Fun fact: We live, breathe, and thrive in a world where a staggering 90% of our existence unfolds within buildings and the remaining almost entirely in its immediate proximity. (Evans & McCoy, 1998)
Architecture, defined as the “art of building and construction,” transcends the confines of this seemingly straightforward definition. (Brockhaus, 1987) From the cozy nooks of our childhood bedrooms to our towns’ vibrant parks and streets, architecture is the story of our evolution, a silent narrator of our past, present, and future. Long before we knew what to call it, we were immersed in its embrace, navigating the world shaped by its unseen presence. Comprehending the intricacies of architecture can seem rather perplexing, much like understanding hidden meanings within a complex novel penned in a foreign language. Yet, even without formal training, we intuitively interact with architecture, allowing it to shape our lives.
The Role of Architecture Through Human Evolution
Human beings, as creatures of the flesh, exhibit an innate tendency to shape their surroundings in harmony with their corporeal existence. (Johnson, 2015) From the primal urge to seek shelter against physical elements—survival birthed the builder, and builders unearthed the art of architecture. These rudimentary forms of shelter marked the genesis of architectural exploration.
As societies evolved and communities emerged, their shared spaces evolved to reflect the needs and aspirations of the individuals who inhabited them. Once a basic necessity, shelter morphed into a nuanced concept of “home sweet home.” While loosely hinged upon functional needs like sustenance, shelter, recreation, and rest, these structures extend far beyond survival-centric activities. These homes were not just physical structures but embodiments of culture, individuality, and aspirations.
The evolution of architecture mirrors the evolution of humanity itself. With urbanization came urban planning and the birth of cities. This development expanded beyond individual buildings to encompass entire urban landscapes, fostering communal life, civic identity, and cultural vibrancy. Fast forward to the 21st century, we find ourselves in an era defined by Instagram-worthy designs, where architecture serves as an expression of brand identity, societal status, and economic prosperity.
The Architect’s Ever-Evolving Perspective
As one strolls through the streets of a bustling city, one’s perception is often guided by the facades of buildings, the interplay of light and shadow, and the immediate sensory experience. To an average pedestrian, this journey is often perceived as a collage of their experiences and happenstance encounters. For an architect, however, these seemingly insignificant details are the building blocks of a holistic architectural experience. Instead of seeing buildings as static entities, architects view them as dynamic elements that interact with their surroundings and their inhabitants. Each building stands as a testament to the deliberate choices made by the architect; an echo of their vision, telling the story of its time and culture.
In his book, “The Architecture of Happiness,” Alain de Botton explores how architects possess a heightened sensitivity to proportions, materials, and spatial relationships. (Botton, 2014) This sensitivity, cultivated through years of education and practice, is what sets architects apart.
Architectural Education: A Foundation of Perception
The journey of an architect begins with formal education, a transformative phase that reshapes their perceptions of the built environment. In the early years of architectural training, students often find themselves awestruck by the grandeur of iconic buildings like the Taj Mahal or the Burj Khalifa. However, they soon learn that architecture extends far beyond aesthetics. Through five years of rigorous submissions, juries, and a myriad of all-nighters, they learn to analyze, critique, and reimagine the built environment. This exposure broadens their perspective and teaches them that there is no universal formula for design.
Each project is a unique response to specific challenges and opportunities. The young architect’s inquisitive mind springs forth with a ceaseless stream of questions: “How can this space be more efficient? How can we maximize natural light? Are the minimum standards and guidelines satisfied?” Their perception is a constant inquiry, a quest for the perfect design solution. Their training has led them to see beyond mere walls and ceilings, envisioning how people will move, interact, and feel within those spaces.
From the earliest sketches on paper, architecture school fosters a vivid imagination that allows students to envision structures, spaces, and landscapes before they exist. This ability to visualize transcends mere two-dimensional drawings, finding its sacred repository in architects’ sketchbooks. These unassuming notebooks become journals of imagination, where rough strokes and intricate lines illustrate creative thinking. Each page represents raw inspiration, a canvas where stories and designs intertwine.
Architecture constantly tells stories, but often, these narratives remain decoded and appear as one-dimensional, flat representations to the eyes of a layperson. Observers perceive a building primarily as a functional structure or a backdrop to their daily activities. Now, as a student, the same individual delves beneath the surface, seeking to understand the building’s essence and its relationship with its surroundings. Their perception extends beyond the visual realm to encompass a multi-dimensional experience. Every texture, sound, and play of light informs their design decisions, infusing spaces with depth and meaning. (Pallasmaa, 2012)
Professional Experience: The Evolution of Perception
As architects transition from the classroom to the professional world, their perception of the built environment undergoes a transformative evolution. Practical experience exposes them to the real-world constraints and challenges of architecture, pushing them to refine their perception and adapt to the complexities of the field.
Peter Zumthor, in “Thinking Architecture,” acknowledges the transitory nature of architecture. He suggests, “The way we build is dependent on a general culture, on the nature of society, on economic conditions, and on technology.” (Zumthor, 2010) This evolution is a testament to the constant learning, adaptability, and creativity involved in the architectural profession. Just as the built environment is constantly changing, so is the architect’s perception of it, ensuring that architecture remains a vibrant and ever-relevant field.
Driven by insights from every project, an architect’s perception evolves alongside evolving needs and contexts. In the initial stages of their career, they may be enamored by extravagant structures and flashy statements, but with experience, their focus gradually shifts to appreciating the subtle beauty of well-crafted, functional spaces.
Conclusion
Architecture traces its evolution from ancient caves, born from raw instincts of survival, to the soaring heights of skyscrapers, courtesy of modern-day technology and innovations. Through their experiences, education, and professional practice, architects develop a heightened awareness of the design, materials, and contextual factors that shape the world around them. This perception allows them to create spaces that transcend functionality, engaging the senses and enriching the human experience. So, next time you find yourself wandering through the city, consider putting on the lens of an architect. Seek the stories etched in every line and curve, for in the facades of buildings, you’ll discover not just surfaces but the kaleidoscopic tapestry of humanity’s architectural imagination.
References
Botton, D.A. (2014) The architecture of happiness. London: Penguin Books Ltd.
Brockhaus Enzyklopädie (1987). Mannheim: Brockhaus.
Evans, G.W. and McCoy, J.M. (1998) ‘When buildings don’t work: The role of architecture in human health’, Journal of Environmental Psychology, 18(1), pp. 85–94. doi:10.1006/jevp.1998.0089.
Johnson, M.L. (2015) ‘The embodied meaning of architecture’, Mind in Architecture, pp. 33–50. doi:10.7551/mitpress/10318.003.0004.
Pallasmaa, J. (2012) The eyes of the skin: Architecture and the Senses. Chichester: Wiley.
Zumthor, P. (2010) Thinking architecture. Basel: Birkhäuser.
