RIAS Challenging the Housing Crisis, 2020

One of the most important attributes of both the external and internal environment often overlooked by architects but not by those who live within the buildings is smell. Smell is usually considered as a factor to overcome – e.g. neighbours’ cooking odours, or vehicle exhausts. External windows and open areas can help alleviate disagreeable odours as well as provide space for judiciously placed or scented planting.

Natural light is the essential material of all architecture. No artificial light source is a substitute. It is psychologically and physically health-giving and makes space come alive. People of all income levels deserve a good quality of light and sunlight without the problems of overheating or downdraughts. Not incidentally, natural light reduces the time artificial light is required, reducing energy consumption and costs reflected in quarterly bills, which also improves the quality of life.

And consider the acoustic world we create: designers can respond efficiently to current recommended or legal requirements about noise insulation and noise levels upon occupants within the buildings we design, but how often do we consider the first and second reflections of noise? Understanding and taking into consideration the indirect and hidden dimensions of our designs, as well as the obvious, is an increasing responsibility of the architect.

Surviving and thriving are two different things, and everyone deserves to be able do both, regardless of income. When we speak about the quality of habitat we are speaking about ‘Venustas’ or delight, and society as a whole cannot thrive if only some of us can take delight in our surroundings for granted.

The power of aesthetics is measured in the senses and mind. The lack of it is like drip-water torture, it numbs the mind and soul. It is the lack of this aesthetic dimension which renders the cumulative effect of many parts of our built environment so demoralising.

Architecture has to engage with its users and occupants to enable place to be made from space.  It does this through the functional and aesthetic rhythms of space and the ‘reading’ and experience of them. Architectural building for all the senses can serve to emotionally and physically move occupants – elevating their experience.

© 2020 Ian Ritchie