Do we provide the Space to Speak Up or does our Architecture do the Speaking?
During the process of securing my undergraduate degree, I spent my hours taking sociology classes on social movements, society, and religion for my minor. There is such a strong connection between what is happening in the world and how we reflect that in Architecture.
So, the question is: Is it the architect's responsibility to interpret the current socio-political environment of a space for the people? Or, rather, is it the architect's responsibility to create a place to inspire and allow users to develop their own opinions and ideals?
I think there is a lot of controversy about mixing architecture with societal issues. But I believe architecture is a time stamp: a tangible object that could mark or identify critical moments in World History. When I think of places like the reflection pond adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial, I think about the Vietnam War.
We need to be active in politics and social movements to understand the user and reflect that integrity in design. It is controversial to be involved sometimes, but people like Giancarlo de Carlo did it. So why can't we? We need to interpret how society views movements through the built environment.
I like your observation about architecture as a time stamp. It makes the act of building much more consequential. I feel like if architects thought of their buildings as signifiers of social and political movements, they would be more intentional with what they produce. And even if we don't memorialize buildings, they can still work to manifest the needs of inhabitants at a given time.
ReplyDeleteJess,
ReplyDeleteGreat point. It's definitely bold and controversial to be an architect and be an activist for change in social and political issues. But if those forces control us, why can't we be projective back? Architecture loses its say when it decides to disengage with reality. The disengagement with reality is what hindered the Modern movement, and created a culture of resentment and doubt towards the architect. In my opinion, the only way for the profession to survive our times, is to be out there part of the movements making time stamps. Those time stamps safeguard our memories and our understanding of our place in this world.