Creating Humane and Sustainable Cities
April 2007
Banner photo: Lawrence Worcester/Getty Images
Architects: Designs of the Heart
Rachel Koo is a Project Architect at a Sydney-based architectural firm, and until recently she was the young women's leader of SGI-Australia. Her work experience ranges from small-scale single house projects to an 80-story Sydney icon.
Massimo Marazzi runs an architectural office in Switzerland and also teaches architectural design. He is the general director of SGI-Switzerland. These interviews were conducted separately by e-mail, and Massimo's answers have been translated from Italian.
Do you have a personal guiding principle in your work?
Massimo: I try to always do my best and to design buildings that will completely satisfy the users.
Rachel: Architecture requires endurance, as it's often a long process from design to the end product--sometimes years, or sometimes a project might not even reach fruition. So for me to really enjoy what I am doing and to design with inspiration, my basic approach is to design by imagining myself as the final user.
Is there a conflict between designing buildings for people and those which are aesthetically pleasing?
Rachel: Yes. The basic rule of design is "form follows function"; the design should support the function of the space. However, it also depends on the interpretation of the space. Sometimes an architect would like to allow the user to discover and recreate their space. And design is also about going beyond the obvious and challenging people.
Massimo: When a building is designed on the basis of an appreciation of its setting, when it aims to maximize functionality as well as satisfaction and the enhancement of human life, and when it is constructed with coherence right through to the last element, then you can call it true architecture.
Why do cities consist mainly of concrete boxes? What does this do to the human spirit and experience of life?
Massimo: Buildings, like cities, are the manifestation of a specific cultural and historical moment. To create cities with a human dimension, where human beings can freely develop, we need a society that puts priority on the happiness of human beings. That's why it's important that architects and city planners embrace humanistic values, but it is also necessary for society as a whole to begin to follow a more humane path.
Rachel: From a commercial point of view it is cost-effective, quicker and spatially efficient for planning to begin with boxes. It offers a fast return for developers--construction costs are low and the structures are easy to demolish in the future. But I think architects should confront the constraints and limitations of commercial reality. Fundamentally, architects should understand people's needs and employ their creativity to design comfortable spaces for people, where they can feel inspired. You can see why the historical examples of great architecture are so influential and powerful--the architects designed them with their heart, wanting people to experience the artistry of their architecture.
How does your perspective as a Buddhist impact your work?
Rachel: First, this practice has allowed me to understand the significance and importance of having a mentor in one's life. I feel fortunate to have SGI President Ikeda as my mentor in my Buddhist practice, and his example inspires me to seek a great teacher in my profession.
Ever since I graduated from university and began working in the commercial world I've struggled with the issue of whether I am creating value in designing or if it's simply about economics. The reality is that the construction industry consumes almost 40 percent of the world's resources, so it's important that we designing buildings that are beneficial to both humanity and the environment. Environmental sustainability should be intrinsic to design, as much as aesthetic and functional considerations. Clients do not always share these values, though, which can be trying and it creates contradictions with my Buddhist values. I try to keep challenging these areas, though. My hope is to create a positive change.
Massimo: The Buddhist vision of life as the most precious value inspires me to pursue architecture that can bring people real satisfaction and comfort. Buddhism talks about the interdependence of all life. From that perspective it's basic for me to design with respect for the natural environment and to put priority on energy efficiency by using alternative energies and environmentally-friendly materials.
What is the most challenging aspect of your work, and what is the most satisfying?
Rachel: Computers and new technologies have transformed architecture. Though they speed up the whole process, the quality of work has declined. Because everything can be produced with the computer and 3-D visualizations, the real role of the architect having the ability to draw and draft by hand declines. I think a great teacher is integral to my development as an architect, and not many architect firms would provide mentorship programs. I am fortunate that currently I have a mentorship with my principal director whom I respect, and realize how hard that is to find nowadays.
There are more and more female architects in the past 10 years; however, the building and construction industry is still a male-dominated area. I enjoy this challenge, not by trying to overpower anyone but trying to work together with mutual respect.
The most satisfying part of architecture is being able to see something that starts out as an ideal become a reality; and that people will benefit from and enjoy it.
Massimo: Challenges? A lack of time! I am the owner of an architectural office, and at the same time I teach architectural design. It's a daily challenge to do everything to the fullest, in the best way. The most satisfying aspect of my work is when I am able to win architecture competitions, receiving confirmation that my work was sufficiently clear and convincing. And when I see the happiness in a client's eyes after the completion of a new building I also feel happy, because I see that I have been able to realize their expectations.
