Architecture is a collaborative process. Built spaces can resonate with living beings and their surroundings. The impact of architecture on our lives is extremely significant and understanding these impacts keeps us prepared for any futuristic unforeseen outcomes.
As the human race evolves, we relate these built-up spaces to our emotional and mental well-being. It is no longer a basic shelter. It’s versatile. It’s a lot more. These built spaces reflect our mood and physical well-being on a micro-level. Later followed by our communities and the environment on a macro level.
In this article, we will understand the spatial perception of built-up spaces and how they impact our lives, community, and environmental well-being. Be it the home we stay at, our workplace, or how productive we are. Architecture plays a significant role in everything!
Approach towards Viewing Spaces
Architecture has undoubtedly widened our perception of viewing spaces. Every individual perceives spaces differently. It also varies demographically, culturally, and periodically. Things previously considered shelter spaces are now perceived as pavilions, skyscrapers, or infrastructures. People give new names to each of them as their needs vary with time.
The impact of Architecture in our lives resonates with all our senses. We relate, reciprocate, and redirect our senses with the built-up spaces. Architects visualize these built-up spaces as a connection between two levels- micro and macro levels.
On the micro-level, the architects design the built-up spaces to relate to the mood and mental well-being of the living beings. On the macro level, they intend to impact the environment by regulating the architecture to be cohesive with the environment.
For instance, let’s visualize a garden in the courtyard of an art gallery. This space will be perceived as a spatial and visual retreat from the gallery. The air circulation cools the space’s temperature, the greenery fragrance adds flavor to the experience, and so on. Simply put, any built space has the potential to influence you and your environment subconsciously.
Dive in as we discuss how architecture impacts our lives at all levels.
Architectural Significance on Health, Mood, and Productivity
The significance of architecture begins with oneself. The built space can control your mood, health, and productivity. A well-designed space can increase your mood. It relates to the environment and maintains healthy physical well-being.
Imagine being in a dull, suffocating space. Will you be productive? On the other hand, imagine a well-lit, breathable space. What will be your mood now? For sure better than the first scenario.
By understanding our physical and mental needs, we can build better spaces. Eventually, better spaces reciprocate into better productivity! You can create these spaces with proper ventilation, lighting, landscape, non-toxic materials, and aesthetics.
Architectural Impact on Community Development
The impact of architecture on our lives also extends through community well-being. The built spaces connect communities and create a sense of togetherness in these communities. While designing cities and towns on larger scales, the designers consciously create common spaces for people to connect and socialize. Thereby developing better societies and communities.
For instance, the residential regions are located near schools and government bodies for better access. People within these areas predominantly tend to have common schools and jobs. Thus developing a society among themselves. On a micro-level, the high riser and skyscrapers have common amenities for people to gather and socialize.
Architectural Influence on Tech, Energy, and Environment
Technology and digitalization are dominating every industry, and architecture is no exception. Architecture is slowly adapting to these revolutions, from rotating buildings to sensor technologies. The dual combination of technologies and architecture benefits the environment on many levels.
Technologies have altered conventional architectural approaches, from the materials and their application to the end-user experience. The best of these technologies meeting architectural concepts is its minimal energy expenditures. We drastically cut down the resource, labor, and carbon footprint, thereby upgrading towards a sustainable future.
The impact of architecture through technologies has grown exponentially. Here are a few examples of such tech applications on buildings and infrastructures.
- Solar panels and collectors – Renewable alternative for conventional electrical energy and save non-renewable resources like fossil fuels
- Biodegradable building material – Improper disposal of conventional building material depletes the groundwater. Bio-degradable materials like bamboo, strawbales, etc., are readily biodegradable and are a great substitute for conventional materials.
- Smart digital appliance- Implementing smart digital controls the efficiency of the building. Be it the smart facade or roofs; everything cohesively upgrades the building’s efficiency eventually.
- Prefabricated building modules- Prefabrication is a great choice for time and energy-conserving construction. This relatively reduces the transportation and labor energy compared to conventional on-the-site construction.
- Water efficiency technologies- They lower water usage by reusing grey water, rainwater harvesting, dual plumbing options, etc. These, on a macro level, increase the groundwater level and control water scarcity in overcrowded metro cities.
Conclusion
The impact of architecture on our lives is evident in our daily lives. Architecture documents history, culture, and heritage. Events from centuries ago are still trackable. We learn about our ancestors and their lifestyle through these built spaces. It also reflects their cultural, religious, and literacy practices. As for the future, architecture is helping us combat environmental and economic constraints.
With all these aspects in consideration, the impact of architecture on our lives is as significant as it has always been. Be it environmental, economical, or ethical, architectural practices will always play a vital role in upgrading our living towards a sustainable future.
By Hajara Banu
Hajara Banu is a professional architect, content writer, and strategist. She is on her journey to share her love of architecture, design, and content creation. Besides writing, Hajara loves coffee and often experiments with cooking and organizing in her free time.
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