What is the point?

When we first discussed Alejandro Zaera-Polo's idea of the politicization of the envelope, I was reluctant to agree with his stance that creativity only lies in the envelope for architects. It seemed dismissive of the entirety of the architect's role as designer. We're taught that our role as architects is many things: mediator, innovator, creator, and most of all designer of the built environment. For Zaera-Polo to say that our role has been diminished to merely designing the facade of the building without consideration for the interior experience struck a chord with me. It seems to go against everything that we're taught in school. If our only power left as architects is designing the envelope, then what is the point of learning anything else? 

Despite my initial hesitation, I do understand what Zaera-Polo is getting at. The envelope does serve as an important part of the overall design and perhaps we forget that it can be used as a political tool in that same way that other parts of the building are used. While it might seem as a secondary function of the building that serves only aesthetic purposes, the envelope is and should be more than that. One piece of architecture that came to mind when reading "The Politics of the Envelope" is Maya Lin's Vietnam Memorial in DC. While not a building, the design is such a simple but powerful example of how material and facade becomes the primary driver of the architect's premise. Without the granite paneling, the memorial is simply a wall that has no connection or response to the somber emotion of the Vietnam War, but with the granite, visitors are able to see themselves reflected in the names carved into the wall. It is both understated and emotive simply through the use of materials.

Going back to my first response, I bring up the question of the architect's role again. Yes, there are instances where the architecture can be successful based on envelope alone. Does that mean we should abandon any consideration for the program, circulation, function, or any of the other criteria we use to design successful architecture? I don't think so.