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Where we are now in architecture and design has surpassed that definition Vitruvius quoted in the 1st Century BC regarding the qualities of architecture: “venustas, utilitas, firmitas.” For me, Architecture is beyond aesthetics or functionality; it is about intention. Every line we draw and every material we choose has the power to affect the quality of life in human experiences. The quality of life people enjoy is bound to the built environment they inhabit.
To cite, let’s talk about sustainable design. It is not a trend but a necessity. Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems can drastically reduce carbon footprints, and beyond numbers, it is about respecting our planet and those living within it. It is a response to commit to a better life for future generations. As architects and designers, our designs have a huge community impact. The buildings and the environment we design and create can divide to unite. The public spaces shape how people interact, and inclusive design is important to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of age, ability, or background. Applying concepts of ethics in design is also about fostering connection.
Besides meeting requirements and receiving feedback from students and users alike, there is less absenteeism, improved academic performance, cost savings, and students who reach out to us expressing a desire to become future architects because they are inspired by the spaces Godwin Austen Johnson Architects have designed.
Our design process at Godwin Austen Johnson focuses heavily on research and development to grasp the essence of each project and its effects on the community involved. We approach each design with a thoughtful and sensitive lens, keeping empathy in mind to uplift the quality of life for the building end-users. Our goal has always been to craft designs that enhance the welfare of the communities we engage with while adhering to our core belief that architecture should blend seamlessly with it, should be contextually relevant, and sustainably focused. Here in the Middle East, we strive to blend contemporary design with traditional Arabic influences. When you foster connection and get community or stakeholder engagement, that does not mean copying and pasting what is historically there. Design is not a pastiche exercise but an understanding of how to carry forward all the good work that has been done and innovate based on our clients’ requirements. Technically, we build upon the best that tradition has to offer and learn from it. This ongoing cycle, where we take in what good has been done on one project and apply it to the next, is an iterative process that allows us to retain what works best and grow consistently, with each project serving as a blend of tradition and creativity.
Ethical architecture also means being transparent and honest; it requires upfront information on costs, timelines, and potential impacts and opportunities of the design input or proposals we have on every project, site, community, and stakeholders. However, challenges are related to this, particularly where clients are more interested in aesthetics, image, or cost structures and when information is manipulated to prioritise certain aspects of the projects that, in effect, compromise the ethical nature of the profession.
Ethics in architecture also involves challenging the status quo and, at times, pushing back against projects that do not serve the public good. It’s about having the courage to say no when necessary. Therefore, our task and advocacy should be guided by the idea of serving the interrelated triad of Client – Public – Self. Self-included being the architect who has the influence to dictate and experience design and live in it. It’s a complex role we have, where we navigate between balancing the needs of private vs. public, present vs. future, individual vs. collective, objectivity vs. subjectivity, and power vs. control. Overall, designing the built environment is a product of culture and character. While we understand our power to influence society in the built environment profession, we must also reflect society’s values. The challenge is ensuring our designs serve the greater good while maintaining this delicate balance.
Our design decisions as architects and designers may not be straightforward, as they require us to find a balance between satisfying client requirements and considering public interest concerns while staying loyal to our own design values, all while responsively dealing with the ever-ending demands and pressure coming from multiple directions. Ultimately, building with a purpose is about creating spaces that are not only functional and pleasing but also just. It’s about leaving a positive mark on this planet. At the end of the day, no one thanks us for a badly designed or planned space. When architecture is guided by ethics and its principles, it truly has the power to significantly improve people’s lives.