UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING AND CONTRIBUTION OF ARCHITECTURE IN A MORE ELEBORATIVE WAY: GOING BEYOND THE PURSUIT OF BUILDING DESIGNING

 Throughout history, architecture has stood as a representation of society, reflecting the values, successes, and eventual downfall of civilizations over time. From the monumental structures to the residences and buildings that make up the fabric of a city, we can learn a lot about who the people were who inhabited them long before our time. By studying the built environment of the past, combined with modern-day research on psychology and the environment, we’re coming to understand the effects of architecture on people in entirely new ways, which begs the question: Just how does architecture impact society? The Importance of Architecture At its roots, architecture exists to create the physical environment in which people live, but architecture is more than just the built environment, it’s also a part of our culture. It stands as a representation of how we see ourselves, as well as how we see the world. While the concept of shelter is a fairly simple thing, the style of buildings was originally shaped by the climate of a particular location, what materials were readily available, as well as the values of the society building them. As the world became more and more connected, the styles evolved, but even in modern construction, there is still an importance in honoring the cultural nuances in the built environment. 

AS THESE EVOLUTIONS IN SOCIETY AND DESIGN OCCUR, THERE’S THE QUESTION OF WHAT TO DO WITH OLD, OUTDATED, AND RUN-DOWN BUILDINGS. SOME ARE MODIFIED TO TAKE ON DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS, WHILE OTHERS ARE DEMOLISHED, DEEMED TO BE BEYOND REPAIR. 

Well-designed architecture and the connection individuals have to it is not something that’s easily quantified.

However, we all know the feeling of walking into a space that just feels right. It’s not only functional but resonates with you on a different, subconscious level. While designing for function is certainly crucial, it’s important to tap into that emotional connection as well, as they both speak to the sense of experiencing architecture. It’s not just an intellectual understanding, but a connection between the user and space. Successful project comes from understanding that the spaces and buildings we love most stir up feelings in us that aren’t easy to quantify but are created from the process of collecting and implementing all this knowledge and research. 

There are countless ways that architects can continue to evolve the occupation and respond to the changing needs of our society. We just need to step up to the challenge, believing we’re capable of it.

 -Nandini Shaw