A rant by Hishaam Ramoly
As shapers of the built environment, we bear a moral duty to act in favor of the greater good. However, I find myself grappling with a recurring dilemma regarding the balance between reactivity and proactivity in architecture.
During my travels, I’ve observed that this dilemma often relates to political ideologies and market conditions in different regions. In a binary and extreme sense, a reactive approach to design leans towards laissez-faire, merely responding to demand without considering broader societal implications. This approach is more prevalent in the US and emerging economies influenced by post-colonial legacies. The unchecked reign of free-market economics undermines sustainable architecture, reducing it to a mere commodity. This is reflected in public critiques of modern architecture as cold, inhumane, and lacking aesthetic appeal. We hold a special reverence for buildings that stand the test of time, serving as symbols of human ingenuity and attracting architectural tourism.
In contrast, proactive design aims to shape society rather than passively respond to its demands. This may require architects to assume a more authoritative role, even if it causes initial discomfort among stakeholders. Examples include prioritizing pedestrian-centric urban design or advocating for buildings designed for longevity and adaptive reuse. Some instances may even call for a total refusal to intervene, allowing spaces to evolve naturally.
Ironically, iconic structures often emerged from regions with concentrated power and incentives. Countries like Singapore and Saudi Arabia have proved proactive visions for architectural development aligned with future-oriented agendas.
However, the balance between reactivity and proactivity is nuanced and context dependent. Factors such as building typology and economic limitations significantly influence architectural solutions. In collective endeavors, architects may need to assert a more authoritative role to realize sustainable projects.
In conclusion, architects must navigate the tension between reacting to immediate demands and proactively shaping society’s future. By embracing this challenge with ethical integrity and foresight, we can shepherd the built environment towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Jobs replied. “It isn’t the consumer’s job to know what they want”
Henry Ford’s famous comment, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”