At the heart of every school of Architecture, lies a paradoxical stillness. Classrooms buzz with ideas and dreams, but when it comes to participating in architectural events, such as conferences or openings, the buzz becomes a whisper. Why this widespread apathy among architecture students? Are they asleep in the middle of the creative storm that should fuel their passion and professional future?
In a world saturated with information, the ease with which we navigate the vast digital ocean may have placed us in a kind of trance. The Internet, that revolutionary tool that promised to bring us closer, may be, paradoxically, distancing us from the living essence of architecture. The assumption that “everything is online” creates a false sense of security. We trust that we can access inspiration and knowledge at any time, but we forget that the true essence of learning often lies in immersive experience and human contact.
Live Architecture events are much more than just presentations; They are spaces for meeting, exchanging ideas, discussing and networking vital for any profession. However, the growing trend of digitalizing these meetings, although inclusive and comprehensive, should not replace the richness of face-to-face interactions, but rather offer an alternative to international events, which we would otherwise be unable to attend.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an online conference by the Brazilian architect Guto Requena, who I admire so much. And this moment reminded me of how much I would have preferred it to have been live. The energy and exchange of ideas in a face-to-face environment are incomparable. Online events should complement, not replace, in-person experiences, offering us the opportunity to expand our horizons beyond geographic borders without losing the value of human contact.
Are we really absorbing knowledge or are we just accumulating open tabs in a browser Already overwhelmed? The issue lies in our approach to architecture as students and emerging professionals. Are we consuming architecture the way we consume content on social media, in a passive and uncommitted way? Or are we truly committed to delving into the challenges, innovations and discussions that shape our built world?
It is important that architecture students recognize the irreplaceable value of active, in-person participation in events. The challenge is balancing digital accessibility with personal commitment. Architecture, in essence, is about space, context and experience. Without the human element, discussion and in-person debate, we run the risk of losing the essence of our profession.
True inspiration lies in shared experience, in knowledge exchanged face to face, in the palpable energy of a community coming together with a common purpose. Let us not let digital convenience deprive us of what makes architecture truly magnificent: its ability to unite, inspire and challenge us to see the world in new and exciting ways.
