Architecture?
What is Architecture?
“The art or science of building structures of any kind for human use.” – Simpson, 1989
The common understanding is that architects create buildings. Therefore, at sea, we are focused on degrees that adhere to the standards of the built environment. Meaning, students will graduate with a formal degree that allows them to practice architecture focused on the construction of buildings.
That said, structures built by architects are ‘any kind‘ of structure made for ‘human use‘. Today, this should include human use in both physical and virtual terms.
Architecture is neither art nor science but instead resides in the liminal space between the two. Architecture is a medium that attempts to negotiate between fields that are notoriously at odds with one another, the humanities and sciences. Therefore, Architecture requires a broad understanding of history, theory, technology, and human behaviour.
Furthermore, a rich skillset is necessary to operate in and amongst these fields and includes drawing, writing, photography, programming/ coding, videography, electronics, research skills, fabrication, industrial design etc. At sea, we strive to arm our students with the necessary skills to create any architecture they can dream up. And provide a stepping stone to become any architect they choose.
Architecture may be formal, but it is not about creating form. Instead, architecture is a medium that, when applied thoughtfully, facilitates the spatial practices through which transformation may occur.
What is Architectural Design?
Architectural design is the result of making and representation, primarily of buildings. It also encompasses artefacts and spatial experiences that have purpose/meaning in our everyday lives. Architecture expresses structure, beauty and utility. Design is the tool that architects use to turn their ideas into reality. The design process is that of ongoing revisions and seeking alternatives.
It usually starts with an initial idea/concept to respond to a problem/issue. Then seeking alternative answers may refine and redefine the initial idea/concept until it finds its most ideal expression. Therefore, studying Architecture broadens out to encompass abstract spatial and formal experiments.
What is Explorative Architecture?
Explorative architectural design is the investigative process that redefines an architectural concept until it finds its most ideal expression of structure, utility, and beauty. Explorative architecture is not only about the creation of buildings. It is the building of any structure which facilitates human use. This process may result in a building, a place, or a manufactured thing.
Experimentation allows for many solutions/possibilities to resolve architectural problems, which allows us to tap into our wildest imagination and dreams.
Architectural design may employ many different forms of representation such as drawing, furniture, film, sculpture, digital programming and much more. Explorative architecture happens when many formal and spatial solutions, from the abstract to reality, are tested and then made manifest. Explorative architecture describes the process of design rather than merely arriving at an outcome. Each step represents and describes the original idea being tested and evolving, like a visual journey, from starting concepts to the final product.