Professional Practice

Questions
Dated: 05/04/2021

-What is architecture all about?

-How do I become a good Architect?
-What skills do I need?
In many ways the discipline of architecture emulates the living world, the people, and the geography
around it. Our need for shelter, makes architecture a dependent figure although this may not always be the
case. With changing paradigms, architecture’s significance is increasingly becoming a part of many
worlds; be it through built contracts, virtual simulation or augmented reality.
Architecture has become a buzz feed for social media, graphical representation and simultaneous
competitions. This marks a milestone for the time as many have freed from conventions of pragmatic
scales. We now see architecture as a portal for provocative subjects, social queries, ecological solutions or
humanitarian aspects.
And while each holds an important part in the overall equation, a fraction can constitute in defining
worldviews of sorts. For me, Architecture has to be for the people.
We can’t deny the social structures we live within. Structures which exist on a bourgeoise lifestyle. While
some may call it the definite hierarchy and won’t dare challenge it, I believe there is always room for
constants to shift. What would be the purpose of excelling in architectural engineering and research if it
can’t be used for the common good. Now I don’t mean to instill a communist agenda, but shying away
from issues of rights, democracy and equity is big no no! Why study architecture if it concludes in some
corporate cubicle? We stand face to face with global issues to humanity; designing infinity pools where
people on some desolate area doesn’t have a drop to spare on the horizon.
Ignorance is what has brought us to this verge, and ignorance is what will drag us down the grave. We
simply can’t invest our existence for someone’s pleasure palace. I don’t mean to echo Buddha’s maxim,
but if we simply label scenarios as unchangeable, I’m afraid we might never change them.
We have come a long way in its theory and history realizing that the discipline pioneered responses for
evolving times. And that of course is what architecture holds in extent; its authoritativeness. It being a
physical edifice in the living world, a tangible mass that stands on the ground same as the mortals walking
past. For it is this state of being in present that architecture can harken the past and predict the times
ahead.
Although there isn’t a single potion that brews an architectural candidate, a series of ingredients might do
the trick.
In all his/her abilities, an architect has to have a View at his/her core. This shall inform further inquiries
about how the person views the field and hopes to contribute in the vast discipline. Knowing what
architecture can and should do is what makes an architect, “unique” (excuse the cliché). Having an in-
depth clarity of one’s vision will assist in translating abstractions into actualities. There may be many
with a grip in latest tech, fewer with a voice, and some with a view. It requires belief in oneself to be the
latter.
Apart from its philosophical narrative, ‘The Good Architect’ is a man of various traits. At one end, he’s a
socialite; expert in networking and diplomatic relations; at another he stands as a humble mason; aware of
construction from years of experience. He is a mind of anticipated planning, knowing how to strive the
company through highs and lows. It is his job to steer the projects in the allocated timeframe, while
keeping the crew abord. This not only accounts leadership but moral virtues of empathy, compassion and
a sense of integrity.
Other than that, an understanding of public dealings has to be brought forth. Since a project has multi
stakeholders, it is therefore imperative to be able to project your dialogue accordingly. This versatile
demeanor will invariably be beneficial for both the client, the vendors or the constructor.
It is from an architect’s pen that ideas flow and other members contribute to it. It is his inclusive character
that will allow team members to be fully engaged with the project.
Such is a grip one needs for thriving in the architectural world. But this shouldn’t be painted as a holistic
scenario. As I mentioned above, there are multiple facets involved into an architect’s persona. Naturally,
people aren’t made to-order, while some may be well-versed in certain areas, it’s better to constantly
recognize these roles as allied to an Architect’s backpack.