Architecture as a Social Activism, Maxwell Raymond Berner

ARCHITECTURE AS A SOCIAL ACTIVISM

MAXWELL RAYMOND BERNER

We live within buildings. Communities and societies that revolve around the built environment. But why do some buildings feel more familiar than others? Why do some feel warm, while others cold, even hostile? Architecture, in the western sense, has become estranged from the people who live within them. It doesn’t serve to connect commun ties; it separates them. But this can change. Architects need to work more in-depth with communities, connecting and growing them. They can be a force of social change; social activism.

Let’s take a look at two examples, masterfully designed in their own right. The Ramkrishna House (A) and the Dorze Hut (B).

(A)

Both buildings are designed for one family, the one caveat of both is that the Dorze hut would also house farm animals, while the Ramkrishna house houses servants. The Ramkrishna house is a massive, beautiful complex. Its passive design allows for natural air ow and ventilation throughout the building, maximizing comfort. The windows face the sun and there are many balconies that look out onto its several courtyards. The Ramkrishna house was demolished in 1996, 33 years after it was built. Its failure was a social one. Incorporated in its design was social isolation, greed, and no consideration of the surrounding community of Ahmedabad. This is shown in the large segregating walls of the complex. It needed to be demolished to make room for denser housing that would better suit the growing population.

The Dorze hut is tall and woven, masterfully crafted. It takes the entire community to come together to build one hut, which lasts about 70 years. In its construction, the youth of the community take part and learn the ancient construction technique to pass on when they are older. It can be moved and reused for another purpose, and it is entirely biodegradable. The Dorze hut is an incredible example of architecture as a collective e ort.

So what does this tell us? Architecture is a strong tool for social activism and bringing communities together. Using architecture as a form of social activism brings greater value to the building, and helps ensure not only a longer lifespan of a building, but also a greater impact that may outlive the building. It is important to keep this in mind when we construct buildings for the future. Architects can and must be a force of social activism.