Trends

The Power of Design

December 29, 2020

The power of design is evident in the creation of modern communities. Civilization has advanced and progressed rapidly, growing from villages and towns to cities and states, and with it the size of the populations and communities that live and thrive within them. Today, the modern metropolis has given rise to modern society – communities that have grown and developed thanks to the benefit and utility that the power of design has enabled.   
 
The modern metropolis is organic, constantly evolving to cater to the intricate needs and complex requirements of the people living within them. It is through the power of design that we have found the solutions to directly address the growing and shifting needs of communities, where design is potentially the catalyst that sparks change, or a response that helps overcome an obstacle.   
 
Just picture or imagine the modern city and the power of design becomes apparent. From the development of modern housing, to the growth of communication or transportation networks, the manner in which humanity has developed is influenced greatly by advancements and breakthroughs that have resulted from the power and ingenuity of great design.   
All fine architectural values are human values, else not valuable. 
– Frank Lloyd Wright  
Burj Khalifa - Dubai
CCTV Headquarter - Beijing
City Night Time Top View
The power of design also lies in the creation of opportunity. By tapping into the human imagination, people and communities have innovated the means through which to elevate themselves and ascend toward loftier aspirations. Development and progress occur at differing rates, dependent upon circumstances and factors that are infinitely varied. Yet, value and opportunity exist in all phases of modern development.

The results of great design in the modern context have emerged globally – from Dubai’s Burj Khalifa to China’s CCTV Headquarters, these global landmarks have become the iconic silhouettes and glittering skylines that truly position a city and its people on the map. Yet, great design also has the power to redevelop and repurpose, as the Guggenheim Museum has helped to reinvigorate and energize Bilbao, or the manner in which New York’s Highline project has brought the tides of gentrification and renewal to a forgotten Manhattan Borough.
Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design.
– Charles Eames  
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao - Spain
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao - Bizkaia, Spain
Capitalising on the power of design and the opportunities that it brings goes far beyond the great and iconic. From building infrastructure to connect and unifying an emerging nation, to the founding of civic institutions and the development of industries that bring about the currents of sophistication and modernity; the power of design is valuable regardless, providing betterment and benefit to all.
The broader one's understanding of the human experience, the better design we will have.  – Steve Jobs  
This article first appeared in the FY16/17 issue of 360 Circle. You can download and read the full version here