Architecture

 Architecture is not just about creating styles.

What is architecture? There are many answers to this question. I would like to put it this way:

 “Architecture is a way of expressing oneself freely while interacting with natural elements like the sun, wind, water, trees, and plants, and on the whole with Mother Earth altogether in a space.” This definition would question the usual understanding of the common man, who perceives architecture only through its front facade or front elevation. If just the front facade is designed well, then it is good architecture; if not, it is just mediocre or average. Through this article, I want to clarify that architecture is not only the front facade or front elevation; it is much beyond that.

In this post-Covid era, much of our work happens online, including our office/business and other work that is done from home; therefore, the design of our homes plays an important role in shaping our personalities and is a means of connecting to the surrounding environment. The architecture of our residences must be designed to meet the personal requirements of the residents and also connect them to the natural world without being outside, as we spend most of our time at home. Here, personal requirements not only mean the number of bedrooms, living, dining, kitchen, and balconies in a home but also add elements that are personalised as well as connect to nature, for example, if the resident loves to enjoy morning coffee or tea while basking in the sun or a small corner that can serve the kids to play as well as allow the owner to enjoy reading a book or newspaper along with enjoying the pleasant sunrise or sunset in the house itself. These are a few examples that are mentioned for the residents to understand that a home is not designed to be physically impressive for others but for themselves, who will spend an entire lifetime in the one that is home to them. So, the home must be designed to suit your taste, needs, profession, cultural roots, etc., happiness, and pleasure rather than impress others or grab somebody else’s attention. This is like, I have purchased a dress for you, but it is not of your fit, and now that I have purchased it for you, I insist you wear it. Now, what do you have to say? I know it is difficult, right? You have to wear it because it was purchased for you. But what if I had consulted you before purchasing the dress or taken you to the shop along with me for shopping? Then it would have been a win-win situation for both of us. Similarly, our homes must be designed for us and not for others who would visit them.

Present-day residences are appreciated mostly for elevations or facades since the owner would be delighted that his residence is the best in their family and friend circle. 

The owner is not at fault since their understanding of architecture is limited to only front facades and their styles. If we look at vernacular Indian residences, the architecture was appreciated in terms of how the house responded to the climate, culture, and materials. For both climate and culture, design elements like courtyards were adopted in the design of the residences, as in the olden days, ladies who spent most of their time at home took care of family. The courtyards afforded them sunlight, wind, and nature within their home. So, this demanded a space in the house where ladies could feel closely connected to nature and yet not go outside to seek it. As a result, courtyards were introduced in the design of the residences, where ladies of the house enjoyed the sun and wind, and culturally, it was a space for family time. Since there was a joint family system back then, the ladies would also require some time to spend among themselves; at the same time, this should not disturb their daily chores; therefore, a courtyard would enclose the kitchen where the ladies of the family used to spend time amongst themselves. Another architectural element is jaali, or latticed screens, which filter air into the space. An excellent example of this can be seen in Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, where the jaalis designed the facade, acting as both a screen and a cool breeze to allow the ladies of the royal family to watch the processions outside without being noticed by outsiders.

Since modern-day houses have land constraints, courtyards can be designed differently, like mezzanine spaces in which family members can interact with each other either through a double-height living room or a double-height dining room from the above floors. Skylights are another way to bring natural light into the house. These light wells bring natural light into the house through the sky, with an opening on the roof. Jaalis in present-day houses are designed with terracotta, ceramic, metal, wood, and many other materials. Rightly placed jaalis in a space can create lovely patterns of light and shadow when sunlight falls on them. These patterns create a sense of beauty and aesthetics, which can calm down your mind and are also pleasing to the eye at the same time. 

Exposure to natural light and air within a house has numerous benefits for the inmates of the house, which in itself can be a separate article. But for the time being, let us limit ourselves to a few advantages, to name a few:

1. When exposed to sunlight, it strengthens us with Vitamin D, which helps in calcium absorption and regulates our mood.

2. We become almost disease-free since we feel happy when sunlight falls on us, and our health problems related to bones are reduced.

3. Our oxygen intake capacity increases, thereby purifying ourselves.

4. We feel fresh and light compared to others, who are indoors.

5. Our day is improved when sunlight enters our lives, giving us a sense of divine or heavenly blessing.

6. For inmates who work from home, exposing themselves to sunlight increases their productivity in official work.

Architecture is all about experiences and memories that one creates and carries forward, and these adventures are to be enjoyed as a whole rather than limiting ourselves just to the cover. “The house you reside in shapes your personality and character.”