Nomos: What is architecture?

Summary

The speaker reflects on architecture not merely as building structures, but as a means to enrich life, fostering joy, dignity, and social integration. They emphasize that design involves collaboration, dialogue, and a deep connection to the environment and beauty. The future of architecture is seen as a continuous evolution, blending past, present, and future. Ultimately, architecture is about bringing together ideas and people to create solutions for the environment and society.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Architecture is about researching and building spaces.
• 🌿 Architecture can be a pretext, with life being the true focus.
• 🏠 Oscar Niemeyer said architecture offers shelter, joy, and dignity.
• 🛠️ Each project aims to stimulate local craftsmanship and foster community and social integration.
• 🌍 The team does not have a clear formal or conceptual architectural position but values beauty and takes risks.
• 🧩 The team strives to stay humble and curious about the environment and life.
• 💬 Design is a process of drawing, discussing, exchanging ideas, and traveling together, becoming a conversation.
• 🔮 The future of architecture is a continuum, always developing and evolving while reflecting on the past and present.
• 🕰️ Architecture is always redefining concepts and ideas.
• 🤝 Architecture involves bringing people and ideas together to develop shapes and shelters, finding solutions for the future and the environment.

Q & A

What does the speaker suggest about the purpose of architecture?

The speaker suggests that architecture is more than just constructing buildings; it is about life and the experiences it fosters, including offering joy and dignity.

How does the speaker reference Oscar Niemeyer’s views on architecture?

The speaker mentions Oscar Niemeyer's idea that while architecture offers shelter, its deeper value lies in providing joy and dignity to those who experience it.

What role does craftsmanship play in architectural projects, according to the speaker?

Craftsmanship is central to architectural projects as it stimulates local craft, fosters community, and promotes social integration.

Does the speaker express having a formal or conceptual architectural approach?

The speaker notes that they do not have a clear formal or conceptual architectural position but instead follow a sense of beauty and take risks while staying humble and curious.

How does collaboration factor into the speaker's architectural process?

The architectural process is highly collaborative, involving drawing, discussing, exchanging ideas, and traveling together, making the process feel like an ongoing conversation.

What is the speaker’s perspective on the future of architecture?

The speaker sees the future of architecture as a continuum, constantly evolving and developing while also drawing from the past and present.

What does the speaker believe architecture should aim to achieve?

Architecture should aim to develop shapes and shelters that provide solutions for the future, particularly regarding environmental challenges.

How does the speaker describe their approach to architectural design?

The speaker describes their approach as instinctual, emphasizing drawing, discussion, and exchange of ideas while remaining humble and open to the environment and life.

What is the importance of curiosity in the architectural process, according to the speaker?

Curiosity is essential as it allows architects to remain open to their environment and life itself, fostering a more dynamic and responsive design process.

How does the speaker link architecture to solving future environmental challenges?

The speaker suggests that architecture can play a crucial role in finding solutions for future environmental challenges by creatively combining ideas and developing innovative shelters.