The Reflection of Architecture

 During the lecture, we discussed the possibility of architecture “disappearing” and the facade becoming banal. Not only do I think architecture is heading towards this reality, but it is optimal that it does. Looking at the Birmingham New Station, the facade reflects the community around it rather than imposing an aesthetic or identity on the context. To me, it is a subversion of the pursuit of utopia, not imposing an ideal but entertaining the thought that reality can become utopian. In this way, the envelope becomes political, forcing us to view ourselves as the catalyst rather than the architecture as the catalyst. I think the integration of technology further supports this idea that architecture is merely a response and reflection of our current reality and that in itself has the potential to evoke political change.