With a self-satisfied smirk on his face he said, "I want my home to look better than the rest." He paused for a while. "Although, I only have 26 lakhs as my budget and I hear that architects can be expensive."
"Please tell me about yourself and do enlighten your requirements", the architect calmly replied.
The familiarity of this conversation is something which every Architect can associate with. Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe once quoted, "Architecture is frozen music"; but the common man merely listens to the melody, whilst the lyrics remain nebulous. The concept of Architecture is like a faint glow, resonating within the depths of his mind.
The Architect listened intently, as the client answered his series of questions involving all specifications and requirements.
"I don't have a car, so I don't think I'll need a car porch".
The architect pondered over the situation and smiled.
"I can design a house within an area of 1200 square feet or 1500 square feet. The former can have three bedrooms with a larger living room, while the latter can accomodate five bedrooms with a smaller living space."
The architect presented the client with a range of materials. Now, as he starts explaining, the process of communication begins.
* * *
The common man merely observes the ornamental edifice and grandeur of a structure which shines a dazzling beam of light, overshadowing the lone sprouting of emotion. The roots of emotion extend towards various nodes that support the discipline and framework of architectural design itself.
Enlightening the common man of the innumerable processes and thoughts that go into a design is a major challenge faced by Architects all over.
The process of design evolution, concept and planning tend to be pure jargon, giving no meaning to its essence. The objective perception of architecture does not foster a connect between the lay man and the design. Even as student architects, it is gruelling to communicate architecture to the common man.
But this simply does not mean that there isn't a 'right way' to communicate our ideas to the client.
Transcending through time, architecture has evolved into something greater than 'you' or 'I'; it is this epiphany, that orchestrates the basic process of design in the present day.
A well defined poetry of space requires the poet to mutually address the clientele; to make the client understand the most infinitesimal facet would be the longing of every architect. But unfortunately, most architects initiate only a peripheral understanding of their design to the client in their busy schedule, while the clients dismiss it in a simple acknowledgement of a knowledge they aren't aware of.
Some more time, the right amount of conversation or a small gesture can do the trick and work wonders.
* * *
After taking into consideration the expectations of the client, the architect nodded in anticipation.He opened his laptop and revealed a set of photographs; he asked the client to browse through them.
"This project is very endearing to me", he said. "It has been six years since I'd designed this settlement. It was built for a tribal population in Karnataka."
The client seemed curious.
"The Government had sanctioned a 280 acre sloping site, with very little budget," he continued. "How do you think I would've designed a settlement in here?"
The client seemed drawn towards the screen. His face twitched in perplexion. The architect flipped through different screens as he explained the process through which he built the sustainably approachable settlement.
"I have used rammed earth walls for the structure and oriented them together to give a community feeling." He said. "They can be built with less expenditure along with bamboo partitions as well."
"I have also attached a cattle shed to each home, with perforations on the wall partition. This is known as 'Jali' and is very popular for its efficiency."
"Why cattle sheds?", asked the client.
"My dear friend, the tribes are one with nature. They live with their animals. If I would have simply built a structure that looks good, they wouldn't have been able to survive in the long run."
"But this cannot be applicable in all cases I presume", responded the client.
"Fine," said the architect. "Let me give you an example. A rat-trap bond is a type of brickbond that can save 30 percent of the brick and mortar used in construction. This saves you money and gives your building good aesthetics."
The architect continued, "That is what architects do. We consider what is important to you: your lifestyle, your emotions and your happiness. We do not merely build structures, we derive a design through various selective processes and materials."
After a moment of contemplation, the client insisted, "I would like to know more about these different processes and materials, if it could help me build a better home."
The architect thoughtfully went on to suggest several other alternative methods and inferences, to cut down expenses on construction, but yet meet all the requirements of the client to a satisfactory scale.
He explained in tremendous detail every possible method and ensured that the client understood wholly what he wanted to convey.
"With the money you save here, you can buy a car and I shall accommodate a car porch in your home", the architect beamed.
The client's face flushed with happiness, though he tried to conceal it to keep the air of formality.
* * *
The basic human being is bound to be fascinated by the different realms of imaginary space that induce curiosity, excites the mind and impels a person to gradually show an inclination towards a subject matter.
Stories have an edge that can sometimes be unforeseen; it vehemently paints a picture in one's mind, whether they are children or adults.
Sharing a personal experience in the form of a story adds to this edge; it enkindles a broader perception of architecture among people.
Talking to a client through the exchange of perspectives allow them to tap into the architect's visualisations as a whole. It acts as a language that communicates architecture to the intellectuals in their language, the scientists in theirs and so on; different strands of the society can be intertwined through this language, including the league of architects themselves.
Even as student architects, we encounter instances, where the lay man refers to certain architectural terms through historical pointers, stories or personal experiences.
The fraternity of architects consists of various circles and associations in the regional, national and international levels. Such circles are popular with debates, presentations and awards; though this popularity is only limited within the architectural fraternity. The common man has neither an inclination, nor a vague idea of its existence. Hence, such circles can inculcate new programs, that throw a limelight onto the social awareness of architecture.
Although, there further arises more uncertainities as to how stories can be communicated to a wider audience; the society must be considered at large, for only through mutual understanding can there be progress.
The above mentioned anecdote between the architect and the client, serves as a foundation, that brings a novel change; the novelty focuses on shaping the dynamics of architectural communication. The same architect can enlighten his peers, through proper elaboration of the proceedings of the meeting during architectural conferences, seminars or conventions, among different circles.
The approach, concept and belief is but a variable to each person. There are architects who lack in intersocial communication skills, and then there are architects who tap into the very soul of their client. Storytelling becomes a unified language that penetrates through the thick variables of this society.
* * *
A few years later, the architect decided to share his experience during an architectural convention.
"As I was saying, a 5 cent plot and 26 lakhs, that's what he came to me with, he said to the multitude of young hearts before him.
He had never dreamt of owning a car, hence, a car porch was never a part of his requirement", paused the grey haired architect.
"But getting to know about his five membered family, including both the aged and the young, he continued, I recognized in the eyes of the breadwinner, the desire for his own means of transportation, an agony and a longing for independence, that culminated over the years. He could merely realise it himself."
"Do you think there is something that I, as an architect could do to wade off his plight?" He posed to the crowd. The air now had a mixed character of confusion and guesses. It evoked an unspoken zeal among the audience. After the dramatic pause, the architect resumed.
"We, as architects, shouldn't be content in knowing the peripheral identity of our clients, he said. As the roots of a sprouting penetrates deep in search for water, we must also delve into every possible detail of the client; only then can we sustain and grow together into something greater than what we already are."
The clients sitting along the sides beamed with delight to their new found understanding and perception.
"We must search deep, to know what made him; to decode the desires of his heart and then translate it into a language he can relate to. This language is that of an architecture which is transparent. It is that what responds to the complete needs of a man."
"Storytelling is admired by people alike, irrespective of their differences. Because you see", he said, "an architect is supposed to build a monument for everybody."
As the architect concluded his address with the way he introduced alternative building methods, types and architectural concepts to the client, and how he finally saved enough money for the client to buy a car to park in his new car porch, the audience howled in respect, follwed by a huge round of applause.
* * *
Storytelling can be taken to a higher level by introducing them to a wider audience, where the architect enlightens other architects of their personal experience. Here opinions, ideas and goals, can be traded from credible sources and personal experiences, to the right people, in the form of stories.
When the architectural fraternity is able to grasp the language as a whole, it would be easier to build awareness in the society through this novel process.
The sharing of personal experiences can take place during conventions, seminars or other events held by the circle of architects. They can instill awareness among each of their respective clients by inviting them to the talks and events conducted by their respective circles, where they can allow the clients to speak of their own personal experiences.
Once an initial mutual relationship is laid out, it is easier to convince the rest of the society of the various practices in architecture.
It also clears out the feeling of shock and confusion that the people face, when they hear of such unfamiliar processes and preserves the intellectual vocabulary of the discipline.
As they become more comfortable, they fall into light. As they are enlightened, architect client meetings can be organized at every stage of the design process, where assumptions and expectations can be explored and even explained.
As the design reaches its final stages, these will be expressed in the built environment.
Storytelling, can further be explored graphically through pictorial representations, to non- architects that include engineers and other co-workers; they can be expressed in the form of concepts.
It can also be both verbally and textually conveyed. Hence, architectural journals and magazines can incorporate stories and personal experiences rather than prosaic articles or essays. It can gain popularity among readers by creating curiosity among them; it keeps them focused on what they read. Newspapers can also incorporate such methods by replacing their unembellished articles with a separate reader's column.
Hence, storytelling in this form moulds an infallible equation. It acts as a language that connects the architect and the people and makes the urban environment more liveable.
