[Why AND How] not [Why OR How] !

The HOW & the WHY, Cynthia Hand

To me, De Carlo text was enriching in term of factual matters that address the reasons why we need to ask questions as architects rather than putting ourselves in the frontline as problem solvers, which theoretically we are not. To me architecture can't solve problems, what it does instead is bring an approach to solving problems through the built environment. 

After reading both De Carlo and Till texts, I am rather more inclined to the idea of participatory design as related to "who" we want to build for as much as "why" we need to build. 

However, in such instance, it is always hard both from a design oriented approach and a sustainability driven approach because the architect to me is a tool that is needed for the betterment of society, and without that tool, the world wouldn't be able to keep moving. 

We have come a long way as a society but still repeats many of the mistakes that design failed to address following the 2nd World War by example. 

Do we no need to ask why? instead of how? Or aren't we supposed to ask both simultaneously? 

My opinion is rational on this matter but as an aspiring architect, I critically agree with De Carlo idea of asking how" more than why?

Nevertheless, as a human being before anything else, and an aspiring architect second, I think that asking why? should always come first or else this discipline would not be standing up to its foundation of making life better, not easier but better for human beings. Without asking why? there is no opportunity for design to evolve and for architects to be needed. Thus the question that remain is not "how?" but why?

To me, How? is a solution driven approach and like I said, architects aren't solution givers, we create solutions through design of spaces that reflects who we are. The participatory aspect of architecture should come from the "why" because the "how" will be there still if we agree on the fact that design will keep being pushed because of technological advancements and theoretical thinking, rationalism and our willingness to keep exploring and making new things, then "why" and "how" should be asked together, not one without the other. However the foundation of any building can't emerge if we don't challenge ourselves to understand why?  YES! the why? is important and what would architecture be, what would it reflect, who would it be for if we never dared to ask why, no matter how hard, not once, but again and again. 

The beauty of participatory design lies in the in-between of everything we are about as human beings as much as everything we are longing for as inhabitants of the earth. Although it might seems like asking "why" is time consuming when it comes to helping design move faster, it is important to remember and aknowledge the many differences we have as cultures worldwide, and humans with communal values that are closer to each other but seems far away to each other due to traditional society standards and continuous change. 

By example, we are united by consumerism and at the end of the day we all need a home to feel safe, and looking through those commonalities, it becomes obvious that the more we ask why? the better design decisions we make (not fact based but theoretically make sense to me). Making better decisions as we move forward is critical for architects and that is where we are weak, that is where we need to strive harder, to heighten this discipline to its ideal of changing lives and adapting to a complex world as time go and buildings get made and survive. 

That said, how do we balance these two questions as designers and why should we always ask them simultaneously instead of separately? Isn't it important to reflect on the past as a way to build a better future, a better architecture that empathize and understands why we need to do things in regards to context, purpose, and civilization, and how to do them beautifully, and meaningfully, instead of how we should do things without understanding the essence and meaning of what we are doing? 

In addition to the questions above, the two questions on the cover of the reading by Cynthia Hand address the why? and how?" with two important statements that are, "knowing the past won't help you decide the future," "but it can help you find your way." Becoming and aiming to be an informed, caring(care for people, and the earth), rational, and self-critic architect should always be a goal, but challenging ourselves in how to design better and more consciously can't come if we can't find our way.

However, it is important to note that finding one's way is oftentimes a lifelong journey because of the way every single one of us learn and want to practice architecture, and it therefore requires an extra amount of effort for the designer to be able to keep asking challenging questions as he or she grows and use his or her skills to better the world.

"It is very important for young people to keep their sense of wonder and keep asking why." Stephen Hawking