Monday, 8 April 2013

'Turn on your computer or sharpen your pencils?'


Today, let's have a different approach to our field of study. One that hogs the limelight on the architectural scene nowadays, being so appealing to our days' generations, that it almost replaced the classical method of hand-drawing in architecture. So you shouldn't lag behind with the countless technology appliances - just start our architectural experience in the virtual space as soon as possible. Will this be the future of architecture? Will the future generations of architects depend exclusively on design programs on their computer? Will the computer be transformed into a multiple-skilled architect, or will it remain for ever a supporting material for obtaining the best projects and long-lasting structures?

Nowadays, we have all become aware of the fact that computer programs specialised on architectural drawing not only reduce dramatically the difficulty when turning a concept into reality, but they are also time-saving, in a society that focuses on efficiency of the work. Does this apply to architecture? In this case, the answer is, undoubtedly, positive. If this can ease up our work, then we should go for it, providing that the change will not affect the quality of our work.

But here comes another question: if we can do it easier on the computer, why bother to learn complex drawing skills, the endless descriptive geometry courses and all other hand-made sketches that pose a threat to our paper supplies? As far as I'm concerned, I could state that hand-drawing in architecture remains second-to-none and the idea of replacing it with technology assistance would be a dismal mistake, due to its unmittigated importance and utility in developing the architects' ideas, intuition and perception of the space. Although I must agree with the certain advantages that computer has, compared to hand-drawing, the idea of turning authentic art into automatic work made by robots is simply not working.

With a medium level of knowledge of ArhiCAD, AutoCAD, CorelDraw, to give just a few examples, everyone can turn into an 'architect' - but will their work be as one of an architect's? It may be, exceptionally, when that person is really gifted, or has previously gained experience. But, as I've said since I first discovered how tremendous the work of an architect may be, architecture is of enormous complexity, I would say the most challenging of all arts, as they are all involved, together with other countless fields, from physics to phylosophy, in a genre of art whose supreme aim is to meet both estethic and utilitary requirements.

Do you really think that such a daunting task can be fulfilled by your computer software? I obviously don't. I don't mean that specialised software is something to blame - it will prove their utility whenever you lauch the application. The architectural software is a major advantage that the latest technology offers to architects, more accurate, in terms of techniques, that hand-work. But, even if in other fields of study, computer technology plays the main role, this is not valid as far as architecture is concerned. What is of utmost importance here is the architect's creativity, its ability to create masterpieces that respond to practical issues, respect the esthetical and technical rules, as well as they can always fill our souls with a sense of sheer epic grandeur. Architecture is the language that cannot be processed by any virtual intelligence, but only by the human soul, always looking forward to being surrounded with beauty and harmony.



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