Running Head: ARCHITECTURE AS A DYNAMIC SCENE

Architecture As A Dynamic Scene: A Redefinition of Architecture

Kim Morissey S. Villanueva

College of Architecture , University of the Philippines Diliman

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Abstract

Architecture can be defined in various ways but formulating a unifying definition is nearly

impossible. With this in mind, this paper aims to describe the behavior of architecture to try

to formulate a definition that will encompass most if not all the aspects of this complicated

field. With the information gathered from research on different publications, a definition was

formulated that architecture is a dynamic scene that changes due to space, time and the

audience. It is also concluded that architecture, being an art form is subjective. This paper

may have limitations due to the number of aspects related to architecture through time and

the difficulty of unifying them altogether to formulate a single definition. This can be a

material for future references of other research papers about architecture or anything related

to the topic of the paper.

Introduction

Architecture is one of the oldest form of art in humankind. From the simple sticks and

twigs, humans were able to provide shelter in order to survive. Today, architecture takes on

greater heights. High-rise buildings erect here and there. These structures helped in building

the economy, the nation and the world. Through the centuries, architecture strived and

evolved into what it is today. But what is architecture?

Back when humans used natural formations like cave then tried to recreate the

environment to simulate the comfort and protection that a shelter provides them, human race

just use their own primitive sense of architecture in order to survive. Everything back then

was about survival. They just needed a structure to protect them from the harsh environment.

But as time passed by, the use and perception of architecture changes. From the mere need

for survival, human race now use architecture for different reasons, may it be a necessity or a

leisure. As the use of architecture evolves, so does its definition. Looking today to find a

uniting definition of architecture will surely cause one much stress and frustration. There are
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a lot of definitions floating around trying to capture the essence of architecture. Some famous

personalities in the field also tried defining architecture. According to Constantin

Brancusi(Stravinsky , 1966), “Architecture is inhabited sculpture.” He sees architecture as a

form of art. According to I.M. Pei, “Life is architecture and architecture is the mirror of life.”

Now architecture is percieved related to the life of humankind. Other than these, there are

still a lot of ways that the complex and compicated field of architecture is defined.

Architecture and Its Behavior as a Dynamic Scene

Being a complex and complicated field, redefining architecture will be difficult.

Instead, we can opt to try to discuss its nature and behavior. To try to define architecture, one

must first try to understand what it is by observing its behavior. Architecture, in a simpler

way, is altering the space to create new spaces. Thus, it is an act or a process. But human race

have been utilizing the space according to their needs. From here, it can be infered that

architecture is a tool which humans can use at their discretion. Architecture is also a way of

intellectual use of materials to create a space. It is seen as an “arte” and or science. With all

these definitions, it is definitely hard to formulate a single definition of architecture. It is

because architecture changes. It varies from place to place, from time to time and from

person to person. Architecture is dynamic and is constantly evolving. Trevor Howells

described architecture in this manner:

“Of all the arts in the world, none is more fundamental to the way we live than

architecture. It is a mirror of our own time and of times gone by, a diary that is written

in mud and timber, in brick and stone, in iron and steel, in concrete and glass. Our

homes, our public buildings and cities reflect what we are, what we once were – and

what we hope to become.”

According to him, architecture is a reflection of our time and the past. But architecture is not

a single frame that reflects the life in a particular point in time rather it is a dynamic scene, a
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collection of frames that eventually make up a whole film which is life. It is a physical

manifestation of life at a particular point in space at a particular point in time percieved by a

particular viewer. It is a specific scenario in life. With this description and definition of

architecture, it’s time to discuss what makes architecture this way. What are the factors that

play important roles in shaping architecture to what it is today?

Molding Factors that Shape Architecture

Setting

Because architecture is said to be the manipulation of space, it is only safe to assume

that it affects the environment. In the same way, the environment also affects how

architecture would be in that area. The setting helps shape architecture. Like that in a story,

the setting is composed of two main aspects: space and time. Space is the place or location

where architecture will be present and time is the one-way fourth dimension affecting

architecture and its definition.

