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Beauty is only skin deep. Have we not heard this being said an umpteen times before? When it comes to design and construction of buildings, beauty is mortar-deep. The concept of beauty is an all changing one, be it with reference to an individual, object or a structure. Structures that were believed to be ideal examples of beauty in architecture are scoffed at and ridiculed today. People evolve, one generation gives way to the next one, tastes change and the contemporary architecture of any given period is a reflection of the people who inhabit the world at that given point. Any arkitekt worth his/her mortar will know that no matter which part of the world you operate in and no matter which school of design you follow, there are certain basics that go into the composition of good architecture. The structure of a building should be in tandem with the function that it is meant to serve. For instance, abstract design and structural techniques can be used in museum buildings or an airport can have clean, aerodynamic designs incorporated as a central theme to support its connection with flight. Similarly a complex that sports a shared courtyard with clusters of buildings around it can indicate that the company or institution that operates out of it values collaboration. The function and the form of any structure should complement its surroundings and not be a sore-eye. An excellent example of this is the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel in Dubai. It has been constructed on an artificial island and the design has been conceptualized around a ship-sail. It a marvel of construction and despite the fact that it is an imposing 312 meters in height, does not collide or clash with its surroundings in any way. On the contrary it has added a definite charm and uniqueness to the watery landscape around it. Arkitekter and architecture students study the dynamics of this structure as part of construction studies. Any structure that is commanding in its looks must also be one that will last. A flimsy structure that looks fantastic will defeat its own purpose. The quality of the materials that go into the structure of the building in addition to the materials that are used in the interior spaces are what add to the quality quotient of any structure. Every arkitekt who wants to make a mark has to prioritise quality with every project that is undertaken. Arkitekter are more then designers. They are the link between the client and the various service contractors who work on the project. It is their job to hire quality co-ordinators whose primary job will be to ensure that high-grade materials and construction methods are used. A building should be like good quality wine. It should age well and not deteriorate as the years pass by. Every building is constructed with specific needs in mind but it should be able to accommodate changing needs and not have an inflexible interior space. Above all, a building should delight, mystify and inspire. The arkitekter at Arkitema know how to blend functionality with design. Every arkitekt is an extremely skilled and talented professional and is able to handle projects effectively.
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