Real problems are not Beautiful

 We are taught from the very first architecture class we take the notion that "Form follows Function" is the end all, be all design technique for architects. From the beginning I questioned this notion, such as Eisenman, because the scope of modern architecture has created the thought that a box is beautiful. Why is that? Architecture to me is about taking ones own experience, culture and expertise into creating a design that cohesively fills the function, but takes the form in a non-literal way. I think of the notion, "Form follows Experience" or "Form follows Culture". From my time as a sophomore in college until I was about a Senior in college, I too had the mentality that minimalist architecture is key. I drew boxes. However, after taking a wonderful class where we were called to TALK to people in an underprivileged neighborhood and ask them, "what do you want to improve your neighborhood?". Their responses were not about themselves, but about the benefit of their community. It took me back and started to get me thinking about the way we design. Why are we not designing like these community members and leaders? Who is going to be their voice in the "corporate" world of architecture? A community bound by gentrification and builders wanting to tear down the neighborhood because it is not deemed "worthy". Instead of adding something profitable like a Starbucks, they wanted a Library in order to keep the kids of the community off of the streets and allow for a multitude of afterschool programs and jobs. Wow. It opened my eyes on so many levels and I haven't been able to design the same since. Architecture school has always been solely focused on the visual, but unfortunately....real problems are not beautiful.