AN ARCHITECT IN 10 WORDS
Here you have a small sociological article, in which for a month that I’ve been interviewing people from all backgrounds, age and occupation, to reach a conclusion and / or definition of what it means to society the word´architect´. We will see what comes
¿WHAT IS AN ARCHITECT FOR YOU?
It was the other day when, after almost ten years, I became part of the corridors and classrooms that many time ago were my home. Hardly anything has changed at the School of Architecture. Time seems to stand still. Apparently nothing has changed. I come to expect that, at any time, I will leave myself one of those rooms in which once formed me, and burn with the desire of the former student ask what goes through your mind, what is concerned, they are seduced I want to know … how much, after all this time, this society has molded me to his whim, I want to know if that student’s dream continues, I want to know what happened to me.
“The architect is the synthetic man, who is able to see things together before they are made”. Antonio Gaudí
It is in the right middle of this fantasy when the classroom door opens and students come out. Inevitably I hear a conversation that puzzles me: “What does an architect mean to me?, An architect for me is like a social actor, someone who is able to listen, understand and internalize a problem, and capable also trying to give a solution through his art, showing their sensitivity from the most complicated structure to the most delicate details“. Inevitably outlining half smile … Nothing has changed! The principles of my University teachers remain intact for better or for worse. We remain managers of beauty, creators of intelligent spaces, evoking feelings, provoking the soul …
Curiosity has me. On my way while thinking about that as academic definition of who I am. Does the rest of the world think that way? How do we define the society itself?. I dedicate the next month to observe my surroundings, to find out what the word ‘architect‘ for the people around me. Probably I´ll be surprised.
“A good build strength leads to good architect”. Aristóteles
Fate brings me to a primary school. Leo on the board: “dome, buttress, scaffolding, concrete bridge stages, building, work, plans, façade“. There are ten words, ten words that refer to my work, ten words that can define my actions but not me.I’m still safe!. The mind of a child classifies me as I can do, is a Renaissance vision of my model, does not help me, I want to know more, I need those ten words of significant strata of society need a real definition of me.
Being outside is when we understand that the definition is there looking at me. I approach people who pass by my side. After their initial shock and disbelief, I see that most of them , from the point of view of the generality, agree in their view: “Designer spaces according to their ideas!”, “Creator of buildings and environments from their dreams!“,” Project Manager!”… All after my society, the set of individuals from which I move, have a clear thought, I am an ‘artist‘. is a highly romanticized version of my profession that I like. Of necessity, they have taught me that, in order to create, whatever thoughts you could have, I need encourage my soul, and put my feelings on what I do. At the end, coupled with the technical aspect that is implicit in my training, we will have as result a balanced work, beautiful, functional, useful … Am I sure? Does what it wanted to hear me say? I think this is not the way. need more.
I´m in a hurry, I’m late for a site visit. Here, as usual I expect my tireless work partner, my director of enforcement. I can not resist asking, perhaps from the professional point of view of someone who shares my work, if you have a definition that could satisfy me. “He’s prson assigned to exclusively treat only beauty in architecture.” I love that beauty will always implicit in the my profession design. Another thing is to get it. I´m on the way what I want
I come home, I take the dictionary and immerse myself in their definitions. Formally architect as I be able to see is “who put orden in things“. And when it comes to “things” refers to work and spaces. It concluded that everything revolves around the management of my surroundings, to the realization of ideas, to the interaction of elements, and all under the supervision of my artistic sensibility. The beauty comes from my ability to sort according to a harmony. That will be my work.
Interestingly, putting some feet on the ground, opening a newspaper, al that idyllic concept of my profession, seems to get your hands dirty. It is when an architect comes into our lives when everything changes we want to make our project, our indications as client should prevail, the fees are too high, the administration is always dealing with reputable individuals …
The phone rings, a new customer is there. After a brief conversation, I notice that something has changed. My role tireless seeker of beauty, suggestive spaces creator, artist management in volume … is gone. Suddenly I find myself in an intense negotiation, a tug of amounts of money. A euro up, two down, in this case I have nine of the words I want. I hang up the handset and reflect myself …
“I’m a prostitute and they pay me very well for the skyscrapers”. Philip Johnson
I think it´s uselees keep thinking about that. As much as I look, no matter how hard I try, it seems that everything takes me to the begining. I realize of my mistake, I sought a solution in general, without defining my own individuality. That’s why I decided to get my own ten words. I will be who I define myself, my work will speak for me who will be the ten words that seek me in the twilight of my career and I remember what I have been and I am.
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