My Design Treatise

The words “architecture” and “buildings” are used interchangeably in everyday language,
however, in the minds of architects and architecture students, they are completely different. I
believe that all buildings are architecture, but not all architecture is buildings. The definition of
architecture is “the complex or carefully designed structure of something”. Architecture doesn’t
have to be a building. It can be houses, stadiums, churches, and parks. As long as it benefits the
client, society, and has some sort of structure, I believe it can be considered architecture.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is “good architecture”. Good architecture
combines basic elements such as meeting all construction codes and having a sturdy foundation
with overall aesthetics and styles to carefully design something that benefits all living things. It
has to provide all of the bare minimums while providing delight. I don’t think it has to be a
certain style but fit into its location. For example, if the house is in a historical neighborhood, it
shouldn’t be modern. If a building is located in Paris, it shouldn’t be more than six stories high.
Additionally, the infrastructure has to benefit all living things. It shouldn’t just benefit the client,
but all of society. It also shouldn’t negatively affect the animals and plants around it either.
In the 21st century, good architecture can be put into practice by slowing down and
thinking through all of these ideas. Oftentimes, the demand is so high for residential and
commercial architecture that the infrastructures are mass-produced. They use the easiest and
cheapest materials, don’t have a clear style, and aren’t thoroughly crafted. That isn’t necessarily
a bad thing, however, if we want “good architecture”, it could be.
As I am starting my architecture education and career, I want to make sure I design
infrastructures that meet my standards of “good architecture”. That is one of the main reasons I
want to focus on green architecture. I believe that sustainable architecture is the only way to
produce “good architecture”. Using the easiest and cheapest materials will make the buildings
wear down easier, but using local and recyclable resources will allow infrastructures to last
longer and reduce our waste issues. Having clear styles will benefit the mental health of society.
Thoroughly crafting an infrastructure will allow everybody to benefit from the space. Every
detail must be thought out.
While my career will value these ideas, I don’t think every architect needs to. If every
architect valued the same ideas, then architecture as a whole would not progress. Ultimately, I
believe we need to find a balance between meeting the demand for new infrastructures and
looking into every detail of each infrastructure. As a whole, that is what a “good architect” can
do; they can create a building efficiently and effectively.