“I believe that the way people live can be directed a little by architecture.” – Tadao Ando
Since the beginning, architecture has represented society, reflecting on civilizations, cultures, and values. The residences, commercial spaces, noteworthy structures, and community spaces build the fabric of the city. This fabric concludes about the people inhabiting there and their past.
The concept of shelter dates back to many centuries. Architecture and the style of buildings was originally designed by the climate of the region, local materials available, and the societal values surrounding them. As the world started connecting, the styles evolved, but even in the present construction, communal nuances still play an integral role in the built environment.
Impact of Architecture
Architecture influences the public not only on a communal level but also, on a physical level leaving a profound effect on the occupants. The colors, textures, materials, and space organization contribute to the mood, health, and productivity of the habitants.
Imagine, looking out from the window, expecting to see aesthetic, pleasant surroundings and instead one perceives sterile, concrete landscape and unimaginative buildings, that induces high levels of stress. Designing cities and buildings to create a mindful connection with nature helps people to be contented and relaxed.
Well-designed architecture and the association people have with it, is not easily enumerated. Designing it functionally is crucial and it is important to connect it to emotional connection at the same time, as they both imply to the sense of experiencing architecture.
Changing perceptions
Architecture, not only characterizes the existing cultural identity but also, the epithet of how its creators wish to showcase their image in the future. It is the documentation of the social, economic, and political dynamics of the groups they signify. It profoundly displays how people across the world live, work, and socialize.
The outlook towards a space is different for each individual. Considering an architect’s perception, the emphasis is on aesthetics, whilst a designer would dive deeper into the details of a portion. Assessing the building more with their existential reality, non-architects would focus on the utilitarian dimension. All the perceptions, necessarily, may not be positive as all the appealing forms might not be equally functional.
Architecture In Present Day
In recent years though, attempts to make the architecture more functional, are being carried out. The use of technology makes it easier. It is safe to assume that the technology will have a strong impact on the future of architecture. With the advancement of technology, new structural methods like cantilevering are being explored. Also, the involvement of technology has made an impact in various ambitious projects possible which characterizes the boldness and eccentricity of design. For instance, Guggenheim Museum, Spain.
With the emphasis on technology, the role of architects keeps changing. Since, architecture would always remain a human-centered profession, a few manual processes can at times, be replaced by technology. The digital design experience should be embraced as the world moves forward. Adaptability, flexibility, and implementation of new technologies will ensure that the collaborative minds, at the center of the profession, continue being a vital component of architecture.
An Eye for Details
During the architectural study, the perspective changes vastly, we start eyeing the details. We tend to dive deeper into the history of the structure, its materials, the surroundings, etc. It is an involuntary response that gets inculcated in us once we learn the concepts of ‘designing’ and start noticing the minute details associated with any space.
For instance, when one looks at this massive cathedral, as an architect, the thoughts would revolve around the evolution of the form, the elements, the structural system, the use of colors and textures.
“Details, when they are successful, are not mere decoration. They do not distract or entertain. They lead to an understanding of the whole of which they are an inherent part.” — Peter Zumthor
Virtual Learning
With the technological capabilities taking command, new mediums are changing the architectural profession at a fundamental level. Thus, it becomes necessary for professionals to keep up with the present. Architects must gain the apt skills required during the academic period. The sudden shifts to online learning, due to the pandemic, have opened new doors to the future. In a discipline, that conventionally involves working in groups, in shared studio spaces where building physical models is an essential part of the learning process. the sudden shift to online education produced both opportunities and challenges.
The unexpected shift to online learning will lead to a greater diversity of students increasing access to architectural education. Architecture studios are lauded as being creative spaces, but it lacks direct exposure to the working processes and values of the professional field. In such cases, online programs would provide an in-person experience. Thus, a transition to online education is a realistic opportunity and fulfills the disconnect between architecture knowledge and its implementation.
As time elapses, peoples’ outlook towards architecture changes. It is astounding to see the impact spaces and structures have on everyone’s lives. People have started looking for spaces that are functional at the same time aesthetically pleasing. Architecture has played its role in indicating the historical cultures and their evolution to modern-day values. It links the past and the present and provides hope for a better future. Architecture transcends time and space, uniting communities globally.
References List
Citations for websites:
World Architecture Community. (n.d.). Current architecture education is detached from the profession, according to Patrik Schumacher. [online] Available at: https://worldarchitecture.org/article-links/ecfgh/current-architecture-education-is-detached-from-the-profession-according-to-patrik-schumacher.html [Accessed 10 Dec. 2021].
Anon, (2015). The Current Condition of Architectural Design (part 1) – IEREK. [online] Available at: https://www.ierek.com/news/index.php/2015/01/13/current-condition-architectural-design/ [Accessed 10 Dec. 2021].
Citations for images/photographs – Print or Online
AFP/AFP/AFP/Getty Images (2018). Looking at buildings can actually give people headaches. Here’s why. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/why-looking-at-buildings-can-give-people-headaches/index.html [Accessed 8 Dec. 2021].
FMGB Guggenheim Bilbao Museoa, 2021 (n.d.). THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM BILBAO. Available at: https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/the-building [Accessed 9 Dec. 2021].
World Facts (2019). The Most Famous Structures In The World. Available at: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-most-famous-structures-in-the-world.html [Accessed 10 Dec. 2021].
Citations for Print Journals:
Saba Alnusairat, Duaa Al Maani and Amer Al-Jokhadar (2020). Architecture students’ satisfaction with and perceptions of online design studios during COVID-19 lockdown: The case of Jordan universities. [online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346719610_Architecture_students’_satisfaction_with_and_perceptions_of_online_design_studios_during_COVID-19_lockdown_The_case_of_Jordan_universities/citation/download.
