There is an immense volume and variety of literature on architecture, a good portion of it is directly intended for students or future students who are considering this professional path. Every year there is indeed a new set of architects that have graduated without reading much about architecture, thus reading is not ‘necessary’ in order to become an architect. However, this doesn’t mean it lacks value. In his book ‘Lessons for Students in Architecture’ Herman Hertzberger demonstrates how it is easier to design and create when you already have references to work with.
What makes Herman Hertzberger’s book ‘Lessons for Students in Architecture’ stand out against other introductions to the world of architecture is his deep understanding of the relationship between architecture and the human condition. ‘The point is to give public spaces form in such a way that the local community will feel personally responsible for them so that each member of the community will contribute in his or her own way to an environment that he or she can relate to and can identify with’. His focus on the human experience can be appreciated in the various chapters of the book, Hertzberger shows a great comprehension of how humans interact within different spaces, private and public, as well as the threshold that serves as the in-between. Architects require an awareness of the value of designing projects that foster interaction and a sense of community. Hertzberger successfully demonstrates the difficulty of balancing privacy and exposure, reflecting his vast consideration of who his work is for.
In his book, Hertzberger does something that architecture students should always do, which is to ask questions. ‘With respect to every urban space we should ask ourselves how it functions: for whom, by whom, and for what purpose.’ Architects respond to situations, they provide a service, and to carry out this service they need to have a great insight of what is required from them and how to better approach it. There is never one single possible solution for a project, but evidently, some solutions are better suited than others, the best architects are the ones who understand what is being asked of them. In ‘Lessons for Students in Architecture’ Hertzberger tries to teach what questions architects should ask to reach the best solutions.
Herman Hertzberger provides the reader with a great set of examples that provide explanations, and in many instances, this comes accompanied by diagrams, the book manages to visually demonstrate the points that are being addressed, and in terms of the photographs, it is undeniable that the aesthetic quality is consistent and stimulating. The book successfully balances providing extensive information with keeping the reader entertained with illustrations and original examples, as well as delivering personal opinions that provide an almost intimate exploration of Hertzberger’s mind. ‘The examples and influences which abound in this book constitute the cultural context within which an architect works, and an impression is given of the range of concepts and mental images that must serve as his tools (can a person’s output of ideas ever be greater than the input?). Everything that is absorbed and registered in your mind adds to the collection of ideas stored in the memory: a sort of library you can consult whenever a problem arises.’
Readers are going to learn not only about architecture but also to criticize it. Herman Hertzberger doesn’t shy away from pointing out problems that were present in the industry when he wrote ‘Lessons for Students in Architecture’, most of which are still relevant today. It is common for books that serve as an introduction for future architects to showcase an idealistic vision of architecture, usually by romanticizing the profession and by trying to inspire a desire for grandeur, to encourage students to work towards accomplishing great tasks. In contrast, Hertzberger’s book genuinely serves as a guide, it is a warning of all the possible mistakes that can be made, it provides an explanation of ways to avoid them, and it provides inspiration by demonstrating that with creativity, research, and practice, architects can improve the world around them.
‘Books on architecture that are being published (with) glossy photographs, taken in perfect weather conditions, you can´t help wondering what goes on in the architect’s minds. For what can architecture be other than concerning oneself with situations in daily life. The point is that whatever you do, wherever and however you organize space, it will inevitably have some degree of influence on the situation of people. Architecture, indeed, everything that is built, cannot help playing some kind of role in the lives of the people who use it, and it is the architect’s main task, whether he likes it or not, to see to it that everything he makes is adequate for all those situations.’
To read this book can be overwhelming, as it showcases all the details an architect must take into account when designing, but for those who truly desire to become experts in the field, it will serve as inspiration. Architecture is one of those career paths that require professionals to constantly keep learning, as the world keeps changing, and so does the way that architects should approach their profession. Herman Hertzberger‘s ‘Lessons for Students in Architecture’ is not only a book one should read if they are considering working as an architect, but all architects should take a good look at it, to make sure they are still on the right track.
Citation:
- Hertzberger, H. and Rike, I. (2016). Lessons for students in architecture. Rotterdam: Nai010 Publishers. pp45
- Hertzberger, H. and Rike, I. (2016). Lessons for students in architecture. Rotterdam: Nai010 Publishers. pp64
- Hertzberger, H. and Rike, I. (2016). Lessons for students in architecture. Rotterdam: Nai010 Publishers. pp5
- Hertzberger, H. and Rike, I. (2016). Lessons for students in architecture. Rotterdam: Nai010 Publishers. pp174
