On X (formerly Twitter,) you can find accounts and communities dedicated to every possible niche, including architecture. If you’re into architecture, Twitter may be the platform for you. This post will look at how Twitter is shaping architectural trends and the drawbacks of using the platform.
How Does Twitter Play a Part in Discussing Architecture?
Brevity
X is a platform that thrives on discussion, and its brevity can allow casual fans of architecture to contribute to the discussion without needing to have an essay’s worth of knowledge. While hardcore architects may prefer forums that let them be more verbose (without needing a blue check), X is a great place for even the most experienced to relax and share their thoughts.
Visual
Another way that X contributes is that it’s a very visual platform. Its reliance on photo and video content means photos of impressive architecture or a video exploring architecture will get many likes and reposts. Someone can be scrolling through the platform, and if they see a beautiful building, they will stop and repost it.
Democracy
Twitter is also good for democratizing knowledge. Many accounts have become gurus in their fields and are worth following if you want to increase your knowledge and find other architects with whom to collaborate.
For example, @ArchDaily has been a source for images and news since 2008. If you’re new to architecture Twitter, it’s well worth following.
Of course, X is for more than the big names. The platform allows smaller architects, including students, to make their voices heard. If you create great content and find your audience, you can gain many Twitter followers and become a big name on the platform.
Shaping Trends
Another use for Twitter is shaping architecture trends. Someone may discuss parametric architecture, which uses algorithms to influence shapes. Others may try to revive old trends that have fallen by the wayside but may need revisiting. Of course, Twitter does not reflect real life, but it can still influence the world. If a post catches on, it can get hundreds of thousands of likes and reposts, and other news outlets may pick up some discussions.
Drawbacks
Of course, Twitter is not the perfect place for an architect. Here are some drawbacks of this platform.
Misinformation
X is infamous for having misinformation. Someone may give you the wrong name for the type of architecture you’re seeing. Another issue is fake images. Photoshopped or AI-generated images may cloud your view of what is possible in the architecture world. Following reliable sources is one way that you can be sure your information is as real as possible. That said, even reliable sources can fall for fake photos. Be sure to look at photos carefully for any errors or run them through an AI checker.
Sometimes, you can find a community-noted post that clears up any misinformation, but a lot seeps through the cracks, so beware.
Lack of Naunced Discussion
Twitter is not the place if you want to have a nuanced discussion about architecture. In fact, the platform is infamous for toxic discourse, “rationing” other users (when your reply gets more likes than the original,) and misunderstandings. There’s a lack of moderation on the platform when it comes to discourse, so don’t expect a mod to step in and break things up if your arguments get heated. Also, many people on Twitter have some bias or agenda, so it’s important to know who you’re talking to before you end up getting too upset over an argument. They may be a troll or bot whose only purpose is to stir the pot.
Its Brevity
Twitter’s brevity is a con as well as a pro. Architecture can be complex. While X does allow for more characters for Premium users and allows you to make a tweet thread, the platform isn’t a place where people go to read long thoughts.
Final Thoughts
As an architect, Twitter can be a great place to discuss architecture, post cool images, or become an influencer. It can even influence trends. That said, it’s a very casual platform, and not all heated discussions on Twitter should be rflective of real life.
