Storytelling: How architecture changed your perspective
Before joining architecture school, I never understood the true meaning of a space. I saw buildings for what they were – a physical environment in which people live. Sure, I was always fascinated by buildings. But my understanding of the spaces around me barely scratched the surface. I had never questioned the reasoning behind the design of any space, including the very house I lived in.
In my first year of study is when I realized that there are so many reasons why a building is designed the way it is. I realized that there were so many different factors that transform the design of a space and this changed my perception of spaces completely.
Once I began to look at my surroundings through the eyes of a designer, there was no going back. Every time I looked at a building, I began to see what its space really consisted of. I began to pay attention to the context and the concepts used. I noticed how the inspiration that led the architect to create it manifested itself in the form of the design. I realized that architecture is much more than just the built environment.
On one hand, it takes the form of shelter, the response of the people to the challenges posed by the environment. On the other hand, it acts as a representation of our culture – an expression of who we are as a society.
Learning architectural history taught me how buildings were fundamentally created to adapt to the climate of a particular location and with only materials that were readily available there. The settlements were also made to suit the needs of the society which occupied them, by incorporating their culture and traditions in the design. The important thing to learn from this is that these designs were not made by architects who went to 5 years of architecture school. These were made by common people, who changed their perception of their surroundings to create what they needed.
A couple of years ago, while reading an article about I.M. Pei, I came across this one quote:
A couple of years ago, while reading an article about I.M. Pei, I came across this one quote:“Architecture is the very mirror of life. You only have to cast your eyes on buildings to feel the presence of the past, the spirit of a place; they are the reflection of society.”
This quote talks about the intricate connection between culture and society of a region with the built environment. As someone who has always been passionate about history, I was interested in learning about the history of architecture as well. When we learn about ancient culture, we see that one of the few things that stood the test of time are the monuments and structures that were built during that period. The walls of every building hold the stories of the past within them.
Let us take the example of the Taj Mahal. It is common knowledge that Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his wife and that the beautiful marble monument is one of the 7 Wonders of the World. But what we do not hear more often is that it is a perfect representation of Mughal Architecture with a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles, paying homage to Shah Jahan’s ancestry and Indian culture.
A few years ago, I would have stood in awe of this magnificent monument just like any other generic tourist. But as a designer, I now notice the special characteristics that a regular person does not – the tomb’s rational geometry, the perfectly symmetrical planning and perfect hierarchy of colors and textures.
One of the most important things that I have learnt as an architecture student is that buildings not only affect society as a whole but also affect people on a more personal level. From the layout to the materials and the colors of a room – every inch of a space affects the emotions, mental health and even the productivity of its users. We are constantly surrounded by buildings and it is bound to affect the way we feel.
When you walk inside a well-designed space, you know that it feels right. Designing for functionality and aesthetics should not be the only goal while creating a space. A good architect designs spaces that the users can connect with emotionally.
After 4 years of architectural education, I have realized that the first step to being a designer is seeing your surroundings. As humans, we choose not to see things we do not know about unless circumstances force us to. Our perception of our surroundings is always what we want it to be and not what it really is. But when made to look at it from a different perspective, we realize its complexity.
That is what learning to be an architect is. I may not be an architect yet, but I know that my view of the world is completely different now compared to what it was a few years ago. Once I began to try and understand my surroundings, I became a better designer.
