Architecture

In trying to go to the origins of mankind, one may conclude that the tendency of human response is rooted to geographical condition of a given place (which Architects call it -“climate”). Generations of trying to stay alive in given geographical constraints have led to what we call as ‘history’ (improvisations, optimizations, beliefs, culture and so on) and the collective memories of repeated events in human existence has led our thoughts to what we call as ‘philosophy’ (the connection of a particular situation to the universal or perhaps the idea of timelessness from the perception of time).

At best, the understanding and application of the idea of ‘Architecture’ (as said by eminent Architect Aashish Ganju from New Delhi, India) lies at the intersection of vectors formed by geography, history and philosophy. That is the potential of architecture – not just bricks and stones, but the ability to create experience, feelings, moods, hope, aspirations from a simple and profound arrangement of spaces. Thus, Architecture can be equated to Music, and whatever magic music distills in our minds, so can architecture! What we, as Architects, try to understand is the potential of “space”. If we just take a pause and think – all of our lives happen in space – private or public or residence or streets or wherever you go (born or dead) you are in space. Thus, we think and live through space. It is so fundamental a thing, that we take it for granted and don’t seem to be conscious regarding the same (are we aware that we take oxygen?!)….

However, it is the role of the Architect, to remain aware of this fact and to make good use of the same. For us, space can have multiple meanings – equal to the number of people on earth. How does an architect, therefore, hope to design something for a given set of people in a given framework of ‘time’ (read perception) and for a given climate and within the constraints of climate + budget? I feel this wisdom of designing comes from observing nature and the tendencies of people.

Questions like - how do people choose to bond or interact, why do people hover around trees and sit in the vicinity of some shrubs or a river belt or observe the setting of the melancholy sun or pause to hear the chirping of the birds or bask in moonlight or the dawn of the sun or feel intimidated by deserted spaces – all these are of fundamental concern to a sensitive architect.

What is so obnoxious of the traffic or why is street food so popular and needs to be encouraged? Why should a monument be built and how does a society choose to remember a historical event (or even choose to ignore other events?) Why are people so concerned about burying the Dead in some cultures and why other cultures choose to dispose the Dead on the burning pyre? Why do we need structures to conceptualize the idea of Eternity?....all these are also important for architects.

Space is about environment. A simple decision of razing a mango tree (which seems quite ordinary for a layman) should ring warning bells for a sensitive architect – since that spells doom for the ecosystem (birds, nests, squirrels, soil, oxygen, wood, leaves, fodder, fruits, shade for us). Therefore, a sensitive architect is concerned about the environment and will try to see that the manifestation of his ideas constitutes a minimum carbon footprint on the environment. For him, the entire Nature is the stakeholder in the creation of architecture, not just humans.

Space is also about creation of ‘possibilities’ for human activity. I design a courtyard, so that people gather, chat, perform, sing, dance, run, or sit quiet. I ensure that people customize or appropriate spaces as they like it. It becomes their space, and I only create a ‘stage’, as a designer. I only hint at an opportunity. Thus, greatest of architecture is only gestural.  The remaining meaning is left upto the user to complete it.

Space is also about ‘experience’. Most of us hate corridors and run as fast as possible so the corridors will end soon enough. Ever wondered why that happens? Some of us may take a pause as we climb down some steps and sit on one of them and a chat generates. Some of us, while passing through an open passage, may catch a glimpse of the sun beating the walls of plaster and that can be a delightful sight triggering some fond memories. Why does this happen? Architects are concerned about all these things and try to understand how an experience of delight (or the required mood) is created in a given space.

Space is also about equality. How do definitions of social or hierarchical order play out in public spaces? What is the politics inherent in a human mind? Why are certain sections of people looked down upon and whereas others get a shot at fame on the first attempt itself? Should all spaces in the city be privatized or there has to be a democratic space where ALL citizens have the right to come, interact, share and reach their natural potential? This is also a question that architects dwell upon.

Space is also about empathy. How does a blind person move? How does he feel, smell, touch and makes sense of navigation? How do differently abled children adapt and learn? What can be done (in spatial terms) to assist such differently abled people? What should be done about old age homes and how should the character of such homes be? What should be done about refugee camps and can an encouraging environment be generated for them? An architect is required to exercise empathy to design appropriate spaces for such situations.

I need to go into the world of a small kid, if I have to design a school. I need to understand the politics of street to design a food outlet unit near the main street. I need to empathize with the older generation, if I am commissioned to design an old age home. I need to know the history, culture and the contemporary situation of Israel, if I am commissioned to undertake a project on their soil.

The obvious question that the Reader will be tempted to ask – how does one therefore learn architecture? It is learnt by doing and self critiquing. And it is learnt by loving people, despite the innumerable challenges life will throw on us.