Why Do We Build: thinking out loud 🔊
Actually, this is kinda out of the color for me, but recently I was passing a long street and saw all the buildings and structures. I started wondering about the concept of building and what really urges humans to build.
The word buildings have always been a source of fascination and imagination for many entrepreneurs, including me.
From innovative products to great cities in their sustainable performance and varied functionality, these structures continue to reshape and redefine our world. The professionals who design and construct these buildings, including architects, engineers, and project and construction managers, deserve our admiration for their ingenuity, tenacity, and creativity in taking raw materials and turning them into structures that will stand for generations.
But why do we build? Functionally, buildings provide us with the protection and shelter we need from the elements and other threats. Socially, they offer us the spaces we need for work, education, entertainment, healthcare, and overall well-being. They also provide us with the infrastructure systems that make modern life possible. Technically, the building represents an opportunity to continually innovate and push the boundaries of our creative and engineering capabilities. And commercially, it can enhance the wealth and reputation of building owners and developers.
However, I also recognize that there are vanity projects that offer little value to society and are driven by emotional or political motives. But at its core, the building is a physical expression of human imagination, what we believe in, and what we value as a race. It is a symbol of something greater than ourselves, a way to respond to changes in our environment and deliver meaningful change, structured growth, and sustainable development for all. If approached for the right reasons, a building can be a powerful force for good.
