From caves to huts to houses to buildings, this explains the architecture of today. Architecture expresses the character of each individual in a way they want to present themselves to the world; some define them, while others exhibit their power through it. The creation of a “home” has been built in one’s unconscious mind, describing life growing up around and establishing a small space to be called their fortress of solitude, without which Humans’ subsistence comes into question. What if the idea of “home” was never discovered? Would it be amidst nature? Or would it still be in the caves?
Humans’ Subsistence with or Without Architecture
Architecture has played different roles in eclectic aspects of creating the world as it is today, be it the huge spaces forming a building or the narrow gullies putting together small hubs of cities. Nevertheless, it brings emotions and a certain sense of being ‘home’ to certain living organisms. But the elephant in the room said that even with such an impact on lifestyle, why is it that people are still running to the forests to attain a sense of peace?
The impression of creating a balance through architecture has lost its meaning due to the strong character that is shown by ‘concrete’ in comparison to fragile ‘nature’, being underpowered by it, where the smallest of spaces in this vast world has become home to describe one’s occurrence. The idea of the world still being in nature’s home brings a sense of peace, with the additional advantages of the absence of terms of sustainability, biophilia, or biomimicry, as it wouldn’t be a necessity. In today’s world, both situations are to be looked at from a different perspective, not only as an emotion to humans’ subsistence but also as functionally giving purpose to architecture’s presence and creating a link between its existence and non-existence.
Humans and Nature
Painting a picture of a life without so much of a concrete envelope around one, where the only thing bringing warmth is the sun and no man-made things, just nature with lush greens and flowing blues and mushy browns around you, where does it take us? Does the concept of peace in a forest with the wildlife feel as comfortable as in a bed in your “home”? One talks about ‘Biophilia’ as a concept in architecture, but what is the experience of actually experiencing it? Living within the jungles will be very fascinating to people of the world today who run towards nature to find peace, enjoy every element of nature and open spaces, and take in all the fresh air they can take in. Humans have to be in contact with the nature.
However, with the lack of an envelope, which symbolizes security and safety, will they still be at peace, or will they be running to find the largest leaf to cover themselves up and build a shelter? Further, envelopes of leaf transform into houses and later renovate into cities. Every profession is built through art and architecture around it; a cover from a leaf as a shelter itself is discovering art. Through the years, human civilization, without its discoveries, will just be an added element of nature in the world, with no identity or individuality. Positively, yes, there would be no show of power or discrimination, but in a way, the other characteristics of human tendencies of showing power still prevail. So, does humans’ subsistence without architecture still remain?
Humans and Architecture
As Frank Lloyd Wright said, “The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own; we have no soul of our own civilization.”
The presence of humans brought architecture to life and gave meaning to our civilization. The connection between the living and structures is very significant, from brutalist structures depicting the strong power of a kingdom to minimalist structures symbolizing the soft emotions of an individual. Architecture today is much more than symbolism; it is more of a functional requirement where the idea of making a “home” comes into play with bright colors and designs. If one takes a stroll into historical times, architecture developed due to the need of a man to bring shelter and warmth, where they evolved from developing monolithic structures to well-planned houses. Through different civilizations, the requirement, of a solid brick & stone structure and a proper roof system, turned into aesthetics, with the discovery of intricate elements ranging from huge structures such as columns in the Greek times to small structures like Chajjas during the Mughal period describing Humans’ subsistence in architecture.
Coming back to the present, architecture is growing at a rapid speed, with both functionality and aesthetics running simultaneously. The human interaction with architecture has characterized each city with its inimitable features, for example, the unique mix of cultures in the city of Mumbai, showing different shades of history, such as elements of British rule, the Gateway of India representing traditional architecture, and the modern high-rise and low-rise buildings in South Bombay. These modern buildings accommodate a host of cultures present in the current Indian society, which do not represent their respective architectural cultures and takes away their individualism. Yet the concrete structures continue to develop around the enveloping sea, with touches of green here and there, enhancing day by day. After millions of years, architecture is still catering to the needs of humans’ subsistence and their aesthetics in the world. However, do people still not want to run back to the jungle with no structures?
The living environment in which we live and our surroundings are the two interdependent characteristics that outline the distinct nature of a being. The human tendency to be a part of nature will exist simultaneously with the developed psychology of keeping a “home” as their fortress of solitude. The balance of peace in a space consisting of both architecture and nature is a development that should not cease to exist. Architecture over the years tells us a story of evolution of humans, whereas nature is a character that plays for architecture. In a positive manner, space defines strength and one’s character to the world, whereas nature and space are being moulded and defined by humans’ subsistence.
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