Architecture is a multifaceted discipline that integrates art, science, and storytelling to create living, working, and recreational environments. It raises the act of building construction to the status of a profession responsive to and addressing social needs, cultural identity, and the perpetuation of environmental sustainability. This essay looks at the transition process in architectural education by way of some of the paramount technical skills gained and how they give meaning to our lives and communities.
Architecture as an Aesthetic Expression
Architecture is traditionally taught and viewed in the context of aesthetics. Several iconic buildings by some globally recognized architects: Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, and Le Corbusier, inspired not only the general public but the next generation of architects as well. Those architectural buildings, representing some new forms and visual appearance, in most cases, will turn into landmarks and an emblem of architecture (Frampton, 2007).
Aesthetics in architecture concerns the creation of visually stimulating structures, thus awakening feeling and uplifting the human experience. It entails applying some of the design principles including symmetry, proportion, and balance in establishing harmony within a built environment. As much as this aesthetic appeal is important, it is just one of the dimensions of the architectural practice as indicated by Ching in 2014.
Social Responsibility as Architecture
Contemporary architecture goes beyond aesthetics, affecting a bigger social duty. This paradigmatic change reflects a realisation that a building or a space affects most people’s lives and communities. This broadened role encompasses creating environments that are not only beautiful but also performable, sustainable, and inclusive. (Leach, 2009 )
User-Centred Design
User-centred design encompasses spatial conceptions which flatly place the requirements and experiences of human beings at the very centre of other processes involved in architecture. It is a task calling for direct engagement with the views of prospective users of spaces to learn of their needs, their behaviours, and finally their visions. This consideration does make sure that the environment is practical and boosts the well-being of occupants.
For example, in the case of a community centre project, considerations have to be made for a broad range of different user groups, from very young to old people. Doors that are accessible, rooms that can be flexibly used for all activities, as well as places for social encounters, are just some of the elements that enable a building to function as intended by its use (Ching, 2014).
Sustainability
In this regard, sustainability in architecture meets one of the primary concerns about environmentally sensitive design. Architects bear great potential to reduce the ecological footprint of buildings through energy-efficient designs, the use of sustainable materials, and the integration of renewable sources of energy.
Techniques relating to passive solar design, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting are becoming part and parcel of contemporary architecture. The methods, apart from reducing the environmental impact, make healthy living environments by ensuring good air and reduced energy use (Edwards, 2014).
Accessibility
The base of good architecture, therefore, should lay on the foundation of creating accessible environments. Universal application of design principles is one way by which one space can be made accessible to all people, whether they can move or not. That involves access features like ramps, wide doors, and accessible washrooms. Such features will make buildings navigable for everyone, not leaving out the disabled.
If architects consider access at inception, these are environments that would respect diversified society needs and encourage independence and inclusivity (Pallasmaa, 2012).
Technical Skills in Architecture
The profession of architecture requires a strong set of technical skills that enable architects to translate concepts into designs that assure buildings are safe, functional, and sustainable. These skills are the backbone of architectural practice.
Competence in Design Software
Modern architects should be able to use designing software like AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, and SketchUp, which are good for the ability of the architect to express thoughts explicitly through drawings, 3D designs, and elevations. Digital drawing tools help to communicate ideas effectively between the client, engineers, and construction teams. Kostof (1995).
Additionally, learning to use such software applications presents the importance of precision and detailing in architectural work, which helps architects visualise their designs more easily and in more detail, thus enabling further adaptations and corrections before construction (Frampton, 2007).
Structural Engineering Basics
The concepts of structural engineering are very fundamental in architecture. Understanding how buildings stand up and how various materials react to specified conditions helps assure safety and the feasibility of designs. This ranges from the study of load-bearing elements and foundation design to the properties of construction materials (Deplazes, 2013).
The principles of designing structures inform architects to make buildings that can withstand environmental stresses and demands for use in questions relating to long lifespan and safety (Kostof, 1995).