Architecture, being a dynamic scene, is a reflection of an instance. It reflects the

culture and story of the place(Rapoport, 1969). Because different cultures have different

characteristics, many factors affect the perception of architecture. One factor is the belief

system which can greatly affect how one sees architecture. Take the example on feng shui. A

strong believer of the system will alter the spaces one lives in accordance to the belief

system. They have specific do’s and don’ts in arranging the space. One example is the belief

that adjacent doors facing each other would have negative effects on the life of the users.

They focus on the life energy and how to direct its flow in their advantage(Bruun &

Feuchtwang, 2003). Here, architecture can be seen as a manipulation of the physical

environment to also manipulate the great forces around us. It is used to direct the flow of life

energy which would affect their luck in life. It reflects the values that the culture exercises.

According to Norman Foster, “Architecture is an expression of values”. In traditional India,

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women are seen differently from men. They should not be touched by men in public and their

houses should have a strict sense of privacy. Here, architecture can be seen as the barrier or

the border line which separates the sexes(Hasan, Sridharan, & Sudarshan, 2002). On the other

hand, in the Filipino setting, spaces are usually used for gatherings and interactions. Because

of the openness and the need for community characterizing the Filipino culture, architecture

is the intersection and venue for socialization. Another example that the culture affects the

perception of architecture is the case of traditional Japanese architecture. Their structures

were built in specific measurements in order to signify and symbolize their physical

environment. Especially in their gardens, each component is essential as it represents

important features of the landscape/environment or of the cosmos(rocks may symbolize the

high mountains and the position of the elements are aligned to a cosmic pattern). For them,

architecture is a physical representation of the nature/environment and the cosmos.

Architecture is different for different cultures for it is used in different ways. Because of the

different demands due to the differences between cultures, the purpose, thus, the perception

of architecture also varies.

Aside from the culture of the place, the physical environment also affect how

architecture will be designed for a particular place. Factors such as the terrain, the climate

and the available resources sometimes dictate how architecture would be used. In general, it

is used to modify the environment to make it more habitable and raise its comfort level. With

all these examples, the effect of the place to the definition of architecture can be seen clearly.

But the changing definition of architecture does not stop here.

After discussing the three dimensions that affect how one sees architecture, it is now

time for the fourth dimension, time. It is known that the only permanent in life is change. And

this change happens over time. So, architecture’s definition does not only depend on the

overall space(its culture and context). With the factor of time, the definition in a particular
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point in space may still vary. The definition of architecture evolves as people do through

time. Like what Vito Acconel said, “Architecture is not about space but about time.” To

expound on this, here are the cases where time is a factor in the definition of architecture.

During the age of the egyptian power, pharaohs built high rising pyramids which will

eventually serve as their death bed. Some pharaohs built several pyramids for themselves.

The construction of the pyramids is a testament of the pharaoh’s power and influence. The

more and bigger the pyramids are, the more powerful the pharaoh is seen(Horbatch, 2014).

Architecture is seen as trophies or monuments commemorating the greatness of the ruler. In

the time of renaissance, “architects” were promoted from skilled workers to artists. In this

period, architecture is used as a somewhat salute to the classical structures by the Romans.

The classical style was revived together with the changes that characterized renaissance.

Because of the hype in the arts and literature at the time, architecture was also seen as a form

of art. Also because of the influence of religion, architecture was seen to be a form of art and

like the other arts, must reflect the religious affiliations of the period. Architecture is used as

a tool to further express and expound religion. After the renaissance period of intricate

designs and details, there rose a movement in architecture which is very different from the

previous movements and styles. The modernist movement or international style believes that

in architecture, “ornament is a crime”(Taylor, 2003). The movement stripped the structures of

its decorations and designs to come up with the basic shapes that make up architectural

forms. One famous architect of the movement is Le Corbusier who said that architecture is a

machine for living thus not requiring intricate decorations. They believe that architecture

should just function as it is programmed and the ornamentations are waste on time, materials

and effort.(Miller & Ward, 2003). Another famous line is the “Form ever follows function”

by Louis Henry Sullivan(Vitruvius & Choisy, 1909). This definitions are contrary to that of

