Monday 18 January 2016

Architectural Manifesto - Video






The systemic framework
Architecture exists as a part of the complex, dynamic and self-governing system of the built environment, a part of the built fabric of society in which every day behavior, culture and practices, are intricately related to the notion of place. Thus is defined the architect’s field of operation, which involves peoples individual and collective customs & daily rituals, staged on the platform of space. To this, we hold to these principles:

Recognizing complexity, designing simplicity
Understanding the systemic complexity of the collective users, space, and built form of a place; as well as the unique nature of relationships between these, is a driver for context sensitive spatial design responses. Familiarity with the complexity and processes is a generator for simple, meaningful responses. 

People in mind
A place is not only its material, but also its inhabitants, and their complex, layered practices. Thus the dynamic nature of users (collective and individual) in the making and sustaining of a place is to be kept in mind. 

Designing impact
Understanding the complexity of a context, it is within the reach of spatial designers to make an intentional, considered impact, through design, for the benefit of users. 
What architecture does is just as important as what it is, and more important that what it looks like: if what it looks like does not contribute to what it does (This referring to the effect and impact of architecture, rather that programmatic function).

A catalytic agent 
The complex nature of the built environment is greater than the architect. In designing impact, architecture is thus a catalyst, a means to the end of contributing to the system: spatially, aesthetically, functionally or whatever opportunity a place invites of the spatial designer. The architect is thus contributor and not as controller, and architecture is thus a valuable (yet limited) instrument.