The Master Builder

Over the years, architecture has lost its touch. Architecture has lost its sense of artistry and mastery. There has been a disconnect between the fine art of architecture and the economical world we live in today. Refabricating Architecture brings up a very interesting argument on the disconnect of art and commodity in architecture today. It seems that architecture either embodies one or the other of art or commodity and not both. The real question is, why can’t we have both? Why is there such a difference in today’s architecture compared to the many years before now? I believe that the answer lies in chapter two of Refabricating Architecture when the authors talk about the “master builder.” I believe the master builder is the solution to connecting the art and commodity in architecture.

Art is defined as the expression or application of skill and imagination; while commodity is defined as a marketable item produced to satisfy wants or needs. In my mind, these should be the hands and feet of architecture and should have never been separated. However, as new ways of assembling have come into play, we have lost much of the craft that commodity used to bring. The art that used to be involved in commodity has been cut out of the equation because we now have quicker ways of doing things and have divided the idea of architecture into too many fields to keep track of. When we have so many people involved in a final product, we tend to lose sight of the original plan, the original goal and beauty of a structure. We’re too concerned with cost and time now and not enough with preserving true architectural beauty.

Like I mentioned before, I believe that the master builder was able to embody not only commodity but also art. I believe that someone so skilled in all fields of completing a building has the knowledge and design ability to create something beautiful and economical. In the past the master builder was a person who was the combined roles of architect, builder, engineer, and scientist. With all these skills, this master builder was able to imagine, design, and create some of the most magnificent buildings our world has seen. In today’s world, all of those roles are filled by separate people, therefore creating a disconnect in the path to a final product. Our society has taken it upon them to divide the different career paths of architect, builder, engineer and scientist, but in reality, we need people that can do all of these things. We need to be involved enough in every step in creating a building. We should know how to assemble a building, find the products available for use, and choose which material substance is best for our design.

We have to step away from just designing the aesthetics and plan of the building and truly get to the bottom of the whole production and learn everything from the inside out. I want to be an architect that knows every in and out of a building and can discuss every step to any professional I work with. I don’t think I could ever be a master builder, like they had in the past, but I want to be a well rounded architect.