The earliest known record of humans creating shelter is using bones and animal skin. From there, humans evolved to use caves, the invention of the wheel, tools, etc and slowly started to build huts and homes. And by doing so, they started creating communities and civilisations, where they would come together as a society and help out. This shows how humans cannot live without architecture as it’s fundamentally essential for humans.
To emphasise this point further, consider this example, where there was this bamboo workshop which was to be attended by students as part of the curriculum. It was a hands-on workshop- from sourcing the bamboo to shaping it, cutting it, and finally assembling it. The idea of the workshop was to show the usage of bamboo as a construction material. A lot of trial and error in terms of stability and strength was done. Luckily there was a bamboo master to help with these problems which would make one wonder how it would’ve been for the early humans to figure things out. For them it was likely a matter of livelihood as they sought shelter from animals and harsh weather and in contrast, the students were building a structure just out of pure curiosity.
Through this workshop, the students learnt not just about the material and its properties but also how to work in a community. It makes it much easier and fun to build structures with other companions as they learn a lot from each other as humans. That is exactly how architecture also works. Humans thrive in harmony. Creating spaces for living beings creates a framework for social interactions and growth as an individual as well as a community.
As humans evolved and started living in communities, there grew demand for a better standard of living as well. People start seeking more, expecting more and thus evolving along with it. It was more than just a space used for shelter, it was a community. A place where people come together and live in harmony. Certain examples of such elements would be – water bodies, baths, gardens, etc. Different civilisations added their cultural touch to personalise their societies and to create homes. It also differed from habitat to habitat. Tropical climate called for overhangs and eves, whereas semi-arid climate called for effective shading systems. The two combined, ecosystem and culture, created the different styles of architecture we see and learn about nowadays.
Architecture is woven and grown intricately with humans. As civilisations evolved, the importance of religion, politics and social hierarchy also grew, which in turn resulted in the construction of great architectural marvels such as pyramids, ziggurats, churches, forts, and temples. These were a symbol of power to mankind. From there on, it evolved to creating intricate, delicate structures like jharokhas, to showcase skill and as a symbol of prestige. It started as a fundamental means of shelter and now holds values of vast wealth. Architecture also helps in showcasing the wealth and social status of a person as well. Havelis are grand mansions which were built for the nobles with elaborate carvings and frescos. Nallukettus were courtyards within the center of the house which was used as a gathering point for everyday activities of festivities. They reflect not just wealth and status, but also social traditions of particular regions.
As time went by and evolution took place, humans started adapting to the nature of the environment and combined science with architecture to create spaces better suited for society. Over time, with varying factors, such as population, climate change, urbanisation, etc., it may be gaining its status of fundamentally being a place of shelter. Buildings look similar in every part of the world and not much seems to differentiate them either. It lacks the social and cultural elements, which is reducing the depth of our interactions and identities. Architecture is not just the shapes in our physical environment but also the factor which brings society together, without which humans would lack the subtle intricacies which celebrate human and social cohesion.
In essence, human existence without architecture as we know of today, would be profoundly altered if not for the culture and practical elements that architecture provides. This circumstance should help us appreciate the role of architecture, not in just physical aspects but also in the way it has enhanced human experiences.
