The Role of the Architect in the Future

future architects?

Recently, I feel that the omnipresent question in our classes, readings, news and everyday life is, 'what is the role of the Architect in the future and if it is appropriate for Architects to have so much control on the built environment?'  I think that just like everything throughout time, in order for it to last, must adapt and change to be able to stay relevant.  Laws and organizations become antiquated if they stick to their founding ideals.  Yes, at one point they made sense and were put into place because of current circumstances but can you imagine eating fried chicken with utensils in Georgia still being illegal?  At one point I'm sure that it made sense, but now? 

So at one point it made sense for Architects to control EVERY aspect of designing a building but in today's world where EVERYTHING is so connected, everything we do is part of the common environment.  So in order for Architecture to continue in existence, as Habraken mentions, adaptation over time is essential.  In order to achieve this, we must let go of the control of a project and allow the input of different parties on different aspects.  This in turn will allow for architecture that he describes as the 'permanent being truly structural and meaningful and the short-lived full of energy and surprises.'

" we are part of everyday environment and depend on it, and that the everyday environment shapes us before we can help shape it,... and that we must find ways to contribute to it to the best of our abilities."

John Habraken inspired housing project