by STS reaches every corner of society. In today’s society, technology is a part of virtually everything. From the moment we wake up to when we go to sleep we are surrounded by phones, computers, fire alarms, kitchen appliances and so many more pieces of technology that have been embedded in our lives. As science, technology, and society have evolved and advanced over the past hundreds of years, they have only grown more interconnected and dependent on each other. The three work together to advance our lives. Science relies on technology to help further discoveries and speeds up the application of the discoveries. Meaning technology can be used to help spread scientific discoveries around the world in a matter of seconds. During this pandemic, for example, society is reliant upon scientists to provide the most up to date and detailed information they can and scientists are reliant upon technology to help them give people answers. Furthermore, due to the advancements in technology, a test for COVID-19 was created within weeks of the first case– as opposed to the years it took for scientists to make a test following the flu pandemic of 1918. Today we can use all the lessons from the 1918 pandemic to help society work to contain this pandemic. Looking at historical events can inform what we do as a society today. Every societal, technological, and scientific discovery and failure help to move society forward.
Architecture is a perfect example of how science and technology intersect with society. On the surface level, architects use physics and technology to bring their creations to life. These creations– whether they are buildings or landscapes amongst other forms– serve as the bases of society. Architects’ creations are the core of communities. Architects design our schools, offices, parks, homes, and so much more. Frank Lloyd was an architect in the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Lloyd called himself an organic architect and is the mastermind behind the Guggenheim museum in New York City (as pictured below).
Organic architecture is the philosophy of designing to create harmony between the natural world and humans. One of Lloyd’s buildings, for example, was naturally incorporated into a waterfall in Pennsylvania. Lloyd once commented on the future of humankind during a lecture he gave. He said, “If it keeps up, man will atrophy all his limbs but the push-button finger.” Although he was not explicit, it seems he was referring to how technology makes many daily tasks easier. Self-driving cars are just one example of how technology has made life easier as they only require the driver to touch the steering wheel periodically. Lloyd could not have known at the time how accurate his quote is. He did not know that Teslas or smartphones would exist which have led to people having just about everything they could ever need at their fingertips. Even in the 19th century, when technological inventions such as the telegram would seem elementary and dated in today’s standards, Lloyd was aware of how profoundly technology could change and shape society. Science, technology, and society are embedded in everything so it is crucial we understand how the three work together to best utilize what each has to offer.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Frank-Lloyd-Wright/International-success-and-acclaim