faculty explained that the fountains and water chutes of Mughal gardens are a symbol of rebirth and renewal of life, and they also serve as a reminder of and homage to the mountainous streams of Asia and Afghanistan that Babur was famously fond of.
Being in this field I realized that the places serve a purpose to a community designing a railway station should not only serve higher economy people but rather street vendors should get benefit from the same as this community is also an important part of the same
With this fresh outlook, I started giving a closer look at these details, like how the space between the columns of the metro bridges can be utilized for other purposes like parking, small souvenir shops, etc.
A person having enough knowledge about the image given below would unquestionably understand certain things like the significance of the material used, the design and concept evolution, and so on. whereas a person with zero knowledge would not know any of the important parts of the same structure and have a plain thought on the same. This shows knowledge of architecture changes the perspective.
In yesteryears, architecture has just a basic need, after World War, it started gaining importance and geared up with the help of technology and new inventions over time. Designers and architects came up with every required solution for the community problem. Throughout these years, different forms of architecture were invented as per the region’s needs. perhaps it was only done because of the architect’s will to change their style of work and his imagination that developed the world a lot
Speaking of places of worship, they are beautiful structures that are rich in culture and heritage. The purpose of these spaces is to give shelter to the needy as well as serve food for the same. In general terms, a layman would not know how rich his culture is if these spaces didn’t exist, as these structures are the most influential and expressive ones in many communities. In the given images, one can see the difference between a southern Indian temple and a church. This typology of architecture can solely represent the era they were built in. Before modernization took place, these spaces were the largest type of structure in the world.
“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” –Frank Gehry
The voyage of every individual from blank spaces to spaces serving their purpose and value is considered a good design. A famous book, Thinking Architecture, by Peter Zumthor, explains how the right perception of architecture can serve as a better experience for a design.
The above-given instances are just a few points of how a course can change our whole perspective once we start focusing on a better environment while gaining knowledge about it. This further pushes one to research more about various aspects of architecture and look at the spaces with a fresh viewpoint.