In this blog post, we will consider together why architecture is both a science and an art through the nature of the house and the role of architectural engineering.
All animals build their own “houses” with their own hands. In this process, the building of a house goes beyond simply providing a living space and is done in a way that is adapted to each individual’s skills, instincts, and natural environment. For example, beavers, called “functioners,” collect wood and mud from the surrounding trees to build dams, and then build “houses” that are protected underwater based on these dams. These houses are designed to protect their families while protecting themselves from the threat of natural enemies. Ants build elaborate and comfortable labyrinth-like “houses” by joining forces, as if they were a small army. The interior of an ant house is divided into different levels, and the humidity and temperature are kept constant.
Humans have also built houses to protect themselves from external threats from animals as well as natural environmental factors such as rain, wind, and cold. As time passed, the functions and structures of houses became more diverse, and today, houses have come to mean more than just a place to live. Now, houses have become important spaces where we can rest, build memories with our families, and express our individuality and tastes. These houses are an essential part of the three necessities of life (clothing, food, and shelter) that humans need to live, and they have developed along with the beginning of humanity. My major, architecture, is a discipline that began with the beginning of humanity and deals with the art and technology of building a safe, comfortable, and meaningful “home” that goes beyond a simple space.
The reason I became interested in architecture was the overwhelming emotion I felt in front of the Metropolis in Manhattan, New York. When I was in my first year of high school, I happened to visit the eastern United States, and I ended up spending a day in Manhattan, New York. Standing among the skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, which is a symbol of New York, I felt overwhelmed by the vague “power of architecture” that I felt at a young age. While my friends were taking pictures in exotic places and enjoying the vibrant billboards of Times Square, I was just gazing up at the sky in the middle of the road. The buildings that filled the city center were connected closely like a huge spider web, and the light that shone through them created a sacred and wondrous atmosphere. At the same time, I was curious about how these structures were built and what was behind their design. The thrill I felt when I climbed to the observation deck of the Empire State Building and looked down on Manhattan has since become ingrained in me, leading to my decision to become an architect.
The Department of Architecture at Seoul National University in Korea is divided into two majors: architecture and architectural engineering. Among them, architecture studies architectural design and theory, and emphasizes aesthetic value. On the other hand, the architectural engineering I chose is a discipline that aims to train architectural engineers and covers four major areas: architectural structure, architectural environment, architectural equipment, and architectural construction. The goal of architectural engineering is to realize architecture as a structure that is not only aesthetic, but also safe, economical, and environmentally friendly.
To help you understand, let’s say we are building a small house. Once the architectural drawings are completed by the architect, we first examine the site. This is an essential process for stable construction, as it involves checking the soil quality and the presence of groundwater on the site. Next, we install the pillars and beams that serve as the building’s frame, which is where the architectural structure field comes in.
The architectural structure plays a fundamental role in supporting the building, and materials such as steel and concrete are used for this purpose. At this point, a safe structure is designed by taking into account the load each material receives, the weight of people, natural forces such as wind, and even disasters such as earthquakes and floods, based on the physical principles and dynamics learned in middle and high school. For example, a skyscraper must be able to withstand much stronger loads and wind pressure than a regular residential building, and earthquake-resistant design is also essential.
Once the structural work is completed, the next step is to add the flesh to the skeleton of the house. The architectural environment and building facilities play an important role in this process. Insulation is used to minimize energy loss, and exterior and interior walls are constructed to increase stability and convenience. In addition, air conditioning equipment, water supply, and drainage facilities are installed inside the house to make it a livable space.
First, the field of architectural environment mainly deals with research for a pleasant indoor and outdoor environment. The indoor environment helps us to keep the spaces we live in cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and increases human comfort through proper lighting and humidity control. At the same time, the outdoor environment incorporates natural energy such as solar heat into architecture to increase the energy efficiency of buildings and seek harmony with the surrounding nature. Such research is becoming essential for sustainability in modern cities.
Meanwhile, building facilities are the field of installing and managing various mechanical facilities, including heating and cooling systems and sanitation facilities for indoor comfort. The air conditioning, heating, water supply, and drainage systems, as well as electrical and gas installations and kitchen facilities, are considered to be essential technologies for a healthier and more hygienic life in modern society. Today’s building facilities are focused on developing more innovative and eco-friendly systems that take energy efficiency into account.
Finally, construction is applied to oversee the entire process from the initial planning and design of the building. Architectural construction is the study of planning and managing the construction process and is responsible for technical and economic management to ensure that each stage is carried out as planned. In this process, various technologies and knowledge are mobilized and coordinated to ensure that the building is designed in an efficient and economical manner. The completeness of the building depends on the overall management and coordination of architectural construction, and in particular, excellent buildings are created when experts from various fields cooperate under a single goal.
It is very rewarding to be able to build a house with a solid structure, a pleasant environment, and convenience through architectural engineering. Furthermore, I am learning that architecture, which considers and designs spaces where humans and nature coexist, is not just a job, but a meaningful job that provides comfort and a haven for people.
