Reality

 Habraken mentions how there tends to be rather noticeable difference between the reality of architects  during their educational and professional experience. In education we study these great works and their precedents that showcase an experimental age of architecture. It's bold. It's creative. It's innovative. It's something we aim to achieve, something that can make positive impacts on society. However, we also can see how architects of these time periods were purely focused on the innovation rather than the environment, culture, place, etc that their work may effect. 

Today, we may see less of this type of architecture in the world (with the exception of some...we all know who) which is due to the focus of architecture and design. It has grown to be something that not only stands as a monument in field or experiment but something that can change the way we think or use spaces. It has become more culturally and environmentally conscious. Architecture is adapting to a new way of thinking that is more sustainable and focused on a certain level of permanence in the world.

One thing that jumped out to me when I started working in an architectural office was the change in thinking. In studio, we  work on creative projects, approaching all aspects from societal to social to environmental impacts of our designs. We experiment with new ideas and technologies to create something that has never been done; sometimes things that are a bit unrealistic in ways. However, when the reality sets in and the office needs to produce for clients who only have eyes for money, perspectives change and designs change focus. The reality of the matter is that a firm must make ends meet with some of their work. This does not always mean the work has to be lackluster but, I think in this day and age of architecture, we have begun to recognize this issue and reevaluate what we can do to create something more conscientious  of our society today.