ARC/13/01/1407

Relevance of Sociology to Architecture

Architecture and urban space play an important role among the sociological and psychological
factors that influence humans and their wellbeing. Sociology and psychology analyse the role of
architecture in the conscious shaping of space. Sociology of settlement, the city and the
housing, deals, with building (or architectural) activity of man, and his perception and needs.

One may ask, what is the relationship between the individual and his or her environment or
social setting? What is the relationship between people and their culture? Architectural
sociology approaches these questions in examining how architectural forms both influence and
react to sociocultural phenomena. A large proportion of our human experience and social
interaction occurs in the buildings in which we live and work. Therefore, architectural
sociologists use sociological perspective to enhance building design.

Architectural sociology is defined as the application of social theory and methods to the
architectural design process. It provides quantitative and qualitative research tools to anticipate
how designs impact people on a variety of levels. This thing is, sociologists need not necessarily
be architects, but architects have to necessarily be sociologists to understand how people think
and react to element in the built environment. The following are reasons why architects must
be sociologists:

The beliefs of the people affect the plan form. In indigenous Ghanaian Societies, the Circle is
said to be a sacred shape it symbolises God's perfection. Therefore the people have their
architecture portraying rounded plan forms. E.g. the people any northern Ghana live in small
clusters of rounded huts. This is influenced by the in belief that that rounded shapes presents
God’s perfection

The geographical location of the people affect their architecture. This mainly affects the
materials used. In the temperate regions like the America’s and the United Kingdom, more glass
is in their buildings. This help to trap heat indoors. They have a kind of "glassy architecture. Also
the kind walls used in their building is affected. They use insulated walls which trap heat
between the walls.
In the tropical world, where its relatively hot all year round less glass is used to prevent the
build-up of heat in the buildings.
In America, especially North America, due to the abundance of wood, the main building
material is wood. Which is not so in the tropical world (Ghana).
In northern Ghana, the people there build round huts with mud using the wattle and daub
construction method. These huts are usually roofed in thatch on straw. Their homes usually
have small windows which reduces the amount of heat entering the building. Generally the
choice of materials here is to cool the building to the maximum.
In Southern Ghana, where the Sea breeze is enjoyed, the architecture there is way different
from that of northern Ghana. Here, all sort of plan shapes are used, houses are relatively bigger
and Sandcrete block is the main building material used down in the South. For roofing
aluminium roofing sheets n the most popular. Roofing tiles are also used.

The kind of architecture done in the temperate regions cannot fit in the tropical world and vice
versa. This is because the sociology of the people (skin Colour and type) are not the same.
Hence the difference in architecture. When people force foreign architecture into a place it
becomes isolated and odd. An example of misplaced architecture is The Supreme court building
in Accra, Ghana.
Religion is also another factor that Influences sociology. The kind of religious building people
put up vary from religion to religion. Religion as a whole, gave rise to various architectural
forms. The ionic, Corinth, and Doric techniques came about due to religion. The Greeks used
these styles to decorate their temples.

Buddhist build temples with large domes on top called Stupas. The stupas were built of stone or
bricks to Commemorate important events or marls important places associated with Buddhism.
These were used to house the relics of Buddha. These temples were rock-cut. That is carved out
of the rocks.

In Islamic architecture, mosques are built with large domes on top. These domes usually carry
the Islamic crescent moon and star. This is the symbol of Islam. Also, Special courtyards called
Sahn are almost always present. A courtyard is an enclosed area often enclosed by a building
which is open to the sky. “Sahn” refers to a courtyard Surrounded by an arcade at all sides. It
contains asymmetrical pool where ablutions are performed.

With traditional African religion, (traditionalists). They are usually found in the bushes with
their gods beside them. They believe the gods are very powerful. Therefore not everyone is
allowed to see them.

With respect to Christianity, churches are very huge. This is believed to represent God’s
superiority to man. These are usually decorated with Statues of Jesus Christ and the symbol of a
Cross. Religion goes all the way to influence the plan shape of churches. Especially Catholic
churches. Most Catholic Churches take the basic shape of the cross. It is believed by Christians
that the Cross Symbolises atonement and reminds Christians of God's love in sacrificing his own
son for humanity. It represents Jesus' victory over sin and death. The St. Peter’s Basilica, Italy Is
a perfect example of a church with a Cross shaped plan.

In Conclusion, Sociology affects every aspects of man existence. Sociologists need not
necessarily be architects, but architects have to necessarily be sociologists to understand how
people think and react to element in the built environment. Architects therefore here to
understand how people reason in order to make them live comfortably.