AMDD Designs

Architecture and its Essence – Alive or dead?

We were taught in school that Architecture is the combination of ART and SCIENCE. Where if Aesthetics is important and integral part which can be related to ART, the aspects of designing the buildings and its process of construction is related to pure SCIENCE.

Though the above statement is absolutely true, however, I feel that the "ESSENCE" of architecture lies in the emotional and philosophical dimensions of designing spaces. The ESSENCE that can represent the encouraging and hopeful intent of design quality, the divine bond pursued in a particular edifice, or the distinctive personality and soul of an individual structure.

This essence is expressed through a thoughtful relationship with its surroundings, how it interacts with its environment, emphasizes a balanced and sustainable relationship with nature and community, the choice of materials, and a focus on the emotional impact of the space on its occupants. It is beyond to just providing shelter to inspire feelings and influence human experience.

Architecture also, influences how people perceive their surroundings, encouraging criticism and analysis. Additionally, it offers fresh insights and perspectives on our surroundings. Every structure appears to have a distinct personality with a history, just like humans as is experienced when we visit southern temples in India like Meenakshi Temple or Brihadeeswara Temple and the Northern Temples of Khajuraho or Varanasi.

But today, I am feeling that the essence i.e., the emotional and philosophical aspect is dying due to commercialization of the field. The commercialization of all public areas and the predominance of privately run public spaces (read Developers and Builders) have become commonplace with the rise in privatization. Here the individuals are rarely the client, even though they are the end user, this trend greatly reduces essence in Architecture per say.

Before designing any space, one talks about the fees that an Architect will charge without understanding the kind of his involvement, the thought process and the time that will be spent to create that desired dream by the client. Today the Architecture profession revolves around the fees and the budget along with Client’s aspirations (including the budding Architects) with pre-conceived ideas seen on Instagram or Facebook reels or in the images and videos on Pinterest. The philosophy of designing in Architecture has been limited to drawing inspirations from the above-mentioned websites rather than understanding the culture, climate and surrounding of any site.

It’s not that every Architect is involved in this sheep-herd mentality. There are some very good Architects I know, who are doing fantastic work. And they are at the pinnacle due to this essence of Architecture only. However, big percentage who have a flourishing Architecture practice are actually doing commercial form of Architecture without any essence attached with the profession.

Even in collages, the students are getting inspired from the website without understanding the very purpose of that peace being shared. So as per me the Architecture and its Essence is dying with slow death. What is your take?