Architecture is often regarded as “useful, but not essential” by the general public. This view, though common, misses the mark. Architecture holds a much deeper significance in how we live, interact, and function in our environments. Its importance goes beyond surface value.

This essay is written to emphasize how vital architecture is to society.

Let’s begin with a few scenarios.

Scenario 1

You’re watching a movie in your living room when someone walks in front of the television and opens the door. Sunlight pours in and hits the screen, making it hard to see. It’s frustrating. Why is the television placed in line with the doorway? Why does the door swing that way?

Scenario 2

You’re in a museum when thieves suddenly storm the building. Panic spreads. You think about escaping, but realize the only exit is through the main entrance. There’s no alternative route. Why does a public building have just one way in and out?

Scenario 3

You’re at work and suddenly feel the urge to use the restroom. You quietly leave your desk to avoid attention, but then remember the restrooms are on the other side of the building. You’re uncomfortable, tense, and trying to stay composed. Why aren’t they closer?

All three situations could have been avoided.

There are people trained to prevent such issues—people who spend years learning how to design buildings that are safe, comfortable, efficient, and aligned with human needs. We are called architects.

Architecture is the art and science of conceiving, sketching, designing, and constructing buildings and other structures. It entails the process of how a building will be constructed, the function of the building or structure, where it will be built, the climate and topography of the area to be built on, the best materials to be used in the area, the most advantageous paint color or type to be used, and so on. Each of these considerations reflects how architecture directly influences the comfort, safety, and functionality of the spaces we occupy.

In addition, human beings tend to act based on emotions. Architecture leans into human emotions as well. For instance, a hospital painted in dull colors like brown can bore patients and make them restless, while colors that are too bright, like yellow, can worsen their headaches. Students and pupils would be even less eager to attend schools painted black, and a supermarket painted dull grey would feel uninviting. One might think painting a building is not the work of an architect, but it is part of the design process. It is through these seemingly small decisions that architecture directly influences behavior, mood, and productivity, proving its relevance in everyday life.

When it comes to cleanliness, architects play a significant role in maintaining a building’s hygiene. While it may seem that the primary functions of windows in toilets or bathrooms are to provide natural lighting and ventilation, their main purpose is actually to allow sunlight to enter, helping to kill germs. An architect also calculates the appropriate distance required in a kitchen to ensure that users have enough space to move freely without bumping into each other or spilling items on the floor. Have you ever noticed that the floors of toilets and bathrooms are slightly raised? That, too, is the work of an architect—to create space for foot mats and to prevent water from seeping into adjoining rooms.

Furthermore, architects understand that nature plays a vital role in maintaining environmental balance, so we incorporate it intentionally through a practice known as Green Architecture. This involves integrating plants inside buildings, on rooftops, and throughout the surrounding landscape. More than just decoration, these elements improve air quality, regulate temperature, and enhance human comfort. For example, we strategically position windows where nearby trees can provide shade—cooling the room naturally—without letting branches intrude. Through such thoughtful design, architecture supports both environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Architecture isn’t just about drawing on paper; it involves the precise positioning of doors and windows, often at specific angles or adjacent to functional features like the entertainment wall. It includes adding escape doors or staircases for emergencies, and placing conveniences in locations that prioritize user comfort. These are details that, when overlooked, can turn everyday living into a series of frustrations. Architecture is a perfect combination of art, science, and beauty. In every sense, architecture shapes the way we live—and that is what makes it not just relevant, but essential to society.