Architects – creators of the future

As an architect, I don't merely translate a client's needs into an image; I have the responsibility and freedom to play with possibilities. To transform a client's vision into a tangible drawing, I must first envision the future myself which is why imagination plays a crucial role for me, along with the ability to think and perceive in a three-dimensional environment.

Architects are often perceived as individuals who work primarily with paper or computer programs. However, the truth is that our creative process begins long before we put pen to paper or design onscreen. As an architect, I understand that if I limit myself to a paper world, I will never be able to bring my designs to life beyond sketches and plans.

That's why architects must embody the qualities of dreamers, visionaries, explorers, and entrepreneurs. We embrace the principles of avant-garde architecture, constantly striving to innovate, challenge conventions, and push the boundaries of what is possible in urban development. When I design for the future, I become the driving force behind progress.

Take, for instance, the renowned architect Frank Gehry, celebrated for his iconic buildings like the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and The Museum of Pop Culture. In designing the Dr Chau Chak Wing building at Sydney's University of Technology, he drew inspiration from a crumpled paper bag. Although the story of him crumpling a piece of paper and declaring it as the design was a humorous tale for The Simpsons, Gehry himself acknowledged that his process involves much more depth.

Similarly, I begin by gaining a profound understanding of the client's requirements and project parameters, from budget considerations to specific site conditions. Functionality remains paramount, but as an architect, I have the opportunity to infuse each project with something extraordinary, evoking an emotional response.

I believe that architects possess an essential sense of playfulness, enabling us to navigate the fine line between dreams and what is realistically achievable. We must have a visionary mindset not only to comprehend the immediate design goals but also to envision the building's long-term purpose and viability fifty years down the line. We cannot view our creations in isolation but must grasp the dynamics of the surrounding community and environment, constantly anticipating and adapting to societal changes that impact the built environment.

Architecture, in my perspective, is the fusion of science and art. These two disciplines are inseparable, working together in symbiosis. It's a collaboration between creativity and the physical environment. As professionals, we are duty-bound to challenge boundaries and explore the realm of possibilities. Accepting limitations blindly means relinquishing our role as creators of the future, reducing ourselves to mere replicators of the present. As architects we should never be content with replicating the same designs; we must continually strive to redefine and reshape our built environment.

In essence, I believe that architecture stands at the nexus of scientific precision and artistic innovation, embodying the best of both worlds.?It is this synthesis that makes architecture an incredibly rewarding and transformative discipline, one that continually pushes the boundaries of human ingenuity and creativity.

Often overlooked by those outside the profession, architects are inherently problem solvers and innovators. Our skills extend far beyond designing buildings. As an example, during the most challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, my firm, BPAS Architects , utilized our architectural expertise to address a critical medical need. We designed a carton cubicle that could serve as an isolation space for COVID patients, ensuring their safety and minimizing the risk of contamination. Tragically, if a patient succumbed to the virus, the same structure could be transformed into a temporary coffin, preserving dignity and facilitating transportation without endangering others. We recognised that while we couldn't directly tackle the epidemiological or economic issues because those things are not our areas of expertise, we could contribute to society with the skills we have.

Moreover, I believe that architects have the responsibility to address pressing social issues through design.?We can redefine urban spaces and promote inclusivity, accessibility, and social equity.?We can create structures that adapt to the changing needs of communities, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving challenges.?

As creators of the future, architects are entrusted with the task of envisioning a better world.?We have the privilege of influencing the way people experience their surroundings, leaving an indelible mark on society.?With our creative prowess, technical expertise, and passion for innovation, we have the potential to shape the future with boundless possibilities.

In the hands of architects, the future is not a distant and abstract concept, rather it is a canvas waiting to be painted, a blueprint ready to be realised.?Having a variety of perspectives and inputs on projects, invariably leads to better design.

Although I believe that the contribution of architects in society is often still undervalued, we continue to persevere and demonstrate, through our work, that we have an important role to play.