Client vs. Community
The two films this week, Walter's Way and Alejandro Aravena's Ted Talk, were interesting and had similar approaches to architectural design. I believe it to be valuable that a community is a part of design decisions, but it is not realistic to all situations and projects, a clear flaw to the theory. When a client comes to a firm, do they always consider other people besides the people paying for it?
Also, in both approaches to the different designs, one man comes into a community and tries to solve a problem without being a part of the community. Granted, referring back to the community is a great idea because they will be inhabiting the area and the design, but it should be noted that a practiced architect or designer considers more than the community's approach. We consider scale, material, context and more which is a vital part to long term and sustainable architecture.
So, I guess the question is should architecture always be philanthropic?
Walter's Way
This is quite interesting, Ashley. I think as Architects we have a certain level of knowledge and expertise that gives us a sort of entitlement. I agree 100% that when placing a "piece" in a community, much more is considered beyond just the community members. But, what we shouldn't do is make assumptions based on that knowledge when it comes to trying to solve a problem in that community. If it comes down to the client, as you put it, it makes sense that the clients wishes should take priority and community involvement should come as necessary. But as far as attempting to solve a community problem with out the community it's affecting, your knowledge is almost in vain.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nautica and I appreciate how well she articulated that dilemma. Sometimes the client will simply not be interested in certain user-centric or community focused designs that you as the architect may suggest to them. While certainly it is the architects responsibility to advocate for considering the community and the user to the client, they will not always be willing to fork over the doe. However, in cases where they are interested, like Nautica said, your own knowledge and assumptions are never enough for a successful design.
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