Architecture, noun:
The title is a deliberate attempt to associate with the use of dictionary or the search of words whose meaning is unknown to us. In simple words, it’s an attempt to search for the meaning of ‘architecture’ (if there is one true meaning). I was inspired by Reiner de Graaf’s thought provoking novel “Architect, verb”. Written on the account of ever-changing use of vocabulary in our everyday life, our use of metaphors, and poetic phrases which often conflicts the true meaning of the word, the title seemed to be the right fit for the first blog.
Sometimes it’s very hard to explain or put in words the meaning of simple things and the quest to define ‘architecture’ is much like sifting through a dictionary, searching for the precise meaning of a word that remains elusive. I never realized that defining ‘architecture’ can be a surprisingly complex task until I was asked upon it. Despite its seemingly straightforward nature, the term encompasses a multitude of meanings that evolve with time, culture, and individual interpretation.
Often, my colleagues ask me, “Why architecture?” or “What does it mean to you?” These are fundamental questions one might expect when meeting a fellow professional in the field, as for me, I tend to avoid asking them. It’s not out of fear or because my views are controversial, but rather because my thoughts on the matter are multifaceted and sometimes conflicting. Such is the reciprocal nature of asking a question, it lends to being questioned on the same as well.
As I’ve progressed in my learning and practice, my ideals and understandings have evolved significantly. I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer certain of where my original conceptions of architecture started from.
With the changing landscape of both our vocabulary and our built environment, my definition of architecture has evolved as well. Initially, I saw architecture as a means to create dwellings that satisfy basic human needs of shelter. Over time, this perspective expanded to view architecture as the creation of spatial environments and further to being psychological sanctuaries for human beings. The meaning of architecture has branched out in various directions like the roots of a tree, touching upon other professions and disciplines. However, this evolution has also led to a conflicting interpretation, ultimately reaching a point where the definition feels empty, null, or void.
Recently, I started re-reading Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead”, which portrays the struggles, defeats, and ultimate triumph of a man and his individual ideals as he battles against societal norms of conformity and mediocrity. After my first reading two years ago, the novel left me in a state of deep self-reflection and introspection regarding my own place in the society. And over the course of time, the thoughts and feelings that initially impacted me have only grown stronger.
It's like planting a seed and patiently waiting for it to grow into a tree. The ripe fruit represents an evolution that has undergone various stages of transformation, flourishing over time with patience. Similarly, the impressions left on me have evolved, leading me to this stage of discovering my own ideals and firm ground to stand upon.
I’ve encountered countless definitions of architecture, each reflecting the changing and evolving nature of society. Over time, the meaning of architecture has transformed significantly, shifting from the concepts of beauty and harmony to those of form and function, and eventually to deconstructing and breaking the traditional cube.
While the collective understanding of architecture has evolved, the individual or subjective meanings have remained consistent for the architects of their respective eras. Their ideals are intrinsically woven into their work, reflecting their personal visions and philosophies.
As society progresses, architecture adapts, embracing new materials, technologies, and cultural contexts. However, the essence of what architecture means to each architect – molded by their personal beliefs, experiences, and aspirations – remains substantially concrete. This personal connection to their work ensures that architecture is not just a reflection of societal change but also a canvas for individual expression. The structures they create stand as testaments to their ideals, capturing the spirit of their times while resonating with timeless human experiences.
But where is my meaning amidst all this? Oscar Wilde says, “to define is to limit”. While I could use this quote to shield my ego from society’s aggressive critiques, but the true essence of Franz Kafka’s words resonates more deeply as I set my ego aside – “I am free, and that is why I am lost.”
In this vast landscape of architectural definitions and ideals, Kafka’s quote underscores this paradox: the absence of rigid definitions grants me the liberty to explore and create without constraints, yet it also leaves me adrift in a sea of infinite choices with no firm base to balance upon.
Perhaps the irony is that as long as the definition remains a void, I will continue to oscillate back and forth, navigating through an abyss of uncertainty. My interests will fluctuate, shifting towards whatever I find intriguing or relevant.
The freedom to redefine architecture, while liberating, also contributes to this sense of aimlessness. Without any concrete foundation, my understanding of architecture is continually reshaped by my evolving interests and the dynamic nature of the field itself. Each new insight adds another layer of complexity, making the search for a singular, definitive meaning increasingly elusive.
However, I believe that this journey through the void is not without its value. It allows me to remain open-minded and adaptable, ready to embrace new concepts and innovations. By accepting that my definition of architecture will always be a work in progress, I can focus on the process of exploration rather than the destination. This enables me to find inspiration in unexpected places and appreciate the diverse perspectives that contribute to the richness of the field.
Through this blog, I aim to chronicle this ongoing quest for meaning. By reflecting on my experiences and insights, I hope to gradually piece together set of ideals that capture the definition of architecture for me. This process may be fluid and uncertain, but it is through this very uncertainty that I will discover a more profound and intuitive understanding of architecture with the same hope as Jack Kerouac said, “One day I will find the right words and they will be simple.”