Architects
The complexity, simplicity and beauty of their work
The architect acts as a mediator between technical requirements, human needs, and cultural context. Every architectural decision is an act problem-solving that shapes the physical world and the human experiences within it.
Iconic structures demonstrate how architectural decisions reflect broader cultural, functional, and aesthetic considerations. They are cultural statements. Decisions about form, materials, and spatial arrangement reflect societal values, aspirations, and the intended identity of a place. Architects design spaces that guide people's behaviors, perceptions, and interactions.
Plaza Athénée - Paris. Their Cour Jardin combines the grandeur of traditional Parisian architecture with modern luxury. The design pays homage to classic French garden design principles, characterised by symmetry, order, and a sense of refined beauty.
Marina Bay Sands - Singapore, designed by Moshe Safdie, it’s one of the most complex architectural structures in the world. Marina Bay is Safdie's attempt to humanise a mega-scale project and weave it into the existing urban fabric.
Heydar Aliyev Centre - Baku, Azerbaijan, is an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Completed in 2012, the building is famous for its fluid, wave-like structure that defies traditional architectural conventions.
Bunkers - Billionaires are increasingly building extravagant doomsday bunkers, driven by a mix of fear, luxury, and a desire to maintain control in uncertain times. These bunkers are not just simple underground shelters but are highly sophisticated structures featuring luxurious amenities like swimming pools, movie theaters, gyms, and even defensive measures such as moats and water cannons.
Matthew Frederick in 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School outlines how architects operate at different levels of knowing—Simplicity, Complexity, and Informed Simplicity. This progression reflects the architect's journey through decision-making, moving from initial, often simple ideas to more complex analyses and finally to refined. It’s about finding order in complexity.
Bravo to architects!
They combine knowledge from engineering, aesthetics, human behavior, and environmental impact to make well-rounded decisions, leaving a lasting mark on the world. Every structure, whether a humble home or a grand monument, tells a story of the society that built it, reflecting values, aspirations, and the challenges of its time.
Through thoughtful design, architects shape not only our built environment but also the ways we live, work, and interact within these spaces.
"A doctor can bury his mistakes but an architect can only advise his clients to plant vines."
-Frank Lloyd Wright
Beijos,
Babi
This is the best tribute to architects I have read. It’s not a coincidence that you, Babi, were born in Brasilia, a recognized Brazilian global architectural icon.