Responsibility of the architect to the local community

Jacek Wiszniowski

Abstract

A design improves or worsens people’s lives and its effects may last for decades [1, p. 5]. Depending on its scale, these effects may be seen in the area of a district, city or province [14] and in the light of the EU structural policy – of the region as well [10, p. 15]. A design transforms numerous biotechnical and mental factors in the residential environment. We can measure many of them and assess their influence on man as positive or negative. Since the mid-19th century, various systems of valuation of the transformed environment have been created and developed. On the basis of international programmes such as Agenda 21 [6], Health 21, UCLA Health System [9], URBACT and others, assessment tools of the influence of designed investments on man and nature are elaborated. The knowledge about the influence of architecture on people’s health and life is systematically broadened and along with this knowledge, the number of assessment systems is still growing. What we ought to bear in mind is the fact the architect’s work exerts an enormous influence – positive or negative – on man’s psycho-physical health and the development or deterioration of his social and spatial relations [4] – only then shall we see the greatness of responsibility that is placed on him. Unawareness of this influence does not discharge from responsibility. This responsibility is shared with other participants of the design process; however, taking into consideration the architect’s role in this process, it appears to be special. Practicing a public trust profession, such as an architect, imposes on him a necessity to use knowledge for the good of people.

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