Architecture should contain something that appeals to the human heart,
The creative work of our time is expressed as a union of technology and humanity.
The history of humankind’s development indicates that the love of art and design has all along been an ingrained and powerful element of everyday life.
Whether it is Mesopotamian, ancient Egyptian, Indus Valley, or Chinese civilizations,
Tangible and realistic images were the complete quotient.
The artefacts, pottery, wall reliefs, utensils, etc. of those days – all display people’s incentives to embody art in their lifestyle.
The architectural innovations of this era played on geometric shapes,
symmetry, and the molding of traditional materials to interweave rhythmic lines and skillful details.
Technology was never the main support even in the later stage.
The famous Taj Mahal in Agra (India), Hagia Sophia, Istanbul (Turkey),
and Jagannath Temple, Puri (India) are just some examples of authentication.
The artistry embodied in the form and interior decoration of these ancient archaeological wonders embodies precision in detail and a glimpse into the remarkable skills of master craftsmen of years gone by.
We have witnessed steady progress and diversification, following the industrial revolution in architecture in the 18th century.
Using changes in building materials
The use of steel, reinforced concrete and glass has greatly enhanced the strength and durability of buildings.
Larger bridges were envisioned, and above all came a change in visual aesthetics.
With the availability of these newer materials,
architects have the opportunity to flex their creativity to redefine form, structure and adapt functionality.
Initially monotonous buildings rise on the horizon, gradually giving way to complex and eye-catching structures such as the Eiffel Tower, Paris, Paddington Station, London, and others.
This was followed by the era of skyscrapers that made their presence felt in the city skyline.
You might think of a cautionary thought that Ronald Reagan, former President of the United States of America, said, “We did not inherit an easy world.
If developments such as the Industrial Revolution, which began in England,
and the gifts of science and technology have made life much easier for us, they have also made it more dangerous.
To be sure, the risks have emerged in the decline of skilled crafts, job losses, and mass migration to major cities.
Environmental degradation, increased pollution, unhealthy living habits, etc.
It was in fact a strong reaction to the industrial revolution unleashed by Arts and Crafts, and the movement gained momentum.
The role of the information revolution in architecture
The information revolution is another revolution that has revolutionized architecture.
Traditional drafting tools like parallel bars, marked squares, arcs, compasses, scales, etc. have become in contemporary architectural practices,
It is redundant with computer-aided design systems and programs that allow it to make complex 3D drawings and models.
Analytical simulation programs in the modern era have achieved reliability and significantly reduced time and cost.
The practices of major architects such as Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Santiago Calatrava and others who have used this technology to bring form and design to fruition that would have been unimaginable or buildable in the recent past have also taken the lead in applying these systems.
The art in architecture here has a newer formula.
These design aids are also widely used in allied arms of architecture such as structural design, landscape, services etc.
Use of artificial intelligence
To crown it all, we now have Artificial Intelligence (AI) making its emerging presence felt in the profession.
Dubbed by many as the “master architect” of the future and an “inhuman and robotic app” by purists, this phenomenon
They are of the moment, further facilitating light-speed repetitive work, and adding practical design.
Logistical solutions have also been given attention, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) has made designing complex circular shapes as simplistic as designing with straight lines.
We already have construction work being done using 3D printers.
Globally, this revolution in digital technology and communications is steadily changing social, cultural, economic and even political patterns.
The question arises: will architects gradually become redundant in the future?
No matter how advanced technology is, human instincts, sensitivities and innate preferences can never be imitated or measured.
Technology can only help based on what is fed to machines, and can therefore provide solutions based on algorithms.
However, human intelligence’s ever-renewing impulses and fluctuations are extraordinarily difficult to predict.
Nothing can replace human creativity and emotional gut.
This should not undermine the enormous value of these technologies,
as they are wonderful tools that will be a golden treasure for faster development and progress and hopefully constructive and positive developments at the micro level as well as at the macro planning stages.
These technological revolutions have also brought about radical transformations in the art world.
Pros and cons of digital art
Intense discussions continue about the pros and cons of digital art finding an important place in interior design.
Digital design gives a new face to the look of spaces.
In art too, the replacement of the brush by the computer is very far away at present.
Art and architecture have always gone hand in hand, now let us accept realistically that they now have another close friend called “technology”.
With the mysterious human ingenuity at the forefront,
the three friends will be guided to discover the right balance to express creativity in a modern, contextual language.
Definitions and interpretations in art and architecture have always found newer dimensions with the passage of time.
We should not forget that the dynamics of the global system in the twenty-first century are evolving at a rapid pace.
Concerns about healthy human habitats are no less serious.
If new-age technology can help bring efficiency and order to our chaotic urban and urban spaces, why not embrace it?
If digital technology can be explored to help in better planning and improve the living conditions of the masses, why not welcome it?
Its usefulness is not limited to designing and constructing off-world building structures.
It can be a positive game changer for solving complex urban and city planning problems.
In countries like Saudi Arabia, future cities like “THE LINE” are being envisioned using these technologies to revolutionize urban life.
This reminds us of the observation of Narayana Murthy, founder of Infosys,
“Engineering or technology is about using the power of science to make life better for people, reduce costs, improve comfort, improve productivity, etc.
Let the parallel bar, the marked square, the paintbrush and the AI together find their own rhythm to connect with nature for cleaner,
more vibrant environments of today and the future where life is an enjoyable experience.
Read more: Ideas to redesign your front porch to get it new and fresh