Most of us live in cities. We see houses, shops, and office buildings when we walk through the streets. However, are these considered architectural works?
The dictionary defines architecture as the art of designing or constructing buildings. But what exactly sets it apart from the average home or office building? They also require planning and designing, and newer buildings are relatively pleasing to the eye to attract buyers. We do not consider them works of art. On the other hand, when we see landmarks such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles or the Gherkin in London, we see them as “true” architecture. Now, perhaps architecture is simply buildings that differ from the norm, that stand out against the rest of the buildings in an area. However, this definition of architecture does not really work because being different is relative.
If every building on the street looked like Fallingwater, the famous house would no longer seem unique.
Architects experiment with different materials, merging a bland space with natural or minimalistic designs. Perhaps these are what sets architecture apart from industrial buildings. On the point of minimalism, some argue that even the average home could be minimalistic since, without the furniture, it contains only the bare necessities.
Some argue another point: architecture will stand the test of time.
No matter how many years pass, the buildings are still intriguing and unique against the context of other buildings. They are meant to withstand the years, to stand for future audiences to contemplate upon. Whether it be the Japanese wood houses, craftily built without nails, impressive cityscapes of glass and metal, or trademark Scandinavian minimalism, they are all meant to provide shelter to people and experiment with light how a person interacts with space.
So what do you think? What is architecture for you? Is it all of the fancy, rigid buildings that you could never feel comfortable in simply because of its pristine fittings, or is it simply beautiful and comfortable spaces that are worlds away from the monotonous life that we live in?
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