World Culture And Design: Exemplar Essay To Follow

Rapport identified two parts in the culture of a place. The larger component is the value system and the smaller component is the lifestyle or practices of the culture. While making a design, it is important to consider the smaller component of culture, which is often identified as the lifestyle. For example, in certain cultures, people would prefer to visit restaurants that are nearby and expect to settle down in places where the amenities for life like church, hospitals, schools and retail outlet are located nearby. This design facilitates their day to day practice and rituals. The lifestyle of a culture may have a greater impact than value system while designing personal spaces.
Likewise, certain products that are too impersonal will be preferred based on the needs of the people, while products that are promoted incorporating a personal design, will appeal to the individual’s demand. Thus cultural orientation is important in identifying potential landscapes that can have an impact on people’s life. Culture can be examined from a number of contexts: physiological context, psychological context, emotional context, goal, aspiration, and activities. Understanding and allying with the tradition of a place and promoting cultural craftsmanship, is important in maintaining cultural integrity.
People’s behavior, practices and the artifacts they use define their culture. It provides meaning to their life and existence. Culture is often used to interpret patterns and designs in the landscape. Certain landscapes and spaces can have shared meaning and significance in people belonging to a culture. These landscapes are defined by their value system. So it is important that once design creates a space for cultural growth. The patterns in these common landscapes can help us understand about a culture. The meaning of these patterns to a culture needs to be studied, rather than assuming it by ourselves. For example, an urban design may mean totally different for a particular culture and it may not match with the architect’s assumption.