Social media has become an integral part of society nowadays, weaving its way into every aspect of our lives, including architecture. Over the years more architecture firms are seeing the importance of social media. Previously, architectural ideas would have been spread through magazines, but now you can spread your work all over the world with a single click. How can you use these platforms to the advantage of your project and design?
Social media and Instagram in particular have a big impact on how we perceive architecture nowadays. You can form an opinion based on images of a building or place before you have visited it. Architectural firms mostly use Instagram to showcase their buildings to the public, sharing stunning renders and insights into the intended use of their designs. On the flip side, social media offers a unique lens through the eyes of the user. This way you can analyze how, for example, buildings are actually being used. For example UNStudio and OMA made a short movie about the influence of social media on their buildings (Building Images, 2019). They analyse Instagram posts featuring their buildings and often find out that they are used differently than initially intended. Train station Arnhem central is brought up as an example, where Instagram revealed pictures with unexpected uses. Apparently the space lends itself to be used as an open theater for dancing and singing. Making good use of the analysis of these posts would enable architects to refine their designs and better anticipate user needs for future projects.
The fact that social media is all around the world also invites a lot of feedback on your work. This includes a lot of negative and unwanted feedback but also definitely feedback that could improve your design. It automatically gets reviewed by users, professionals and critics. Media could also mean a lot for the public participation in design. Giving residents a voice during the design process will increase the change of the final design meeting the users needs. This is why participation is very important. Media can be a part of this process because people are more confident in sharing their opinion when they can hide behind their screen. By providing a platform for stakeholders and residents to voice their opinions, architects gain insights into the expectations and desires of the intended users. This inclusive approach creates greater trust and collaboration, empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the development process.
Social media could mean a lot for architects and designers to get more insight of how their designs are being used. Also the great feedback that comes with broadcasting something around the globe should be promoted in a positive way. People are more likely to tell the truth of their needs through a media platform than straight to the designers. Social media is a big part of our society and instead of ignoring it, we should be working with it. //
