The Architect + The Social Scientist
In today’s field of architecture, it seems as though when sustainability is brought up, people immediately start thinking about energetic and environmental design as it relates to buildings. To me, the conversation is missing a vital pillar, social sustainability.
Don’t get me wrong, I think the conversations being had are important and impactful, and are certainly driving architecture in the right direction. But as we bring more and more consultants into the process of design, we are forgetting to include the social scientist. As issues regarding human rights are being brought into the forefront of the world’s attention, we need to delve further into ow the built environment can positively impact our fellow man. What if design prepared for change in the environment AND for change in how man lives and treats one another. To me, the major caatalyst could be the requirement of every building to program the first floor for community driven spaces. Whether it is providing showers for the homeless, counseling to those that cannot afford it, or similar ideas. As the designers of spaces, we should start designing to elevate the vulnerable populations that need it.
John, I really like your post because I see that social connection as a huge requirement for a healthy city/country. Without programs that tie us together, we aren't really a society. I mean, the whole point people banded together to form tribes and societies in the first place was to help each other and make life a little bit easier so if we aren't doing that, literally what is the point?
ReplyDeleteI do think the concept of making he ground floors public domain to be very strong and it's replicated successfully time and time again in very different settings.
John, Interesting topic. I never would have thought about social science as a consultant of architecture. I think we view it as if the architect should also wear the hat of a social scientist but we are by no means an expert in understanding humans or interactions. It would be fascinating to start to include different consultants based on the project types to see if that sparks new innovations and ideas.
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