Shree: Architecture and Learning

 

Shree: Architecture and Learning

Learning happens slowly and is sort of awakening of the mind that gets attuned to the spirit. Mind operates in some medium – which we call as space – time or as vibrations. Mind already exists as a phenomenon eternally; and it is shared by all forms of being. Hence the issue is only about a preferred state of existing – either as Truth or Bliss; or as vibration, waves, temporariness, impermanence and so on. These words convey a constructed experience or something that the mind can do – make anything ‘real’. The definition of reality therefore is based on mind and not something absolute. Or, in other words, absoluteness and relativeness is a state of being/ state of mind. The human mind has introspected the nature of the phenomenon and come to some discovery of Principles. This is philosophy or the ability of the mind to do so. We are not talking of history here, but the ability to assess this mysterious dimension deep within us and for which any situation of space and time is fine. In this perspective, “progress” is the ability to assess deeper levels of being.

The history of architecture can then be seen from this aspect as well – and it may throw surprising findings. Linear progress defined on colonial expansion agendas, industrialization, advancement, technology give the view of anxious intellect and raises distinctions amongst ‘categories’ of vernacular, indigenous, local, advanced, global, isms, and so on.

But the view of philosophy is concerned about discovery or realization of consciousness and which every society, culture, person or a process has done this, is profound. Maybe one can then see certain processes of engagement contributing to realization of consciousness – say the idea of indigenousness or methods of inquiry suggested by Ar. Christopher Alexander or a personal interpretation of philosophical stance as in Ar. Louis Kahn. The choice of three examples is deliberate since it cuts across attitudes or scales or times but the central concern remains perhaps common for the three examples. And there maybe many more such examples seen across the physical world.

Hari Om.