An Architect's Role in Making our Surroundings Liveable | Mitul Shukla | TEDxCalcutta IS Youth

Quick Overview

Architect Mitul Shukla argues that designing livable, human-centric spaces—like those with sunlight, comfortable furniture, and breathable areas—is crucial for mental well-being, contrasting this with merely functional, container-like buildings that lead to stress and feeling crushed.

Key Points: Architect Mitul Shukla emphasizes designing spaces for human experience, not just function, contrasting livable environments with merely functional buildings. Shukla asks the audience to visualize spaces where they feel stress (crowded hall, hospital waiting area, dark office corner) versus spaces where they feel happy (balcony with sunset, grandmother's kitchen, favorite library). The speaker notes that 90% of our life is spent in these spaces (home, office, school, canteen), making the design quality critically important. He challenges the conventional architectural practice of designing buildings like 'shoe boxes' without considering the psychological impact of elements like ceiling height or light quality. A key tool for achieving liveability is ensuring adequate sunlight in key areas like the dining room or bedroom, as harsh or absent light impacts mood. Shukla identifies the 'narrow point or center focal point' in floor plans, where people bump into each other, as a pollution point that hinders connection. The talk concludes by urging the audience to remember that the spaces around us shape our experience of life itself, emphasizing the architect's role in creating spaces worthy of life.

Context: Mitul Shukla, an architect with 20 years of experience running a firm in Kolkata, delivered this TEDx talk, TEDxCalcutta IS Youth, focusing on the often-overlooked psychological impact of architectural design on human well-being. He uses personal anecdotes and visualization exercises to illustrate how the spaces we inhabit—from our homes to our offices—either enhance or detract from our daily lives, arguing that design should prioritize liveability and emotional connection over mere functionality.