How Architects Design To Influence The Quality Of Life

How Architects Design to Influence the Quality of Life



Architects design commercial and residential buildings for the comfort and needs of their clients. At the same time, architects influence the quality of life of individuals and communities in the United States. There are ten principles that most architects follow when they are design for their clients.



1. Architects design on a human scale. The buildings they design are in pedestrian-friendly communities where people can walk to do their shopping, or walk to their jobs. The communities are compact and have close services, cultural resources, and jobs. These modern communities reduce traffic, which benefits the health of all. Different modes of transportation such as walking and biking also have an added health benefit to the individual.



2. Architects provide people with choices. Because people want variety in housing, shopping, transportation, recreation, and employment, architects create neighborhoods that are lively, and that can accommodate people who are in different stages of their lives.



3. Architectural design encourages a mixed use of development. By integrating various land uses and different building types, the architect can create diverse, pedestrian-friendly, and safe neighborhoods.



4. Architects try to preserve the urban centers. By restoring and revitalizing the urban centers of our cities, architects take full advantage of existing streets and other infrastructures, which eliminates the need to build new ones. This movement helps to prevent cities from sprawling out and promotes needed stability in old neighborhoods.



5. Architects give people varied transportation options. People need to have options in transportation, such as biking, walking and public transit, in addition to driving. Such options protect the environment and reduce the traffic, which is healthiest for all of us.



6. Architects strive to build vibrant public spaces. There will always be a need for great public spaces for people to gather to celebrate or mourn, or just the talk face-to-face. Vibrant pubic spaces encourage people to participate in their communities and gather more for public events.



7. Architects create a sense of neighborhood identity. Each architect, when designing a community wants to create a neighborhood that has a unique character, and instill in it's residents a pride in that community.



8. Architects want to protect natural resources. Each architect, when designing, strives for a balance between developmental needs and the environment. They must constantly think about protecting waterways from pollutants, reducing air pollution, all while protecting property values for their clients.



9. Architects want to conserve landscapes. Our environment depends on the preservation of certain open spaces, farm lands, wildlife habitats, and other natural ecosystems. Architects have to consider these factors when designing a community.



10. Architects have a goal of design excellence. No matter what, architects have the goal of designing beautiful and functional structures that will be around long after the architect is gone.

All architects want to accomplish these goals when designing for their clients, whether or not the buildings are public or private. Architecture affect people and the quality of life of individuals and communities.