What is Architecture

As per the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, architecture is defined as the art of

1 : the art or science of building; specifically : the art or practice of designing and building structures and especially habitable ones,

2 a : formation or construction as or as if as the result of conscious act,

2 b : a unifying or coherent form or structure,

3 : architectural product or work,

4 : a method or style of building and

5 : the manner in which the components of a computer or computer system are organized and integrated.

There are however no clear easy answers.

The American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, said this about Architecture: “What is architecture anyway? Is it the vast collection of the various buildings which have been built to please the varying taste of the various lords of mankind? I think not.

“No, I know that architecture is life; or at least it is life itself taking form and therefore it is the truest record of life as it was lived in the world yesterday, as it is lived today or ever will be lived. So architecture I know to be a Great Spirit….

“Architecture is that great living creative spirit which from generation to generation, from age to age, proceeds, persists, creates, according to the nature of man, and his circumstances as they change. That is really architecture.” —Frank Lloyd Wright, from In the Realm of Ideas, edited by Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer and Gerald Nordland

Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures. A wider definition often includes the design of the total built environment from the macro level of town planning, urban design, and landscape architecture to the microlevel of construction details and, sometimes, furniture.

The term “Architecture” is also used for the profession of providing architectural services.

Architectural design is primarily driven by the creative manipulation of mass, space, volume, texture, light, shadow, materials, program, and pragmatic elements such as cost, construction and technology, in order to achieve an end which is aesthetic, functional and often artistic. This distinguishes architecture from engineering design, which is driven primarily by the creative manipulation of materials and forms using mathematical and scientific principles.

Architectural works are perceived as cultural and political symbols and works of art. Historical civilizations are often known primarily through their architectural achievements. Such buildings as the pyramids of Egypt and the Roman Colosseum are cultural symbols, and are an important link in public consciousness, even when scholars have discovered much about a past civilization through other means.

Cities, regions and cultures continue to identify themselves with and are known by their architectural monuments.

The term Architecture, in itself implies the work and profession of an architect.

In the World of Architecture, we come across the concept of architectural design. This refers to a world made up of and riven on the principles of the manipulation of mass, space, volume, texture, light, shadow, materials and program. It also includes other practical elements such as costs related to construction and the use of technology.

Works of Architecture, are looked upon as magnificent symbols of culture and politics. In fact ancient civilizations have been praised for the entire array of marvelous buildings built in t hose by gone eras. Down the ages, kings and empires have been in fact recognized on the basis of some of the finest specimens of the buildings which were built during their rule. These beautifully designed buildings have also helped in the flourishing of the tourism industry.

The Roman Colosseum is a building par excellence. It evokes awe at its beauty and majesty. It was built to serve an amphitheater. It was built in the cut stone style. Some of its features are Columns and pillars and pilasters etched out in the Corinthian style. The Roman Colosseum has tiers comprising of arches of varying degrees. It also comprises of half- columns constructed in the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian order. The Pyramids constructed in the Ancient River Valley Civilization are a tribute to the art of building. They are triangular, three dimensional and are spacious within. They are truly a tribute to the genius of the builder and more than anything else the designer. They have contributed to the vast glory of the Universe of Architecture.

The earliest work on Architecture, was compiled way back in the1st century. The name of the grand compilation was “De architectura”. It is the work of the Roman architect Vitruvius. According to him building should fulfill three conditions. These are the abilities to withstand the passage of time. Thye should be functional. More than anything else they should hold the eye with all their beauty. This is what makes a building stand apart.

Over the ages in different eras and different parts of the world eminent schools of architecture have evolved. They have left their indelible mark on the World of Architecture. They have contributed to the enriching of the Universe of architecture. They have been characterized by their distinctness and uniqueness in style. They are a reflection of the immense talent which have gone on to make them a reality. The appeal of these buildings and monuments lie in the skills of their builders.

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