Architecture Is About People, Not Buildings | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Architecture Is About People, Not Buildings

You need to focus on the "who" before you figure out the "what" and "how."

93
Architecture Is About People, Not Buildings
Pexels.com

It is common in architecture school to begin design with a form, shape, or material idea and then later manipulate how it affects the way you experience the space. I personally prefer setting goals for how I want people to engage and react, and then designing different iterations to see how I can make that happen. I love delving into the subtleties of design that make people feel a certain way, even if they don't consciously accredit those feelings to the architecture. Both of these methods have pros and cons. Some combination of the two is surely best. But architecture should be more about people than just interesting shapes and materials, right?

The idea of architecture for the people is what drew my interest in the field. I saw it as a way to contribute to my community while drawing on creativity and even art. What I began to see, though, is that so many of the most highly acclaimed buildings are also some of the most expensive. We study innovative and intriguing precedents in school, but they are almost always synonymous with high prices. I have a hard time coming to terms with the fact that good architecture should have to fall under that category. It is time to stop evaluating whether architecture is "good" based on the physicality of the building itself and to focus more on what it actually does.

Over the summer, I interned at a firm that often focused on renovations and restorations near my hometown in Toledo, Ohio. I saw firsthand how architecture truly does have to power to revitalize a community. This only emphasized the fact the places needing good architects the most are not extravagant museums, millionaires' private homes, or soaring skyscrapers. They are homes, stores, and centers for people like you and me.

Architecture to me is about the "who" and not the "what". Am I going to consequently sacrifice design and aesthetics? No, of course not. But as a student, I will focus foremost on how you would feel when you enter a space. As a professional, I will strive to make sure that the "who" in my projects includes everyone and leaves an impact.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

16483
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

317710
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Yoga love

A long over due thank you note to my greatest passion.

30399
A person in a yoga pose surrounded by a supportive community of fellow yogis with a look of peace and gratitude on their face the image should convey the sense of strength mindfulness and appreciation that the writer feels towards yoga
StableDiffusion

Dearest Yoga,

You deserve a great thank you.

Keep Reading...Show less
Arts Entertainment

Epic Creation Myths: Norse Origins Unveiled

What happened in the beginning, and how the heavens were set in motion.

10553
The Norse Creation Myth

Now, I have the everlasting joy of explaining the Norse creation myth. To be honest, it can be a bit kooky, so talking about it is always fun. The entire cosmos is included in this creation myth, not just the earth but the sun and the moon as well. This will be a short retelling, a summary of the creation myth, somewhat like I did with Hermod's ride to Hel.

Keep Reading...Show less
Old school ghetto blaster sat on the floor
8tracks radio

We all scroll through the radio stations in the car every once in a while, whether its because we lost signal to our favorite one or we are just bored with the same ol' songs every day. You know when you're going through and you hear a song where you're just like "I forgot this existed!" and before you know it, you're singing every word? Yeah, me too. Like, 95% of the time. If you're like me and LOVE some good throwback music, here's a list of songs from every genre that have gotten lost in time, but never truly forgotten.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments