Brought together through architecture

Architecture speaks a strong language. Each step of the process has meaning and is interpreted differently by each individual, much like poetry. There is certainly more to architecture than just it's pretty face. It impacts on society, their emotions and experiences. It transforms and fixes and then there's the environmental side which is a whole 'nother story but we will get to that later on.

Today we look at how it can divide and how it can bring together. These are two exceptionally powerful actions depending on how they are applied and under what circumstances. Lets go into a little more detail shall we? 

The world is always a better place when society gets along and as architects if this can be achieved then, well, why not? The topic up for discussion is perimeter walls, lower boundary walls or no garden walls at all. 

It all started in the ancient times when walls were used for different purposes. Many cities surrounded themselves with enormous walls for protection. Walls were also built on the inside of cities dividing spaces that differed socially for example royalty. Lastly walls protected civilizations from wild animals.

If we look at civilization today, many of us are still hiding behind these big walls. Of course there are reasons such as the need for privacy or fear of crime, but it could also be viewed from a completely different perspective. Everything in this world has meaning and is psychologically interpreted by each individual in their own way. For example a wall separates one space from another as we all know but it also creates the feeling of exclusion, it divides society. A wall opposed to a fence has a completely different psychological effect on the mind, for instance one can see through it, giving one a sense of knowing what is on the other side. Walls are also built relating back to ancient times, for the feeling of protection. Notice the word "feeling" used in the previous sentence. This is mentioned because a wall creates a sense of safety but is really just privacy.  

Bring together...

Reduced boundary walls could create a greater sociability in a community which overall creates a tighter knit in society. Neighbourhoods would be inclined to bond and lookout for one another. Reduced boundaries and less build would do wonders for the environment. This is where nature can be utilized. Why not create your own "perimeter"? From trees or bushes to large rocks one can go wild.  

To conclude the topic, it is definitely a wild architectural view but the beauty of this industry is having the ability to explore perpetually.

Written by Tarryn Hardwicke