Building Codes and Regulations
The knowledge of building codes and regulations remains an important component of ensuring architectural designs comply with aspects including safety and the rule of law. The codes, by all means, do cover aspects such as fire safety, structural integrity, and accessibility of a building (Leach, 2009).
Knowledge of these regulations remains important in steering clear of the legal and administrative requirements for architectural practice and ensuring that projects fulfil all necessary criteria for approval and construction (Ching, 2014).
Construction Techniques and Materials
Having practical knowledge of the techniques and materials used in construction enables an architect to understand how buildings are constructed. This experience thus allows them to make design decisions that relate to the use of appropriate materials and methods of construction, making their design relevant for both functionality and durability (Deplazes, 2013).
This practically comes to the student through visiting sites, workshops, and working with professionals in the field of construction, thus bringing the theory and practise together (Frampton, 2007).
Impact of Architecture
The ultimate goal of architecture is to create spaces that can improve or enhance people’s and communities’ lives. Of course, through education and practice, the true nature of the effect of architecture on man’s life is very apparent.
Improving Quality of Life
Well-designed spaces have a considerable positive impact on the quality of life of the occupant. It can be illustrated by the comfort and functionality in a home or how efficient and productive it makes a workforce at a workstation. A good design captures or portrays what is needed and creates an environment that would put people at ease, encourage social interaction, and support user needs.
Architecture also contributes to the aspect of constructing communities and sociality. Ideal public spaces in favour of rendezvous for all our parks, plazas, and community/civic centres that provide access, the role of intersection and engagement. The spaces should be designed with the most welcoming approachable and amenable that aids in enhancing the social vitality of any community. (Edwards, 2014)
Preservation of Cultural Identity
Architecture may also imply the preservation and celebration of cultural heritage. Historical buildings and landmarks are what stand to connote communities in terms of history and identity. Altogether through preservation and adaptive reuse, architects serve to guard such valuable assets and ensure they continue contributing positively towards the act of the cultural landscape.
It is through the study of the different processes of conservation and the sensitiveness of these processes within the culture that appreciation for architecture in the preservation of our common heritage has been deepened (Frampton, 2007).
Response: Global Challenges
b) Architectural contribution to solving global challenges – The world is currently going through challenges of climate change, urbanisation, and social inequality. Such problems can be resolved only by enabling more innovative and sustainable solutions for design. Architects today are, therefore increasingly required by Edwards, 2014, to design those buildings, which will be resilient and can adapt to the challenges of the future in the communities equally resilient.
More than that, though, this global experience has hammered down the aspects of sustainability, adaptability, and forward-looking in architectural practice (Leach, 2009).
A Holistic Approach to Architecture
Architecture is the epitome of visual narration; it sculpts the built environment, which houses human beings and influences human life daily. An exercise in creativeness and prudence, beauty and utility, with touches of social responsibility carried out in total is a never-ending affair in an architect’s life. It is with this in mind, and by accepting lessons learned from architectural education and seeking improvement relentlessly, that architects can turn their power to storytelling in such a way that meaningful, powerful, long-lasting spaces can be created.
References:
Ching, F. D. K. (2014). Architecture: Form, Space, and Order. John Wiley & Sons.
Deplazes, A. (2013). Constructing Architecture: Materials, Processes, Structures; a Handbook. Birkhäuser.
Edwards, B. (2014). Rough Guide to Sustainability: A Design Primer. RIBA Publishing.
Frampton, K. (2007). Modern Architecture: A Critical History. Thames & Hudson.
Kostof, S. (1995). A History of Architecture: Settings.
Pallasmaa, J. (2012). The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. Wiley.Transitional Spaces in Indian Architecture and Urban Planning: A Vital Element of Connectivity and Culture
Thearchspace. (2023, November 2). Impact Of Architecture In Our Lives And Our Perception In 4 Points. THE ARCHSPACE. https://thearchspace.com/impact-of-architecture-in-our-lives/
Techn, B. H. Y. D. (2023, October 15). The Architecture of Storytelling – Bahram H Yousefi, Dr. techn. – Medium. Medium. https://bhys.medium.com/the-architecture-of-storytelling-20cef54d12c5
