archicontext

One of my close friend asked me what architecture theory do I have?

I replied, those who came out with theories usually have grey hair.

Nope, I do not have a theory, but I do have a few humble words on my view of it.

I used to think architecture is all about designing buildings that will capture the eyes of millions, but later to find out that won’t help the suffering billions.

What is consider good architecture to those who do not have any knowledge of architecture? Anything that doesn’t look conventional? Anything that made it into the media? Anything with an award logo stating- 6-stars Green building?

Only those who have been through certain education, who understand the programmatic approach to architecture, who understand the principles of design, who acknowledge the spacial qualities, sensory experiences and other architectural textbook definitions which comprise architecture, would appreciate the consequence of such endeavor.

And how many people will that be?

Assumption: People above the poverty line, in which survival isn’t the main strive in life. The middle class?

Based on Poverty Facts and Stats (Shah, A, http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats), in 2005, 80% of the world population live under the poverty line (less than $10 a day).
Which means, the possibility of my assumption only consist of 20% or less of the world population.

How about people living in poverty? What do they think good architecture is?
They struggle to survive, they worry about the lack of  food, water and sanitary services, what more care about the condition they live in. Architecture, in this context is relegated. The space which they live in are mere shelters.
This was what one of my tutors meant by, architecture without context is useless. Providing the people in third world nation a tap receives precedence, rather than providing any form of architecture.

How then can architecture help them? Design effective immediate shelters? Design sustainable dwellings that would cost nothing and last a life time? I’m sure all of the above certainly made an impact to a community. Such humanitarian response existed for nearly a decade now. Many had devoted themselves to such cause, increasingly every year.

Unlike the realists, I don’t think architecture is/will be the answer. People who live in small rustic houses sometimes feel the presence of home more than big mansions. I remember the times living at my place back in SS2, Malaysia. I often complained about how the house had an ugly brown render, how unattractive it was, how un-matching the furnitures were, how my friend’s house looked much better and how I have to get down the car on a rainy day to open the gate which was not automated.  I used to be embarrassed at it. I used to say things like “oh, thats my small little house.” How I will not tell my friends where I lived and insisted in give an approximate direction.

Now, I miss it. very much.

I am very sure I’m not the only who feels the same. The memories, the familiarity, especially the provoking feeling on my feet in contact with the white marble tiles when I stepped into my house, triggers a sense of belonging. Architecture could never imitate how a home feels, it cannot replicate a home.

It’s interesting how my University focus so much on ethical values this semester. The first few weeks of lecture was taking me off my seat. What I’m learning in University starts to align itself with the things God has revealed/and still unfolding to me. Architecture is not the answer, but architecture can be part of facilitating the process. What impact we as future professionals can do isn’t something that be looked over. Challenging question posted today by my lecturer was, are you a Leader or a Follower?

I want to make a difference.

I always thought I need to go to a third world nation in order to fulfill this noble cause God has planted in my heart. It might be so. However, something that never occur to me until recent months was, the thought of going home. When I went back home early this year, I was disgusted at the buildings, I ridiculed how inefficient it was, how I felt like a sarcastic critique from the higher hierarchy of the society. Not realizing I am one of those who criticize at their home country and not providing any form of solution. When asked to talk about the architecture back home, it felt as if I do actually have a passion for it.

I went for the talk by Michael Reynolds about his Earthship Biotecture. I was amazed and jaw-dropped at its innovation and efficiency. (Please take sometime to look at it if you’re free) My fascination lasted until I walked out of the lecture hall, questioning myself, what role then can I play since I always thought I could derive something similar to the Earthship to help the third world nations. I know the world needs more people like that, I could be one. But really, the design is not difficult to pick up and don’t really need a degree to recreate it. Seemed like something I always wanted to do has existed for quite sometime already. (Like how I thought of hybrid cars when I was 12) I asked God again, am I going down that path then? To help the 80% of the world population? I was rather disappointed then, thinking I could shake the world but someone has already done it. Am I then going to come out with something different and ground breaking? While having all these thoughts, trying to make an excuse to go back Malaysia, I came to an end of it.

Whether if it was an excuse or not, I want to go home.

While at this point I can’t see myself in a place of extreme poverty, I certainly see myself back home, attempting to provide some support to my nation. I am excited. I want to see how God can use a small person like me.

I’ve made my move now, I’ll wait upon the Lord to direct my steps.

Nevertheless, I’m excited.