How Can Architecture Benefits Certain Sections of Society?

By The Mind of An Architect | Oct 10, 2021 | Architecture

In terms of design requirements, the dwellings are often less complex but crucial for well-being since they are the spaces in which individuals spend most of their time. Throughout historical times, architecture has always represented societies — showing their achievements, values, and even their decline. From monumental structures to small residences, buildings reveal a lot about the people who lived in them. 

However, domestic architectural theory and building rules often ignore the connection between healthcare and interior design. Even basic public health concerns like indoor air quality and thermal comfort are commonly overlooked. 

Here is how architecture can benefit certain sections of society:

1. Architecture must meet several criteria. One of its aims is to advance itself as a discipline. Many believe in the autonomy of architecture, but at the same time, it cannot detach from its responsibility to society. Architecture intentionally shapes how people live, supplying symbolic meaning and enhancing human experiences.

2. Architecture blends art, science, psychology, sociology, economics, and politics. A thoughtful design approach requires understanding the client, the community, and the environment long before the first drawing is made.

3. Society’s footprint has always been visible throughout architectural history. When kings ruled, palaces and royal structures dominated. During periods of conflict, forts and castles became central. Religious belief shaped temples, mosques, and cathedrals. The industrial revolution introduced factories and worker housing. Architecture has always responded to material conditions, lifestyle, and the social-political environment. One core function of architecture is to give meaningful form to human surroundings.

4. Often, architecture brings people together not only through spatial form but through the activities it supports. A space becomes a container for shared experiences — yoga classes, theatre performances, film screenings, music, community meals, and more. When hundreds of people gather for simple activities like shared lunch, it creates cohesion and a sense of belonging. Programming and informal environments play a powerful role in building community.

5. Architecture must always reflect its time and cultural context. Building design requires time, investment, and collaboration — financiers, officials, builders, designers, and many others. It can never be the work of a single author. Architects work with countless people across this chain to create structures that hold deeper meaning and contribute to society.