Controlling the Voices

Reading Architecture’s Public by Giancarlo De Carlo gives insight to a larger discussion at hand. Should the architect design for an individual benefactor or for the public at large? At the time of Giancarlo De Carlo writing, there was a revolutionary shift in the thoughts of design for architects. To simply include the people at large and general users within the design of the building. To give architectural design back to the mass instead of the individual. 

Which sparks a debate still to this day. Should architects listen to the voice of the client or the voice of the future users? Can we hear both at once? Is there a way to lessen the noise? Where in the project planning is it where enough opinions have been expressed and architecture can thrive as result… maybe that is the ultimate challenge for an architect in today’s climate.  How does one listen to what is being asked or stated to simply design for what is needed for the site. I think the first step in design should be to ask who is not in the room and who’s voice hasn’t been heard yet. Once all the players are assembled, there might be a chance for the chorus to become one cohesive sound.