Our World, according to the present scenario, is on the brink of numerous trials and tribulations. A variant-shifting pandemic, economic losses and terrorizing war strikes; the list could go on! However, we have to admit that one thing is definitely not a challenge anymore for most global citizens: the search for Information. From Google to Instagram, Facebook to Wikipedia; there are too many virtual beings out there, waiting to pass on information. This is what we call the Digital Age! In spite of the abundance of data available to everyone, there are certain topics of study or professions, that are still very hazy to the common man.

Architecture, for instance, is a term that has been in society even prior to the pyramids of Egypt. Some historians even consider Impoteph to be the first architect in the world! However, people are still not very sure, about the role an Architect plays in society, or even what the study of Architecture includes or excludes.

One cannot help but naturally wonder, why is that? Is it because of simple ignorance? Or is there a bigger cause behind it?

Oh! The problems galore -

With changing times and research, synonymous to other fields, Architecture has seen paradigm shifting changes. But the one aspect that does not seem to change. is the looming cloud of myths and misconceptions, about the term 'Architecture' and its facets. As stated earlier, 'lack of information' cannot be cited as an issue today; but lack of credible information' can be! How can anyone guarantee the authenticity of every article/video/audio on the Internet ?
If we discuss specifically about the Architecture and Design Community, apart from the legitimacy issue, lies the question that; how much of this online data is actually reaching the common man? How much are they able to gorge? Is that content relevant to a mass or is it just for people with prior knowledge of design? Does it cater to eliminate the doubts with this profession, or does it just keep adding characters to a panorama called the Internet?

Voila! Welcome to the world of Design Journalism-

Architecture Journalism or Design Journalism, is the profession of reporting, writing and communicating; the varied news, topics and relevant details of the built environment. To further simplify the matter, how would one get to know about
Jack-the ripper without a crime journalist? Similarly, phrasing in the form of a rhetoric, how should one find out about the latest architectural wonder in your city? Simple enough?
We do not claim to say, that all problems related to the field of Architecture can be eliminated, with the awareness that such a stream of Journalism brings about. It can rather be illustrated as an effective bridge of knowledge, between Architecture and the Common Man. Additionally, we do want to imply, that considering the percentage of our wondrous cities that are designed or have been built by some technique, it is a shame to be oblivious to that creative community entirely.

P.S. The lack of a proper, simplified and comprehensive definition of Design Journalism, is a classic example of how digital information can be inadequate.

A vital source of knowledge-

Ever been intrigued by the dishes that have the term 'Chef's Special' written beside them? In most cases, those delicacies turn out to be the most zestful and obviously the best!
That is exactly what Design Journalism does. It brings the correct information, right from the Architect's studio to you. It communicates a chosen plethora of ideas, executions, techniques and professionals; which is relevant to the target audience and can prove beneficial to every reader. Along with annihilating the millions of doubts regarding the job and specifications of an Architect; accurate reporting of design facts, can assist in creating a rather respectable position for Architects, who build and metamorphosize the entire global facade.

Close-knit connection with people-

Often, it has been noted, that our Architecture and Design Community can tend to be a rather closed circuit; wherein professionals only can understand the current scheme of things, and there is no room for the common man to perceive or collaborate.
Journalism of design, can adequately create numerous windows of opportunity, such that people get a sneek of what happens within the community, and respond accordingly. Along with knowing about the relentless effort, ethos, principles; the
audience can be educated about the downsides and critical analysis of a structure or city, thus acting like a catalyst in building a better tomorrow. An informed group of people, can then make an au-courant decision, that best suits their need for a project. Architects, on the other hand, will be connected to clients who offer challenging executions and well-versed briefs.
Doesn't that round it all up?

New array of jobs-

With those familiar with the Architectute education of India and know a bit about the community, each year more than 400 fresh graduates enter this field.
But do we have enough fodder for everyone to flourish? A trained or liscenced individual, can efficaciously use their skills to enter in this concentric profession, and work towards providing the society a fair image of this creative world.
While the saying 'too many cooks spoil the broth' might be correct in certain contexts, with Design Jouranlism, it does not hold true presently. When people from different walks of life, with a conjoint interest in Architectecture and Design, come together, it can only result in a balanced representation of the built world from both perspectives: the professional and the primary user.

With all said and done, there is a duty that even practiciting journalists of this field also need to be abide by to state valid facts without a hint of bias. "With great power comes great responsibility, right? So if we wish the audience and the world to accept Design Journalism as a dependable pursuit, we have to prove our capabilities in narrating and reporting design stories, that are genuine, relatable and though-provoking!