What is architecture

Yesterday a friend at dinner asked, what is architecture? Predictable, no unruffled and fitting account was given. >.<

Architecture is design, it is a creative field. And it is about designing or creating spaces, in response to an existing set of conditions on hand. It is pitiful that not all architecture courses in universities educate students to create space, instead the schools teach to build buildings. In this manner, yes, surely the building still functions, whatever its purpose is, or the programmes are, like a house serves people to stay and live, with its living room, bedrooms, dining room, kitchen, etc; or school with classrooms and auditoriums, meeting rooms, libraries, etc. with the systems all working well: water, electricity, drainage, ventilation, etc; and with steady construction, safe and secure. Architecture is not merely that. I am appreciative that NUS is somewhat fairly adequate in addressing the vital issues of architecture, which are more than satisfying the purely functional requirements of a building programme.

One that is compatible, considerate to and also resourceful of the climatic: sun, wind, temperature, precipitation; and geographical: soils, topography, vegetation, water; context of the site and environment for protection and comfort and for the manifestation of beauty of nature and surroundings. Accordingly this needs uses of appropriate technology, construction system, and materials for structure and enclosure. It is sensitive as it examines qualities of light, the materials, colors, texture, views, sounds, smell, both apparent and obscure. The senses are celebrated. It has good comprehension of the order, hierarchy, organization between spaces, solids and voids, interiors and exteriors, of scales and proportions, shapes, that is geometry and its meanings; for all elements, from the configurations and dimensions of a path, a room or a plaza, to openings and edges, and also the detailing. All parts must make visible their coherent relationships to each other and structure as a whole. It does not only carry transient perceptual visions and feelings, but of a more enduring conceptual order. Knowledge which then is used to reveal and endorse in varying degrees the socio-culture, economy, politics, historical traditions and precedents, philosophy or way of life, beliefs, the nature of users, their personalities, aspirations, all aspects of needs and requirements. A piece of architecture is an experience through movements in time and physical space. Forms and spaces to promote endeavors, elicit responses; emotionally, as well as communicate meanings, make people see, feel, and think, and then remember or be reminded.

Labels: Art, Design