renaissance period where architecture was seen as an art. As time goes by, new movements of
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architecture will rise and so will their idielogies and defnitions. The fourth dimension’s effect

could also be seen in smaller scales. Consider the topic about the spirit of place. It is stated

that the spirit of place is changing due to the environment and the users and at the same time

affects them. Spirit of place can change in just a short period of time due to certain

circumstances. The twin towers of world trade center was an icon of economic excellence

and competence. But after the 9-11 tragedy, the twin tower now evokes a feeling of

melancholy and sadness to the viewers because of the experience and memory that it holds

and radiates to the users. In the residential houses, it can be seen as the safe haven, protecting

one from the outside stress. But after an event of robbery or murder inside the house, the

spirit of place eventually changes varying the perception of that place. Because of certain

turns of events and the factor of time, the perception of a specific form of architecture or

architecture as a whole can change.

Characters

Characters play a huge role in the formulation of definition of architecture. Character

refers to the people who uses the space while at the same time views and experiences it. Art

is subjective, meaning a work of art can be percieved and interpreted in many ways

depending on how the audiences give meaning to the art. Because architecture is considered a

form of art, then architecture must also be subjective. Its meaning also rely to the audience,

not just on space and time. Like stated earlier, different people percieve architecture

differently. An evidence to this are the statements of the renowned architects about how they

see architecture. Aside from the architects, everyone can also contribute and define

architecture or at least describe it. Usually, how people see things are greatly influenced by

their lifestyle especially by their profession and affiliation. A teacher may see architecture as

the starting point of growth due to the classrooms and schools. They see classrooms. To an

engineer, architecture may be a solution to a problem. To a student, architecture in the form

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of classrooms may be a knowledge mining spot, a treasure chest of wisdom. For a doctor,

hospitals can be a place of salvation and recovery. To an artist, it may be a live work of art.

To a plolitician, architecture is a tool in controlling the masses. It is a political device that

helps them look over the people. An interesting perception of architecture is that of a

developer. Architecture for them is a profit-making machine. It is economic.“Form follows

profit is the aesthetic principle of our times”(Rogers, n.d.). It is a conformity of architecture

to capitalism and consumerism. Architecture is also seen as monuments of status and success.

There are more definitions of architecture than we can expect. It is because there are a lot of

factors that affect the perception of architecture. Again, the definition varies due to space,

time and also the audience.

Architecture in Context

Architecture is dynamic. It is subjective. This is what Filipino people should know

about architecture. The masses should see architecture in a critical way and in a deeper way

that penetrates the mere surface. The Filipino masses have little knowledge of the true

potential of architecture. The leaders of the country know these and uses them to build the

nation(or to build their personal paradises). It must be accepted that architecture is indeed a

scene in a film. It varies through time and space. Consider the previous presidential election.

Before, classrooms are seen as a place for learning and growth. During the election, the space

became the uniting place for bayanihan in building the nation. Here is where millions of

people of every class gather to elect the new leader who will lead the country to success.

EDSA is indeed a very memorable space for the Filipino people where they fought for their

rights and freedom. EDSA is seen as a place of redemption and salvation. But now, EDSA is

seen as a traffic death trap. Getting trap at the avenue in a rush hour means hell for the
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commuters. Due to the different scenarios and time frame, the definitions of the space is

altered. Rizal park is a commemmorating grounds for the heroism of the national hero, Dr.

Jose P. Rizal. Recent events made it a perfect topic for a national issue. It is when a high rise

building at the far back of the park destroys the view of the beautiful scenery. The place was

once a topic of awe and heroism now it is a ground for dispute.

In conclusion, architecture is a physical manifestation of a single point in the four

dimension. It reflects the place and culture at a particular time. With the culture and context,

physical environment, time and audience, the perception of architecture differs. Because of

these variations, architecture is not a frame, rather a dynamic scene in a film which is life. It

is unique for a specific point in space, specific point in time, viewed by a specific audience.

Thus, architecture, like all art, is subjective. This is the core description of architecture. A

unifying definition will be nearly impossible to formulate but a description like this may

somehow connect all the dots together to better understand what architecture is.
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