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What makes architecture memorable?

Bharat Gami
4 min readDec 19, 2022

What makes architecture memorable? Why do some buildings leave a lasting impression? Based on many years of travel and research, here is what I think as an architect. Architecture that successfully fuses five basic elements in nature becomes genuinely memorable and timeless. These elements are earth, water, wind, fire, and space. They are identified as Panch Mahabhutta in ancient Indian texts and are the basis for all cosmic creation including human existence. Interplay of these elements is clear as you look at examples of modern, historical, and vernacular architecture featured in my book: Mimamsa Diary.

What constitutes memorable architecture?

Architecture is often believed to be a product of creative geniuses — Frank Llyod Wright, Le Corbusier or Zaha Hadid of the world, which is only partly true. When you look around the world, you notice that majority of structures are designed in the vernacular tradition without the help of architects. The ability to fuse five basic elements does not solely rest with formally trained architects. But please don’t take my word for it. Please explore examples illustrated in Mimamsa Diary and decide for yourself what constitutes memorable architecture.

Grace Farms, New Canaan CT. Photo by Bharat Gami

Emerging trends in architectural design

As you glance through the examples, you will also be introduced to emerging trends in architecture, engineering, and construction technologies such as direct digital manufacturing, mass customization, parametric computing, disaster resistant buildings, off-grid solar systems, CNC based off-site construction, SWARM modeling, minimalism, contextually modern architecture, touchless technologies, additive manufacturing, and 3D printed structures.

Examples of memorable architecture

Here is a list of memorable architectural projects/sites included in this book.

Main campus, IIM Bangalore. Photo by Nitinku5021a — Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

On noteworthy contemporary architecture
• Ice Cube for the 2022 Winter Games
• Mass Customization Through Digital Design, Singapore
• An oasis amid electric grid failure: Puerto Rico Convention…

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Bharat Gami
Bharat Gami

Written by Bharat Gami

Top writer on architecture on Medium. Read my reflections on sustainable architecture, travel and culture. bharatgami.com

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