Watch out - when “Architectural” means something else
In Australia the term “Architect” is protected by law. When you see an Architecture Studio you can have confidence that there are Architect(s) there who are responsible and accountable for the work that they do. You may want to check out our previous posts on the realities of being an Architect, and what the profession entails.
We hope this post helps to clear out any confusion that may arise when you see “architectural” being brandied about in the industry. It’s everywhere, but it can sometimes mean the opposite of what you’d think it means…
In Context: “Architectural”
The traditional way of using this term would be in a way that relates to architecture, or the practice of it.
Being Nuanced: When “Architectural” = “Premium”
The most common use of this term might be used to describe a premium product or finish. An “architectural outcome”, for example, communicates a certain expectation that work will be done with care to a high quality.
Google “architectural taps” and a whole host of well-designed and trendy fixtures pop up. Similarly, “architectural finish” will bring up a host of materials that dress up or enliven a space - often things that are a little unusual, high end, or not readily used for mainstream projects.
You can see how this term can be kind of vague, but generally communicate a good and desirable outcome.
Strictly speaking, an “architectural finish” doesn’t really make sense, since an Architect should be skilfully using materials - even using rudimentary or economical means to create interesting buildings. The Amperlite screen in our studio is a very simple example of this. We turned a stud frame, and a cheap material usually used for patio extensions, into a room divider for our office. It’s not for everyone, but it was an effective way for us to control lighting and create translucency, and also allude to our Vision of Adaptable Housing.
In other parts of the world (especially places with less restrictive regulations, and a slower build process) projects can really be done in a more craft-based, locally-sourced way. Some outstanding projects are below - but these are just three of many. We’re also admirers of the work of the late Australian architect Ross Langdon, who crafted simple, rudimentary yet beautiful spaces in Africa.
Our friends at Aerne Architect & Associates in Cambodia used corrugated cardboard for acoustic attenuation and decoration in the Phnom Penh Ironworks workshop.
Image by Author.
Studio Mumbai sourced locally-quarried marble for the roof of this project in Bhogpur, India. In this remote location it was most economical to use marble rather than transporting cheap materials from the nearest city!
Image by Architectural Review - link here
Archium + Kim In-Cheurl used a rudimentary, widely-available infill brick in a new way for the Khmeresque project in Cambodia.
Image via ArchDaily - link here
Semantics of language aside, we can generally accept and understand that the term “Architectural” is used to describe “Premium” in some contexts. Just know that as Architects and at EVER, we are passionate about using rudimentary materials in new ways to create purposeful space.
Being Careful: When “Architectural” = “Architect-like”
Finally, be careful when you see the word “Architectural” used as a substitute for “Architect-like”. This is when things can be a little hard to understand, and it pays to be careful.
Things get a little bit grey in real life - so make sure you find out what it really means when someone claims to offer an architectural service.
A couple of quick examples:
The template for a house may have been originally designed by an Architect, but these designs are now reproduced multiple times without any consideration of contextual design.
A project may have been designed by an Architect as a concept, before being developed further and documented by others.
A builder may offer “Architectural Builds” and work with Architect-designed housing sometimes, but their in-house Design and Build service may not be through an Architect.
Unfortunately, the more we see the word “Architectural” being used as a sales tactic, the more it becomes a meaningless “buzz word” and ironically, used to describe something that might see little or no Architect involvement.
So be alert. Ask questions, and make sure you don’t get deceived.
Are we being pedantic and/or a bit protectionist…
The point of this article isn’t to cause undue fear, or bad mouth what others are doing. However, we can see that things in the industry can sometimes be a bit grey, and difficult for newcomers to navigate.
Our motivation is really to keep our clients and friends informed. Just as the word “sustainability” has become a bit meaningless through over-use, and “aesthetic” somehow transformed to become adjective - we feel that the term “architectural” also loses its meaning when it’s used to describe something that isn’t really to do with architecture.