_________________
This article was co-authored by my friend Amala for the Writing Architecture Trophy 2017. All copyrights belong to NASA India.
fin.
"Please tell me about yourself and do enlighten your requirements", the architect calmly replied.
The familiarity of this conversation is something which every Architect can associate with. Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe once quoted, "Architecture is frozen music"; but the common man merely listens to the melody, whilst the lyrics remain nebulous. The concept of Architecture is like a faint glow, resonating within the depths of his mind.
The Architect listened intently, as the client answered his series of questions involving all specifications and requirements.
"I don't have a car, so I don't think I'll need a car porch".
The architect pondered over the situation and smiled.
"I can design a house within an area of 1200 square feet or 1500 square feet. The former can have three bedrooms with a larger living room, while the latter can accomodate five bedrooms with a smaller living space."
The architect presented the client with a range of materials. Now, as he starts explaining, the process of communication begins.
* * *
The common man merely observes the ornamental edifice and grandeur of a structure which shines a dazzling beam of light, overshadowing the lone sprouting of emotion. The roots of emotion extend towards various nodes that support the discipline and framework of architectural design itself.
Enlightening the common man of the innumerable processes and thoughts that go into a design is a major challenge faced by Architects all over.
The process of design evolution, concept and planning tend to be pure jargon, giving no meaning to its essence. The objective perception of architecture does not foster a connect between the lay man and the design. Even as student architects, it is gruelling to communicate architecture to the common man.
But this simply does not mean that there isn't a 'right way' to communicate our ideas to the client.
Transcending through time, architecture has evolved into something greater than 'you' or 'I'; it is this epiphany, that orchestrates the basic process of design in the present day.
A well defined poetry of space requires the poet to mutually address the clientele; to make the client understand the most infinitesimal facet would be the longing of every architect. But unfortunately, most architects initiate only a peripheral understanding of their design to the client in their busy schedule, while the clients dismiss it in a simple acknowledgement of a knowledge they aren't aware of.
Some more time, the right amount of conversation or a small gesture can do the trick and work wonders.
* * *
After taking into consideration the expectations of the client, the architect nodded in anticipation.He opened his laptop and revealed a set of photographs; he asked the client to browse through them.
"This project is very endearing to me", he said. "It has been six years since I'd designed this settlement. It was built for a tribal population in Karnataka."
The client seemed curious.
"The Government had sanctioned a 280 acre sloping site, with very little budget," he continued. "How do you think I would've designed a settlement in here?"
The client seemed drawn towards the screen. His face twitched in perplexion. The architect flipped through different screens as he explained the process through which he built the sustainably approachable settlement.
"I have used rammed earth walls for the structure and oriented them together to give a community feeling." He said. "They can be built with less expenditure along with bamboo partitions as well."
"I have also attached a cattle shed to each home, with perforations on the wall partition. This is known as 'Jali' and is very popular for its efficiency."
"Why cattle sheds?", asked the client.
"My dear friend, the tribes are one with nature. They live with their animals. If I would have simply built a structure that looks good, they wouldn't have been able to survive in the long run."
"But this cannot be applicable in all cases I presume", responded the client.
"Fine," said the architect. "Let me give you an example. A rat-trap bond is a type of brickbond that can save 30 percent of the brick and mortar used in construction. This saves you money and gives your building good aesthetics."
The architect continued, "That is what architects do. We consider what is important to you: your lifestyle, your emotions and your happiness. We do not merely build structures, we derive a design through various selective processes and materials."
After a moment of contemplation, the client insisted, "I would like to know more about these different processes and materials, if it could help me build a better home."
The architect thoughtfully went on to suggest several other alternative methods and inferences, to cut down expenses on construction, but yet meet all the requirements of the client to a satisfactory scale.
He explained in tremendous detail every possible method and ensured that the client understood wholly what he wanted to convey.
"With the money you save here, you can buy a car and I shall accommodate a car porch in your home", the architect beamed.
The client's face flushed with happiness, though he tried to conceal it to keep the air of formality.
* * *
The basic human being is bound to be fascinated by the different realms of imaginary space that induce curiosity, excites the mind and impels a person to gradually show an inclination towards a subject matter.
Stories have an edge that can sometimes be unforeseen; it vehemently paints a picture in one's mind, whether they are children or adults.
Sharing a personal experience in the form of a story adds to this edge; it enkindles a broader perception of architecture among people.
