Architects might not be the final decision-makers, but we’re frequently decision-influencers and valued advisors. We may encourage better judgments by first understanding the decision-makers motives and then creatively linking those motivations to outcomes that also address larger problems.
A methodical procedure for arriving at a solution is design’s most powerful product. The first step in this process is to characterize the problem, and the more clearly a problem is described at the onset, the more quickly it may be solved. Consider the following factors that go into a typical construction site: microclimate, solar patterns, soil composition, terrain, views to and from the site, traffic patterns, local construction processes, nearby character and resources, and so on. These aspects are analyzed, prioritized, and synthesized by architects throughout the design process.
In a news conference in 2016, the Chilean Pritzker Prize laureate stated that he thought architecture’s ability to solve some of the world’s issues stemmed from a mix of practicality and knowledge. He also proposed that architecture be understood as a collection of tools for understanding society rather than a vocation. 1 As climate change rapidly becomes a menacing phantom hovering over the Earth, it is past time for people all over the world to be guided toward a more sustainable way of living. Architects who have been trained in the concepts of design thinking and space manipulation can develop unique answers to the main global concerns that governments all over the world confront today.
How does Architecture shape our society?
This can be best explained with a classic example of public architecture. The greek colonnade walkway – The stoa played an enormous role in shaping the societies of ancient Greece. Not only does it provide a platform for traders to sell their goods, the transparent yet grand architecture of the stoa also attracted philosophers and educationists to host their discussions. It also served as a public gallery of art and religion. stoicism- the philosophy of gratitude derived its name from the stoa in Athens.
As the world slowly adjusts to living in the aftermath of a pandemic, architecture is being called upon to transform our environments as we look forward to a post-pandemic society. Ongoing industry disputes extend from education to workspace, community, construction, and housing, as well as anything else that the recent few months’ problems have touched and altered.
Architecture as a tool of capitalism:
The relationship between architecture and capitalism is still a thorny one. The deadly possibility of exploitation exists, as it does with everything capitalism encounters. Even so, architects are seldom in direct conflict with money; otherwise, they would be out of a job. Unfortunately, architecture’s relationship with capitalism up to this point has generally resulted in exploitation and the extraction of surplus value from buildings and real estate. The underlying creativity inherent in architecture, on the other hand, shows that it may be able to disconnect capital and create better methods of functioning. If this is the case, architecture, as well as the lives of its residents, stand to benefit.
How does a common user perceive Architecture?
A nonarchitect won’t enter the intricacies of typologies and technical detail. However, everyone has an understanding of aesthetic and spatial comfort. Perception is what the individual perceives on a singular and subjective basis. a standard user may simply experience the spaces in terms of their scale, color, contrast, temperature, etc., and judge it by its level of comfort and extent to which they will relate to the space. For instance, neighborhoods with access to greenery and public spaces show greater community participation. We currently know, for example, that structures and urban areas can influence our mental well-being. Particularly cells inside the hippocampal region of our cerebrums are receptive to the geometry and spatial arrangements of the spaces we live in.
Architecture as a Solution:
How can the design and architecture industries work together to create smart cities that will benefit society in the long run? Instead than romanticizing architecture’s contribution, consider the following three key areas where this profession may have a significant impact:
Housing:
By 2030, it is anticipated that two-thirds of the world’s population would be living in cities. Urban sprawl and a shortage of housing are becoming more serious than ever. As a result, architects must concentrate on developing social housing for the urban people and improving their quality of life. Architects such as Charles Correa, Alejandro Aravena, B V Joshi, and others have responded to the situation by providing social layouts, incremental housing, and an optimized material palette.
Green Revolution:
Architecture is not just about constructing continually, but also about maintaining resources. Experts believe that cities will need to become new hubs of food production in order to feed a burgeoning population. To produce sustainable food supplies in the urban setting, inventors are researching everything from rooftop gardens to hydroponics.
Inventive Material Palette
The waters will contain more garbage than fish by 2050. It’s a challenge that necessitates addressing many waste streams, including recyclables like paper and plastic, organic garbage, electronics, textiles, and hazardous home products. The building sector is largely concerned with various materials ( Most of them are hazardous). There are a lot of organic, recyclable materials being developed nowadays. It is our job to pick construction materials wisely in order to avert a global garbage issue.
Architecture is not capable of solving all our problems and we shouldn’t blame it for our crisis. While it is evident that architects are not totally self-contained entities, they do have some obligation to their clients. Every architecture student enters the field with hopes of making a difference in the world. They can contribute and bring this change by working as a team with other professionals.
