“Architecture and Empathy”
Architecture is ‘For People.’
Empathy is ‘People First.’
Should we, as architects care about ‘people’ and their environment?
Finding connections between architecture and empathy, will bring us closer to understanding
the influence that relationships generate.
The relationships are at many levels — between user and built form, between man and nature
or between architect’s thought and his creation.
It is important to understand whether empathy is needed for creating good architecture or the
outcome of good architecture is empathy.
The questions to ask are –
If we increase our knowledge base, will our empathy towards architecture become
better?
Empathy is a basic value. By creating a heightened awareness of empathy, will our
design decisions become more precise and effective?
Will exploring connections between architecture and empathy develop a harmony
between perception, conception and execution?
Does empathy help in understanding the site and it’s context?
Will considering historical perspectives empower us to empathize and design better
for the people?
Is Vastu – a traditional Hindu system of architecture, relevant to giving a sense of
empathy towards people’s fears and aspirations?
In this new age of technology, is there any use of emotions like empathy?
If we can delve into these viewpoints and some more, there is hope that we may evolve into better architects.
Then what is the architect’s conflict?
The tension arises when the architect tries to find the ultimate beautiful design of a
building. We learn how light should come in and what materials to use. We
understand how to create a space or get trained in different styles of architectural
forms.
But, do we put ourselves in the occupants shoes? Because, if we take their dreams and
thoughts into account, we will not know what the final outcome of the design will be.
It can be uncomfortable if their ideas do not fit into our image of the project.
Learning to listen is important for anyone working with people.
That is when empathy becomes the base of all architecture.
-Ar. Anjali Sagar