Who do architects design for?

Who are buildings built for? It is us or is it architects?

Why do so many buildings fail to inspire, to promote community and to give us a meaningful experience?

On my new journey into architecture I am reading the fundamentals, the grand designers trying to help reshape society, those trying to create communities and those making grand statements.

It seems that architects fall into different cohorts or types in terms of their philosophy in the context of my question:

1. The paternalists – those who [think they] know best what society needs in terms of the built environment; Intellectuals with a ‘grand plan’ and a ‘big vision’ to deliver; They know best and aim to deliver their plan exactly to their vision – they know best!
2. The enablers – those who believe in high level patterns and enabling great design to serve society and grow communities; Who leave gaps for others to use their creativity’
3. The rest – the rest who make up the mainstream of architecture; Cookie cutter designs which are cost engineered; A functional movement based on commercial outcomes.

More musings coming soon as and when I learn more.

A bit about me

I am a 44 year old embarking on a new journey into #architecture, follow or subscribe to see how I progress as a mature student and rediscovered creative type.