Talking to a client through the exchange of perspectives allow them to tap into the architect's visualisations as a whole. It acts as a language that communicates architecture to the intellectuals in their language, the scientists in theirs and so on; different strands of the society can be intertwined through this language, including the league of architects themselves.
Even as student architects, we encounter instances, where the lay man refers to certain architectural terms through historical pointers, stories or personal experiences.
The fraternity of architects consists of various circles and associations in the regional, national and international levels. Such circles are popular with debates, presentations and awards; though this popularity is only limited within the architectural fraternity. The common man has neither an inclination, nor a vague idea of its existence. Hence, such circles can inculcate new programs, that throw a limelight onto the social awareness of architecture.
Although, there further arises more uncertainities as to how stories can be communicated to a wider audience; the society must be considered at large, for only through mutual understanding can there be progress.
The above mentioned anecdote between the architect and the client, serves as a foundation, that brings a novel change; the novelty focuses on shaping the dynamics of architectural communication. The same architect can enlighten his peers, through proper elaboration of the proceedings of the meeting during architectural conferences, seminars or conventions, among different circles.
The approach, concept and belief is but a variable to each person. There are architects who lack in intersocial communication skills, and then there are architects who tap into the very soul of their client. Storytelling becomes a unified language that penetrates through the thick variables of this society.
* * *
A few years later, the architect decided to share his experience during an architectural convention.
"As I was saying, a 5 cent plot and 26 lakhs, that's what he came to me with, he said to the multitude of young hearts before him.
He had never dreamt of owning a car, hence, a car porch was never a part of his requirement", paused the grey haired architect.
"But getting to know about his five membered family, including both the aged and the young, he continued, I recognized in the eyes of the breadwinner, the desire for his own means of transportation, an agony and a longing for independence, that culminated over the years. He could merely realise it himself."
"Do you think there is something that I, as an architect could do to wade off his plight?" He posed to the crowd. The air now had a mixed character of confusion and guesses. It evoked an unspoken zeal among the audience. After the dramatic pause, the architect resumed.
"We, as architects, shouldn't be content in knowing the peripheral identity of our clients, he said. As the roots of a sprouting penetrates deep in search for water, we must also delve into every possible detail of the client; only then can we sustain and grow together into something greater than what we already are."
The clients sitting along the sides beamed with delight to their new found understanding and perception.
"We must search deep, to know what made him; to decode the desires of his heart and then translate it into a language he can relate to. This language is that of an architecture which is transparent. It is that what responds to the complete needs of a man."
"Storytelling is admired by people alike, irrespective of their differences. Because you see", he said, "an architect is supposed to build a monument for everybody."
As the architect concluded his address with the way he introduced alternative building methods, types and architectural concepts to the client, and how he finally saved enough money for the client to buy a car to park in his new car porch, the audience howled in respect, follwed by a huge round of applause.
* * *
Storytelling can be taken to a higher level by introducing them to a wider audience, where the architect enlightens other architects of their personal experience. Here opinions, ideas and goals, can be traded from credible sources and personal experiences, to the right people, in the form of stories.
When the architectural fraternity is able to grasp the language as a whole, it would be easier to build awareness in the society through this novel process.
The sharing of personal experiences can take place during conventions, seminars or other events held by the circle of architects. They can instill awareness among each of their respective clients by inviting them to the talks and events conducted by their respective circles, where they can allow the clients to speak of their own personal experiences.
Once an initial mutual relationship is laid out, it is easier to convince the rest of the society of the various practices in architecture.
It also clears out the feeling of shock and confusion that the people face, when they hear of such unfamiliar processes and preserves the intellectual vocabulary of the discipline.
As they become more comfortable, they fall into light. As they are enlightened, architect client meetings can be organized at every stage of the design process, where assumptions and expectations can be explored and even explained.
As the design reaches its final stages, these will be expressed in the built environment.
Storytelling, can further be explored graphically through pictorial representations, to non- architects that include engineers and other co-workers; they can be expressed in the form of concepts.
It can also be both verbally and textually conveyed. Hence, architectural journals and magazines can incorporate stories and personal experiences rather than prosaic articles or essays. It can gain popularity among readers by creating curiosity among them; it keeps them focused on what they read. Newspapers can also incorporate such methods by replacing their unembellished articles with a separate reader's column.
Hence, storytelling in this form moulds an infallible equation. It acts as a language that connects the architect and the people and makes the urban environment more liveable.
_________________
This article was co-authored by my friend Amala for the Writing Architecture Trophy 2017. All copyrights belong to NASA India.
fin.
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