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Hindi The Sociology of Architecture: Exploring the Intersection of Built Environments and Social Life
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Ieera Khan, Department of Sociology and Urban Studies, Iran, Email: ieera_kh@gmail.comReceived Date: May 01, 2025 / Accepted Date: May 31, 2025 / Published Date: May 31, 2025
Citation: Ieera K (2025) The Sociology of Architecture: Exploring the Intersectionof Built Environments and Social Life. J Archit Eng Tech 14: 458.
Copyright: © 2025 Ieera K. This is an open-access article distributed under theterms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricteduse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author andsource are credited.
Abstract
Architecture is not merely a manifestation of aesthetic or engineering prowess but a profound social phenomenon that embodies the values, power structures, and ideologies of a society. The sociology of architecture explores how the built environment ranging from individual buildings to entire cities influences and is influenced by social behavior, identity, inequality, and cultural norms. This article delves into the interdisciplinary nature of the field, examining key themes such as space and power, gendered architecture, social stratification through urban planning, and the role of architecture in shaping collective memory and identity. Through historical and contemporary examples, it highlights how architecture reflects societal transformations, from colonial legacies and industrialization to modern globalization and digital urbanism. By uncovering the social underpinnings of architectural forms and functions, this work emphasizes the urgent need for more inclusive, participatory, and equitable design practices that align with the diverse needs of today’s pluralistic societies. Architecture is often perceived merely as the practice of designing buildings and structures, yet it is deeply intertwined with social dynamics, cultural identities, and power relations. The sociology of architecture bridges the domains of design and social science, exploring how built environments both reflect and shape the behaviors, values, and interactions of individuals and communities. This paper delves into the critical intersection between architecture and social life, analyzing the ways in which spatial arrangements influence social organization, access, identity, and mobility. From urban planning and housing typologies to monumental structures and informal settlements, architecture embodies social ideologies and plays a pivotal role in either reinforcing or challenging societal hierarchies. The paper further examines case studies from various global contexts, revealing how political, economic, and cultural forces are embedded within architectural forms. Emphasis is also placed on contemporary issues such as gentrification, spatial justice, environmental sustainability, and participatory design, all of which demonstrate the urgent need for socially responsible architecture. By engaging with interdisciplinary insights from sociology, urban studies, and critical theory, this study aims to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and reflexive approach to the built environment.
