Incorporating Cultural Perspectives in Architectural Writing

Architect Glenn Murcutt aptly stated, “We do not create the work. I believe we, in fact, are discoverers.” This philosophy underscores the way traditional Aseer architecture discovered and articulated its natural environment and cultural ethos through indigenous materials and methods. In today's rapidly advancing world, where globalization has led to the homogenization of architectural styles, we face the challenge of creating meaningful architecture that maintains a dialogue with its geographical and cultural landscape. The broader array of materials and influences available to modern clients, investors, developers, and contractors often leads to monotonous structures lacking geographical identity. As philosopher Martin Heidegger noted, “Building is not merely a means towards dwelling—it is dwelling.” Thus, our challenge is ensuring that our built environments truly reflect the people and places they inhabit. To foster a healthy architectural evolution, akin to how Renaissance architecture in Italy drew inspiration from Roman antiquity, we must cultivate conditions that encourage local relevance and future heritage. This involves more than writing and implementing codes; as architects, we have the responsibility to foster an architectural culture rooted in place and time. In the words of architect Louis Kahn, “A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, go through measurable means when it is being designed, and in the end, must be unmeasured.” The path to evolving vernacular architecture involves: Reinterpreting Local Traditions: - Integrate traditional building methods with contemporary practices. - Embrace local materials to enhance sustainability and cultural resonance. Emphasizing Contextual Design - Design buildings that respond to their geographical, social, and cultural contexts. - Create enduring designs that serve the present while enriching future heritage. Promoting Collaborative Approach - Foster dialogue among architects, urban planners, and communities. - Encourage collective responsibility in shaping the built environment. Advocating for Cultural Continuity - Engage deeply with regional history and current societal needs. - Develop a narrative that aligns past wisdom with future aspirations. By approaching architecture not just as a mere functional endeavor but as a cultural and environmental dialogue, we can reforge a meaningful sense of place. The objective is to ensure that today’s architecture evolves gracefully into the heritage of tomorrow, celebrating the unique narrative of each locality, much like how the Renaissance brought about a resurgence that celebrated and extended the legacy of its predecessors. #VernacularArchitecture #CulturalHeritage #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalIdentity #LocalMaterials #TraditionalArchitecture #AseerArchitecture

Sustainability and cultural identity are often treated as separate architectural conversations, but they shouldn't be. A truly sustainable building is one that respects its environment, not just ecologically but socially and historically. The challenge isn’t just about using green materials or energy-efficient systems; it’s about designing spaces that feel rooted in their place, resonate with the people who use them, and stand the test of time. Too often, sustainability is reduced to a checklist, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and green certifications. But the real question is: does the building belong? A structure that disregards local climate wisdom, traditional materials, and community practices is never truly sustainable. This means using locally available materials not just to reduce carbon footprint but to ensure the building weathers naturally over time. It means drawing from local craftsmanship, supporting artisans, and incorporating cultural narratives into the built form. It means designing with an awareness that architecture is not just about buildings but the people and stories they shelter. Ultimately, a building that respects its cultural roots is more likely to be cared for, adapted, and preserved. And isn’t that the most sustainable outcome of all? #Architecture #Design #Sustainability #Culture #History #GreenBuildings #Craftsmanship #STHAPATI

How can design meaningfully engage with cultural context? Our recent work on the public areas for Local, a co-living brand committed to honoring the spirit of place, offered a compelling opportunity to explore this question. With a clear mandate to celebrate and give thanks to the local culture and heritage of every site they build on, Local asked for more than just surface-level references. Through immersive research and thoughtful curation, our design approach prioritized authenticity over image, and craft over visual spectacle. The result is a modern, minimalist space that respectfully highlights the traditional arts and crafts of Bangalore and Karnataka — not as decoration, but as an integral part of the design narrative. #DesignWithPurpose #CulturalContext #ArchitectureAndHeritage #ColivingDesign #LocalCraftsmanship #BangaloreDesign #KarnatakaArt #PlaceBasedDesign

Recommended reading! About how Cultural Perspectives Shape Social Interaction Research by Ahmad Faiq Abd Wahid, Ts. Dr. Nurul Liyana Hanapi, Puteri Mayang Bahjah Zaharin, Maisarah Ahmad Basirun and Fariz Hilmi in the Built Environment Journal highlights a consideration for urban professionals: how cultural worldviews fundamentally influence the design and use of public spaces. Read it here https://lnkd.in/e_DtfvMD The study compares Islamic and Western views on the public realm, showing distinct approaches to social interaction in ‘third places’—spaces beyond home and work for community life. Islamic context: Emphasises structured interaction through concepts like ikhtilat (gender interaction guidelines), leading to more segregated spaces. Mosques act as multifunctional hubs—religious, political, social, educational—designed for comfort and accessibility to support community engagement. Western context: Prioritises spontaneous encounters in ‘in-between’ spaces—paths, thresholds, and boundaries where unplanned social contact occurs. These thrive on spatial and temporal flexibility, with control systems that enable adaptation. Key takeaways for urban professionals: • Prioritise adaptable, flexible designs over rigid masterplans • Account for cultural differences in interaction styles • Design inclusive third places—mosque-inspired hubs or informal gathering spaces • Use spatial ambiguity to invite both spontaneous and structured social use Public spaces must enable both planned functions and unplanned meetings—think plazas, semi-public spaces, or broad paths with seating that support diverse use. As cities grow more diverse, urban design must embrace flexibility and cultural nuance to foster social cohesion across contexts. #UrbanPlanning #PublicSpace #CulturalDesign #CommunityBuilding #UrbanDesign #SocialInteraction #InclusiveDesign #ThirdPlaces

JUST RELEASED: Indigenising Heritage The purpose of this work is to explore how indigenous heritage has been both under-represented and misrepresented in colonial and post-colonial architecture in Auckland. This article combines case-studies with a review of conceptual material relating to multi-cultural perceptions of heritage, and their manifestations in a modern cityscape. Included in this approach is a consideration of indigenous perspectives on the built environment. What emerges from surveying this confluence of culture and heritage is that the popular portrayal of the city’s built past is confined to the colonial era and onwards, and that this has had the effect of associating Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland’s architectural heritage with its European history – so much so that even depictions of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland’s Māori built heritage occur primarily in the context of European architecture.