A social reading of architecture

Abstract

Architectural discourse has a stubborn tendency to reduce debates to concerns about form and style exclusively, and as a result, architectural discourse typically fosters a comfortable consensus with conditions of constant formal change coupled with social stasis. In this regard, the study explores the social dimension of architecture and provides material to suggest that architecture is inextricably tied with a range of social concerns. Accordingly, the study also appeals for the need of architects to acknowledge the seriousness inherent within the profession. A seriousness that emanates from the reality that architecture does more than simply provide shelter or solve practical problems, but on the contrary has the potential to significantly influence and shape both the feelings and behaviour of individuals within a space. With this in mind, the study investigates some incorporeal forces and aspects at play within the built environment, those that affect the feelings and behaviour of individuals, in order to develop a set of rudimentary principles that architects may employ to inform the design process. The study uses theory as a base to identify certain social themes, namely power and movement, and subsequently explores and develops these themes further through topical examples. With a deeper understanding of the themes, the study develops the rudimentary principles and discusses how architects can employ such principles in practice and observes the possible architectural benefits.