How Culture Shapes Architectural Design Worldwide
Understanding Architecture’s Cultural Roots
We often find ourselves wondering what architecture is and what makes a particular building in one country different from another building in another country. What characteristics make a building unique and distinguished among all the buildings in the world? As we observe the wide variety of spectacular buildings globally, we notice that each has qualities that make it part of something bigger and greater than just architecture.
The Architect’s Cultural Considerations
When architects start to design a building, they must take many things into consideration, such as climate, geography, politics, religion, and so on. A main factor is culture. How does culture play a huge role in architecture, you ask? First, we need to know what culture actually means.
Defining Culture
Culture comprises the features and understandings that belong to a specific group of people, defined by everything from religion, language, social events, food, music, and arts. As we travel around the world, we can see the differences that exist among human beings in various places on Earth with different geographic conditions and beliefs. The combination of these features makes it easier to identify people and things that belong to a particular region. Local identity leaves its mark on architecture and can easily be noticed when admiring buildings in regions that share the same religion, for instance.
Case Study: Cathedral of Brasilia
If we look at the Cathedral of Brasilia by Oscar Niemeyer, we see that the church design has significance relative to its surroundings. It is also strongly influenced by religion. Just by looking at it, we notice the concrete ribs fanning out, a form compared to arms reaching towards the heavens. Moreover, four sculptures outside represent the Evangelists, figuratively guarding the church. Inside, more sculptures depict angels. Other interior features include the stained-glass window with the colors blue, white, and brown. Each color has a special meaning in Christianity: brown is a symbol of earth, blue resembles the blue skies, and white symbolizes purity, virginity, and innocence.
Case Study: National Assembly of Bangladesh
Another example is the National Assembly Building of Bangladesh by Louis Kahn. This building is considered a symbolic monument to the government of Bangladesh. During its construction, Bangladesh declared independence from Pakistan, after which the building became a symbol of democracy and pride for the Bengali people rather than just a monumental structure. Kahn also used simple local materials that would protect the building from the region’s harsh climate. He added geometric shapes on the façade—configurations found in traditional Bengali culture—meant to create a union of old and new cultural identities.
Culture’s Enduring Architectural Influence
Overall, many more examples prove that culture has a role in architecture. Architects are continually inspired by local culture. Each culture is special and remarkable in its own way, and culture always manifests itself in the design.