THEORY AND METHOD

ASSIGNMENT – 2

- BARKHA
- 2A
- 180BARCH009
 ‘HOUSES ARE A MACHINE FOR LIVING OR NOT’
From the point, humans have thought of settling, they have turned to use of houses for
their shelter. In general, houses have evolved with time due to advancement of technology
but according to me, the reason is more than that. Changes have occurred greatly due to
the feelings attached to their houses and sense of belongingness.

From outlook, house is just cubicle made for basic amenities. In this century, they have just
remained in that form. Houses have just become a place which everyone uses as a shade. Its
use, function is reduced to a minimum nowadays. There is neither connection to one’s
house nor does one’s reflection in their homes.

But it is even enough to live in such a condition where one does not feel so complete that
will make them spend more time in their homes keeping them from running to more
materialistic things. I feel not, for houses are mere not a machine for living, it should serve
more purpose than that it should be our reflection of reality, hopes and dreams.

Architecture is the best means to achieve or fulfil that desire but nowadays it is more
focused on planar structures so that mass production can take place. Need for architecture
is now more shifted to function than focusing to create plastic emotions. When a house is
constructed and transformed such that it looks like one’s mould, only then purpose of a
house is truly fulfilled.

House gives one ‘a place where people can return to’ and call it home. This just can’t
happen overnight, for people first need to understand that they do lack something and need
to have a good living condition in life for their own well-being and betterment. The reason
people are now more into their work so much that are ready to spend even overnights in
the offices than with family at home.

Houses are built not just with bricks; it is an accumulation of memories people living in it
and their dreams of future. It’s more than just a shade over our heads; it’s like our
protective circle, safe spot that we bear in our heart wherever we go. From plan to facade to
paintings on the wall, that feeling is unique to everyone in a sense that nostalgia never
fades.

Whole idea of machine is to make one’s life easier and helps to make it smooth functioning
but can’t be said same about the house. A machine is just a helping hand, not a source. It is
not the answer to all problems. One’s life cannot be sustained like that, as machine is only a
product of one’s attempt. House has more life within; with its furniture, showpiece and
even wallpapers; each and everything has a message to convey, a story to tell with more
personal connection.

A machine is utilized according to its function and need; and is not supposed to look at
afterwards. Its existence fades away in same manner as it was required. It neither needs to
be treasured nor give importance. But one just can’t survive with ‘no strings attached’
attitude for longer. If that keeps going on then breakdown point reaches soon. House can
act like a shoulder one can rely on, turn to when in need and support when in doubt only if
maintained initially. House even helps by keeping people stay connected to nature.

Houses of Ilse, Auroville from their try to show

qualities that are related to human attributes
like honest, simple, sober, bright, solid, alive
and with harmony in nature. Such houses make
it worth living in it. Its construction just doesn’t
help one to stay connected to oneself but with
nature too.

Kanchanjunga Apartments has used sun and wind directions to its optimal use by creating
veranda; so with help of nature, architect has
somehow to a small extent created self-
attachment. In order to make that veranda,
four to six bedroom spacing has been utilized
to give spatial advantage to thirty-two floors
apartment. These apartments thought and
construction techniques have created the feel
of living in a house with large veranda spaces
embedded in it, with more space in rooms and
so does owning the place.

These houses are not exactly their

owner’s replica but have a gist of
something which is definitely greater
than a machine. Their focus on
developing spaces, more than
available tells that importance was
given to personal comfort too rather
than just on function.

Such small personal touches make it

worth living in a house and so help in realizing difference between a good and bad living
conditions. In conclusion, house is not just a machine for living; for it’s much more than that.
It can be said that it’s more embedded in our lives and forms an integral part of it.