Week 2 - Responses - Jamie

An quote to remember is “Building is a collective action”. This appears to be a common theme in all of the readings. In many instances of the stories of history by Stohr, building has been a collective interest that turned into a collective action. There are many issues in-between but the collective interest will make it simple or difficult. In terms of emergency shelters from the San Francisco earthquake in 1906 or population growth and implementing veterans back into society after the war. In times of emergency situations, the role of the architect may not be as critically needed due to time constraints but as we are moving towards community design, there appears to be more time for architects to have an opinion.

As the Professional Practice talks about the need for less artistic characteristics in architects any more practical matters. The architect’s role is defined strongly by what they are perceived to be and who they believe they are. I believe the role of the architect should be more practical and less artistic. But the fundamental difference between architects and engineers is the level of science involved. Engineers help determine form but architects explore space and possibilities. I believe building as a collective is required so everyone can self regulate and works together to form a successful project. The problem is when the project has too many people or when roles overlap and they cause more problems than solutions.

This response leads to the community engagement article by Lepik where it seems like the field is going more in that direction. Where we relook at the spaces that exist and we need to balance out the social needs of people by providing space. We must be the ones to solve the problem of social injustice within spatial rights in a city because of the overincreased interest and pop culture of "pretty designed buildings".