i. Temporalities in Design: Evolution

The idea of how time shapes space has always been very intriguing to me. Growing up in the same environment since childhood, watching the scale of spaces shrink as my body grew, along with their importance in my life made me curious as to if any space could truly be timeless? Time always plays such a big role in how we perceive space around us. A lawn, for example, seems so inviting during the day, we run, sit, socialize and engage with it actively as the sun shines upon it. The very same lawn becomes eery and uninviting at night, in the absence of sunlight and we try our best to avoid it.

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This is evidence of how, in essence, temporalities in architectural design underscore the dynamic nature of architecture, where the past, present, and future coalesce in a continuous evolutionary process, shaping our built environment for generations to come. Architectural design must account for all temporalities. The past informs the preservation of historical structures, incorporating elements of bygone eras into modern designs. The present deals with immediate user needs and contemporary aesthetics, responding to the current zeitgeist. Meanwhile, the future demands sustainability and adaptability, as structures must endure for generations.

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ii. Sense of Belonging: Designing on Country

I spent most of my childhood living in a very green private housing community, having the same group of friends since birth, growing up together, going to the same local schools, playing in the same lawns, courts and playgrounds, and eating in the same cafeteria for around 18 years, almost as if the community was a small city of its own, where everyone knew each other and felt secure. The place we lived in grew with us and became a part of our identity and even today, no other place feels like home as much as it does. Something about growing up in highly dense, populated metropolitan city but feeling secure within it, surrounded by familiar trees, animals and gardens all around me, like living in a sanctuary was a privilege that I want to share in my own designs for the future generations.

 

It taught me that architecture plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging, especially when designed in harmony with the land and culture, a practice often referred to as "designing on Country" in Australia, a place that I envision as my new home. Indigenous communities around the world have long demonstrated the profound impact of this approach.

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Designing on Country is rooted in a deep understanding of the local environment, culture, and traditions. It involves incorporating indigenous knowledge and respecting the natural landscape. Structures blend seamlessly with the surroundings, offering a sense of continuity and belonging to the people who inhabit them. This approach transcends aesthetics; it reflects a profound respect for the land, strengthening the connection between people and their environment. It not only provides physical shelter but also nurtures a sense of identity, heritage, and pride. In doing so, architecture becomes a vessel for cultural preservation, storytelling, and a powerful means of fostering a deep sense of belonging among communities, helping them thrive in harmony with their surroundings.

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iii. Architectural Tectonics: Beauty in the details 

Over the course of three years in university, I have discovered a newfound appreciation of architectural tectonics, the art of expressing the structural and constructional elements of a building as an integral part of its design, revealing the beauty found in intricate details. It celebrates the honesty of materials and the craftsmanship involved in their assembly.

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In the meticulous alignment of beams and columns, the careful articulation of joints, or the play of light and shadow on textured surfaces, architectural tectonics brings forth a profound aesthetic. The beauty lies in the marriage of form and function, where the structural elements not only support the building but also become a source of visual delight.

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Architectural tectonics elevates the mundane into the extraordinary, highlighting the inherent elegance of building components. This attention to detail engages our senses, creating an emotional connection to the space. It reminds us that architecture is not merely about shelter but also about creating environments that inspire, provoke thought, and evoke a sense of wonder, ultimately enriching our lives.