The Concept of Architecture as Only a Functional Building - Case Study Example

The ability to create a space that offers social assistance and welfare to children is one which requires long term vision and the ability to work with available resources. When looking at orphanages that are from various regions, there is an understanding of the need to implement specific facilities while working with the main structure needed to assist children who no longer have a home. The orphanage in Malaysia, known as the “Rita Home” is one which represents the ideologies of an orphanage and what this means for the region. When comparing this to the “Monte Pio Girl’s Home and Orphanage” in Australia, it is noted that a variety of differences are prominent between the two buildings. It can be assumed that the differences are not only because of the social welfare and expectations for an orphanage. More important, there is a sense of difference because of the social and cultural ideologies and how this is represented through available resources and expectations within the orphanages. The concept of architecture as only a functional building is one which is often acknowledged by those looking at the structures for social welfare. However, it is also noted that architecture means something when looking at the social welfare of individuals within a country, economic structures, governmental expectations and philosophies which are held by those who are building the different pieces of architecture. The concept of architecture is one which becomes redefined not only as a building used for functions or assistance. Instead, it is one that consists of a metaphor of life that is associated with the community. The philosophies of a specific architect are based on representing the metaphors so it best serves the purpose of the building while reflecting the values that are associated with the culture (Leach, 1997: 17). When looking at the different orphanages, it is seen that there is a direct link to cultural values and beliefs as well as the needed area for social welfare. The first association which is seen with culture is defined when looking at the orphanage in Malaysia (see Appendix A). The home was renovated in the year 2001 and consists of a double story building. Inside the building are 16 separate rooms for each child and a main area for food and hygienic care. The front carries a middle pond, grass and play areas for the children that are in the orphanage. The home is residential, meaning that the care takers live with the children and also have a room within the orphanage for complete care (Rita Home, 2011). When looking at the home, it is noted that there is a desire to create a home like atmosphere. The slanted roof tops, windows in the front, bright coloring and the accents with landscaping and other looks all add into the home like aspect that is important to the culture. The exterior landscaping, including the central pond and the trees, were known as important for residents to help with cooling the area and offering practical solutions to those living in a residence. This is combined with the brightly colored walls that are in both the interior and exterior of the building. These are all common attributes of the traditional looks of architecture in Malaysia, specifically for residential home areas (Tan, 1994: 5). The main concepts of the orphanage in Malaysia are compared to the “Monte Pio” in Australia (see Appendix B). The first concept noted with this is with the main layout of the buildings. A separate assembly hall, laundry area and dining room and dormitory are within the main property. This is combined with a main area used for the lessons and needs of the girls that remained in the “Monte Pio” school. This allowed all the activities to remain separate while the girls were staying in the orphanage. The structure was followed with the ideas seen through the layout, such as with the toilet block. Similar applications of lines and structure are seen in the laundry room, assembly hall, dining area and other interior areas. The main approach was to create order, structure and simplicity that were reproduced for all girls staying in the home. This approach was popular for orphanages in the early 1900s and through the 1950s and was based on organization that it was believed children needed (Monte Pio, 2008). The approaches which are taken in both the Malaysia and Australia orphanages are reminiscent of the expectations within the culture and the belief about orphanages from the past. There were many which believed that orphanages were an asylum or space in which unwanted children were placed. The older orphanages, specifically noted from the Australian home, shows this specific approach. The organization and orderliness was the main approach. The architecture is built as a reflection of keeping a strict schedule and making school and other functions the primary objective. The building shows this with the same order and lines of ideals shown. The outer structure follows this with the smaller windows and the inability for all rooms to have a space that is as comfortable. The completion of the building shows the same orderliness as the natural elements and gardens are set away from the main structure while all buildings are closer to each other. This would add into the structure of the school for discipline of the girls who were unwanted within society. The idea of creating the architecture closer to a disciplinary area or juvenile space then is seen with the Australian space and was reminiscent of orphanages of the past (White, 1990: 5). The belief of orphanages from the past, specifically in Western thought, is one which is juxtaposed against the architecture of the Malaysian orphanage. The newer structure was built in 2001; however, the land and the space for the home were considered similar in the past. This was combined with the in – residence care which leads to the understanding that the orphans receive the same care as those who are caring for them and living in the same home. This is similar to the knowledge of Malaysia and the beliefs in orphans. The scenario of the area is one which understands and embraces the hardships of those who have been through difficulties and have lost their parents. There is an understanding that without a home, the children suffer in terms of education, primary care and potentially are given to child labor or other complexities. This knowledge leads to a metaphor based on protection and the need to offer care similar to a home with orphans in the region. This is combined with present day knowledge about orphans that are leading to renovations and changes in many or the orphanages because of the understanding of the situations (Rao, 2006: 224). The concept of orphanages in the past and present are represented in the architecture, specifically seen between the Australian and Malaysian orphanage. The metaphor which is seen in the Australian architecture is based on order, discipline and trying to change the girls who were unwanted within society. The Malaysian orphanage, also a more contemporary approach, changes this belief by keeping the traditional looks to the home. The bright color, open windows, landscaping and the set-up of the home are based on creating a home like structure, as opposed to one based on the disciplinary beliefs of the past. From these two different orphanages, it is seen that the belief system and philosophies within society led to the development of the buildings and the beliefs that the orphans which came to the home were a part of a larger problem, either in terms of losing their parents or being unwanted within society. The changes in architecture not only affected the building of the orphanages and the metaphors which reflect these. It is expected that the trend for orphanages will continue to alter the way in which many look at the orphanages and what is expected. Architecture for children is also becoming associated with the development of a child and the responses which they have to the environment. This alters their mental development, functioning within society and basic belief systems. Without the correct environment, children are more prone to stress, depression, anxiety and other mental and emotional disorders from the wrong environment. This creates the need to work toward new public policies based on assistance for those living in orphanages and the specialized needs which they may have. For both homes, this may mean changing the way in which the structure and interior is of the homes so it allows a friendlier environment for children (Zmora, 1994: 198). The social status that one holds in society and the beliefs which are held around this often create reflections among those that are creating different tools and resources. When looking at orphanages, it is seen that there is a direct metaphor based on the beliefs of orphans and what this meant to society. Comparing the orphanages of different cultures, relationship to the era and the belief systems surround this, also shows how the buildings become a metaphor for the beliefs about orphans. This is consistent with developing a place for social welfare as well as creating architecture based on the philosophies of the time according to what each child needs from their circumstances. References Leach, Neil. 1997. Rethinking Architecture: A Reader in Cultural Theory. New York: Routledge. Monte Pio. 2008. “Monte Pio Girls’ School and Orphanage.” Retrieved October 17, 2011 from: http://montepiogirlshome.com/photos-and-more. Rao, Siriginidi. 2006. “Indigenous Knowledge Organization: An Indian Scenario.” International Journal of Information Management 26 (3). Rita Home. 2011. “About the Rita Home.” Retrieved October 17, 2011 from: http://www.rita-home.com/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=53. Tan, Beng. 1994. Tropical Architecture and Interiors: Tradition – Based Design of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand. Singapore: Page One Publishing. White, Anthony. 1990. Architecture of Children’s Asylums, Orphanages, and Homes. Illinois: Vance Bibliographies. Zmora, N. 1994. Orphanages Reconsidered: Child Care Institutions in Progressive Era. New York: Routledge. Appendix A: Malaysian Orphanage, The Rita Home Appendix B: Australian Orphanage: Monte Pio - Dining Room Area - Toilet Block Read More