What is Common Sense to Architects and How Reading Books Enhances Common Sense

Common sense is often described as an intuitive understanding of what is appropriate or reasonable in any given situation. From my perspective, common sense is the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes—to see the world through their eyes, anticipate their needs, and respond accordingly.

This skill is indispensable in every profession.

For architects, however, the stakes are much higher. They’re not just designing for today; they’re creating spaces that will shape how people live, work, and move—potentially for decades or even centuries.

Unlike a product that can be replaced or a meal that lasts for just a moment, a building is a permanent fixture in the built environment. Poor design decisions—whether it’s a confusing layout, inaccessible entrances, or spaces that feel cold and alienating—can have lasting, frustrating consequences for the people who inhabit them. Once constructed, a building is hard to undo.

This is why architects must think beyond their own perspective and embrace common sense as a core part of their design process. By understanding the people they serve, architects can create spaces that are not just beautiful but also functional, inclusive, and enduring.

The Critical Role of Common Sense in Architecture

Imagine this: You’re an architect tasked with designing a community library. You envision a stunning, modern building with sleek glass walls and minimalist interiors. The design wins awards, but when the library opens, patrons complain. The glare from the glass makes it impossible to read during the day, there aren’t enough accessible entrances, and the open-plan design creates noise that disrupts study areas.

What went wrong?

The problem wasn’t a lack of creativity or technical skill. It was a lack of common sense — the failure to think about the real people who would use the space.

In architecture, common sense means understanding:

For an architect, poor design doesn’t just mean inconvenience; it can mean millions or billions of wasted dollars for owners and decades of frustration for users.

What do you think, if you are an architect?

Would you approach your designs from your own perspective, imposing your personal tastes and ideals? Or would you step into the shoes of those who will live, work, or gather in the spaces you create seriously?

The best architects know that empathy is as important as expertise. To design a space that truly works, they must think like the people who will use it.

Why Reading Books Cultivates Common Sense in Architects

How does an architect learn to empathize with others and develop this critical common sense? The answer is simple: read more books.

Here’s how reading helps architects become better designers:

  1. Books Teach Empathy:
    Whether you’re reading fiction or non-fiction, books immerse you in the lives, thoughts, and emotions of others. This exposure helps architects understand diverse perspectives and anticipate the needs of various users.
  2. Books Expand Cultural Awareness:
    A well-designed space reflects the culture, history, and identity of the people it serves. Reading about different cultures and eras gives architects the knowledge they need to create spaces that resonate.
  3. Books Spark Creativity:
    Reading exposes architects to ideas and concepts outside their daily routines. Whether it’s a sci-fi novel or a historical account, books inspire creative solutions to design challenges.
  4. Books Improve Communication Skills:
    Architects work with clients, engineers, and communities. Reading improves vocabulary, comprehension, and articulation, making it easier to negotiate, present ideas, and build consensus.
  5. Books Develop Critical Thinking:
    Good architects balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Reading sharpens the ability to analyze and synthesize information, ensuring well-rounded, thoughtful designs.

Related reading