To browse Academia. The discourse surrounding the role of architecture in the context of late capitalism is critically examined, highlighting an uncritical embrace of consumer expansion and economic imperatives by the profession. The text argues that architecture has largely been shaped by speculative investment, resulting in a failure to present credible visions for the future amidst economic and environmental crises.
Additionally, the influence of JG Ballard on architectural thought is explored, suggesting that architects could draw inspiration from his work to rethink their relationship with the built environment. The 'future' expresses itself essentially in the everyday. A dive back into the 'past' however won't hurt. Architecture was value-based, anchored in strong philosophies and larger-than-life.
Inspired by those models of practice, young architects in the late '80s had ideals to follow and a path to pursue. There was a strong sense of nation building and an exciting urge to contribute towards the new-found modernity spurred by Nehruvian ideals.
Early '90s brought about 'Liberalization'. The texture of society changed completely with the opening up of markets to private and foreign players. The already bleak circumstances in the villages compounded with substantially impoverished resources, drove hordes of villages to seek employment and a better life in the cities spinning unprecedented waves of migration. Structural changes in the socioeconomic framework resulted in the phenomenal growth of population in the Cities which in turn resulted in the change of the character of the built-form.
The sharp contrast between the haves and the have-nots escalated superlatively as migration continued exponentially through into the new Millennium. Liberalization also brought with it an unlimited supply of new materials and technologies, the real fruits of which were only experienced after the turn of the century. These new toys were so enticing that the same architects who were inspired by the Correas and the Doshis, quickly changed colors, and began dispensing architecture in a frenzied hurry.
