Lately, I’ve been contemplating the ongoing debate between architects and engineers. This reflection was sparked by observing the new LRT stations being constructed along Commonwealth, which, judging by their scaffoldings and early designs, seem to hint at a rather uninspired aesthetic. My sister, an ardent advocate for the value of architecture, often shares insights about spatial design. As a communications designer myself, I can’t help but feel a connection to this discourse.
The trend I’ve noticed is that many engineering-based professionals seem to undervalue the input of independent designers in various projects. From buildings to packaging and apps, it’s apparent that some projects proceed without the benefit of a designer’s perspective. Engineers often manage these aspects themselves, believing that proficiency in tools like Figma and Photoshop equates to design expertise. However, we designers, including architects, never claim we can handle everything alone. We recognize and actively advocate for the indispensable role of engineers in any project.
The Impact on Infrastructure
This tendency to bypass dedicated designers reeks of arrogance, if not ignorance. My sister’s passion for architecture isn’t behind this sentiment; it’s the observable reality that so many apps and posters are crafted by the technically-driven without consulting a real designer. These efforts often lack the nuanced touch that a designer brings, yet engineers walk with an air of confidence simply because they can manipulate design software.
The situation worsens when this mindset translates to infrastructure and buildings. My sister is more forgiving, acknowledging that engineering is a form of design and came first. However, as a designer, I assert that design is not only about functionality but also about aesthetics, feeling, and enrichment. Engineers’ data-driven, pragmatic approach often strips away the soul and beauty that good design embodies.
It Isn’t “Just Design”
Writing this with a heavy heart, I reflect on my calling as a Christian and a creative individual. For me, design and art are more than a job—they are a divine mission. Everyone, in their own way, tries to create beauty—whether through music, decorating spaces, or even how they dress. This innate desire to create beauty stems from our yearning to reclaim the paradise lost when humanity turned away from God. It’s a subconscious effort to piece together a broken world, mirroring our true purpose and ultimate longing for heaven. Dismissing beauty and creativity as superficial is to deny a fundamental aspect of our humanity.
Designers are often mocked for being superficial, but this is a profound misunderstanding. To dismiss design as mere superficiality is to deny our humanity and our intrinsic desire for beauty and creativity. This mocking is an affront to the expressiveness and emotion that make us human—qualities often missing in the so-called designs produced by purely engineering-minded individuals.
For Mutual Respect And Collaboration
This dynamic is disheartening and needs to change. While we, as designers, recognize and uphold the necessity of engineers, we hope they will do the same for us. Otherwise, we risk ending up with cold, soulless infrastructures that our broken world desperately needs to avoid.
Perhaps the uninspiring LRT station designs aren’t solely the engineers’ fault. Project politics and higher-ups might be to blame, dismissing the importance of design. Regardless, engineers should advocate for their designer peers. Stand with us, respect our role, and fight for the value of design, even when higher-ups say it doesn’t matter.
If I am wrong and engineers do respect design, then I urge you to make that respect visible and active.
Photo by Naman Mehra on Unsplash
Disclosure: Written with the help of AI.