Cars are the product of industrial revolution. It seems the world
just learned something all of a sudden, and grew up accordingly. Around 1779
the first steam powered road going vehicle was developed. More than a 100years
later the diesel engine was developed and then came the automobile almost
similar, but yet different to the automobiles we know of today. Initially the
development was slow as you can see, but in the later stages inventions and
developments started happening faster and cars have now become the face of
human invention and sophistication. But somewhere I still believe car design
and the industry has not moved an inch in terms of real inventions. Cars when
invented were just cabins on wheel and they still are, although the cabin
design has shown physical refinements and updations with time. Cars that can
take you anywhere and everywhere and that can literally save your time and
energy is still an unrealised dream. Well, let me not get carried away, the
topic here is what is that cars have got to teach us, just because they are comparatively
more sophisticated than architecture.
Since my bachelors, I have been thinking like any other
architecture student with passion, that architecture is the mother of all arts.
But now I am starting to question that blind conviction. Well architecture
might be the father for real, but he is a very conventional and very orthodox
father for sure. And he is so reluctant to learn or change, architecture doesn’t
seem to learn anything from his kids and descendants. An automobile cabin is
designed in panels like: bonnets, tail gate, fenders, doors etc. if one part
gets damaged, just that single panel and your vehicle as good as new. Now I
wouldn’t say it’s a completely flawless system, but yes this is something which
we can start working with.
Now the issue with cars are the maintenance and most of it owes
to the moving part inside, and since that is not the case with architecture,
that won’t happen. The panelling idea could be implemented here with a frame
work of columns and beams which will just act like the chassis of a vehicle.
Like the wiring harness of a vehicle, the wiring and plumbing harness could be
preinstalled with the chassis. This will ensure standardisation and create
quality and durability. The wiring and service line hence would run longer too.
Even though a vehicle’s cabin despite of all its specialities ages. And that is
something unacceptable in case of a building, at least not at the same rate as
a vehicle do. Well, let’s worry about all that later. All I’m trying to say
here, it’s high time for us to think differently.
To sum up, what I mean to say is with world-class industrial
grade, mass manufactured column and beam frame work and interchangeable modular
panels, we can develop an architectural wonder which will be as sophisticated
and advanced as an automobile and durable and long-lasting as the earth
herself!!
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