Designing for the Why

The study of architecture is supposed teach you why they build things, but does it really matter? Shouldn’t the end user ultimately be the deciding factor on how it’s being used? Granted, the architect should keep in mind the intention of the space, but when the user comes to occupy it they will do as they please. 

The design process is an amazing thing. The client goes to the architect wanting a building for a specific use, so the designer realizes the client’s wishes. However, the end user starts to use the space, but uses it for a different purpose than what the client or the architect’s plan. Architects can design with a certain intention, but no matter how much they try to control the use of a building the end user will conclusively decide how the building or space will be used. Designing with the user in mind should always be important, but shouldn’t be up to the end user to operate in the space as they feel fit?