Disclaimer: A mere mortal’s attempt to understand the cosmos.
Thread I: Order to Chaos
Architecture is about bringing “Order to Chaos.”
There was a time in my life when I wanted to be an architect - an actual “architect” architect. I had recently picked up perspective drawing, and putting it into practice came fairly naturally. I was able to visualize 3D imagery and clone it on paper. Everyone has a knack for something, and that was mine. I did, and still do, have a “3D Viewport” rendering perspective that colors my imagination. I could rotate my mental visualizations, scale them, and transform them - a skill I’d have to thank my math and physics teachers for. Their emphasis on visualization and 3D modeling has become a staple to my process.
“Architect by Principle not Precedent”
Now, when I look back, I realize that architecture is simply philosophy. The creation space is broad, but the details themselves, and the subtle choices made, are what makes the structure memorable - like music composition. And if you are like me, someone who likes to compartalize every possible thing (for example, I recently promoted my bookshelf to library status with its dutifully organized Fantasy, Sci Fi, Mythology, History, Biography, and Mathematics sections), that tinge of OCD helps.
Thread II: Methodologies
1) Form > Function > Fantasy
A Wiki page can tell you about the architectural and industrial principle of “form follows function,” but it wont tell you what function follows.
If form follows function, function must follow fantasy - the ability to imagine and conceptualize concepts.
2) Elegance of Flow:
While bridging order to chaos, there are multiple ways to go about it. Though, the path with least resistance is the most favorable, a path of elegance. By identifying the variables of the equation and directing the flow, one can reach the destination of order ... effortlessly.
3) Wu Wei:
The idea of elegance also reminds me of the Taoist concept of flow.
4) Evolutionary vs Revolutionary:
Architecture can be of various types, but there are two in particular that I would like to talk about. And those are “Evolutionary” and “Revolutionary.”
One is where the predictability is anticipated and expected, while the other characterizes a design that is more disruptive in nature. Understanding which path to take and the corresponding decisions to make are key to a good result.
Architecture, boiled down, is a matter of “making decisions” and “evaluating trade-offs.”
5) Lock Down Approach:
An aggressive approach is the “Lock Down Approach,” where the end outcome is “clearly defined” and “observed.” All variables are accounted for.
As Sun Tzu mentions in Art of War, look at the scope and variables from an external vantage point to get a better understanding of what you are up against.
Take your time in preparation. Take your time to simulate the scenarios. Once you have a clearing, go for it. Converge, from all ends of the spectrum. It will be tough, but it will yield results.
Lock down the scope of execution, and rest only when finished.
Like I said, this is a more aggressive approach and can deplete resources by the time the job is done.
Thread III: Note to future self
Revisit this space so you can contribute more.