Architectural Design: Towards a New Society is an exhibition at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. It examines what architecture can do to transform society and how it can be used to create a better world. The show features work by leading architects, including Zaha Hadid Architects, BIG Architectures and Herzog & de Meuron Architectes.
Architectural design is an art that needs to be practiced with great care. Architectural designers need to think about every aspect of the building. They are creating, from functionality and structural soundness to aesthetics and scale. Architectural designers must fully understand their purpose in designing a specific project. As well as the habits, desires, and expectations of those who will occupy or use it once built. In this post The Hitmen Site will explain the architectural design process in detail.
How important it is for architects today
The architectural designer can bring new life into society through his architecture if he creates buildings which meet these criteria. This article draws attention towards this point of view by arguing for how important it is for architects today more than ever before. Especially in light of our current economic situation to create things t. This can benefit everyone around us while also being beautiful.
Types of designs:
Architectural design is more than just drawing pretty pictures. Architectural designs can be categorized into three types:
- Architectures of production (e.g., factories)
- Architectures of circulation (e.g., roads, railroads, bridges)
- Architecture of representation (such as museums and monuments).
Architectural design is influenced by who it serves and how.
Architecture of production is influenced by capitalism, which seeks to maximize profit through the exploitation of labor and resources. Architectures of circulation exist primarily for economic growth rather than social benefit (e.g., roads built solely for car transport). Architectures of representation often reflect power dynamics in society; they serve both commoners as well as elites (e.g., public parks vs private mansions)
Architecture of production (e.g., factories) have remained largely unchanged for the last 200 years with little to no innovation. A new social and economic structure based on our modern day knowledge & technology requires an architecture that reflects this shift in values, behavior and culture. One which challenges current modes of production thus leading Architectures towards a more sustainable future.
Example
A revolution is already underway through collaborative consumption (e.g., Airbnb) where people are using underutilized assets to generate supplemental income or as shared goods/services. E.g., car sharing programs like ZipCar, bike-shares like BIXI Montreal). These models are only scratching the surface of what could be possible. If Architectures were built to encourage social interactions, democratic participation and shared access (e.g., the Wiki House).
These Architectures are not only more sustainable but also lead us towards new identities that actively engage with the world around us an architecture of interaction rather than consumption/ isolation.
Other features of architecture
Architecture is no longer simply about sheltering people from nature or society. It must become responsive, flexible and dynamic allowing for identity changes over time e.g., mobile homes & modular housing units paired with rapid fabrication technologies. CNC machines would allow individuals to design their own spaces while minimizing waste as well as negative externalities associated with mass construction.
Architectures of circulation (e.g., roads, railroads, bridges)) have mostly evolved along with technological advances and improved modes of transportation (e.g., cars, trains)
How Architectural Designers can influence the built environment:
Architects are no longer just designing buildings. But entire communities that provide opportunities for civic engagement while also integrating new technologies to create more sustainable cities e.g Solar panels on every rooftop in urban areas replacing the need for coal power plants or smart grids. This monitors energy usage patterns throughout homes/buildings in order to reduce consumption.
Technology is already changing how we live & interact with one another through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as online learning portals such as Coursera etc. What if an Architect could seamlessly integrate this technology into daily Architectural design? Architectures that are responsive to real time data could better serve our communities (e.g., autonomous vehicles driving autonomously on roads built for self-driving cars).
Collaborative process
The future of Architect is bright as it becomes a collaborative process between Architects, Engineers, Designers and various stakeholders involved with the project. All working towards creating Architectures which promote social cohesion & civic engagement. While also being efficient in its use of natural resources providing spaces for both physical interactions as well as digital ones through mobile technologies like smart phones, tablets etc.
The basic function of architecture is to provide shelter.
It can also serve as a symbol, whether for good or bad. A society with an emphasis on aesthetics would likely be one that values art and culture. While those who are more utilitarian could care less what the building looks like so long as it serves its purpose. Buildings often reflect their designers’ personalities and even cultures in some cases. This phenomenon may not always be true. However, such impacts are sometimes obvious because they have been present throughout history from the earliest civilizations up until today where modern technology has developed transnational societies. It can view design through different lenses depending upon location around the globe resulting in architectural diversity rather than conformity among communities living under similar conditions. Architectural design is an important aspect of every society on the planet.
Architecture served for shelter and purpose, reflecting culture and personality in some cases. Modern technology developed transnational societies which view through different lenses depending upon location around the globe resulting in diversity rather than conformity among communities living under similar conditions. Architectural design serves as an important aspect of each society on Earth.
