THEORY AND METHOD

ASSIGNMENT – 1

- ASHI JAIN
- 3B
- 170BARCHI138

‘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.