What is Architecture?

What is architecture? At a very basic level, architecture is a structure that provides shelter. In its highest form, architecture inspires us, supports the people who inhabit the structure, and makes our lives better.

My passion and great enjoyment for architecture, and the reason the older I get the more I enjoy it, is because I believe we – architects – can affect the quality of life of the people. – Richard Rogers

The Origin of the Word

According to Merriam-Webster, the word architecture was first used way back in 1555.

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

Practicing Architecture

Practicing architecture is a real joy and honor for us. Working with great clients, we design projects and follow them through to completion and occupancy.

We think of the practice of architecture in its simplest form as planning and designing shelter. The resulting form, space, and materials are based on the project design considerations such as the project location and environment, client’s desired aesthetic, building function, available technology, budget and more.

But more importantly, architectural designs take into account the human element and support our basic needs and aspirations.

All architecture is shelter, all great architecture is the design of space that contains, cuddles, exalts, or stimulates the persons in that space. – Philip Johnson

Architecture Can Be Many Things

• Architecture can serve a multitude of functions. It can be a park pavilion, bank, school, museum, house, library, store, restaurant, factory, and more.

• Architecture can be old like the Acropolis of Athens in Greece or new like Zaha Hadid’s dynamic Jockey Club Innovation Tower in Hong Kong.

• Architecture can be long or short-lived, permanent or temporary. Most structures that are designed to last 50+ years are considered permanent. Temporary structures, such as exhibition buildings, are not intended to last that long.

• Architecture can be expressive of a variety of esthetic styles and tastes. The style may respond to the local climate or culture or it may be a personal preference of the client or the architect. The style may reflect something from the past or it may be something that is entirely new.

• Architecture can take on many forms, such as that of a light-weight tent or a heavy stone edifice. The Olympic Stadium in Munich by Frei Otto and Gunther Behnisch is a lightweight tensile and membrane structure. In contrast, Windsor Castle, London home to the Royal family, is a heavy, massive stone fortress.

• Architecture can be expensive or relatively Architecture can be very costly, using rare materials or complex building systems like Antilla, the billion dollar home of the richest man in India, designed by Perkins+Will and Hirsch Bedner Associates. It can be very inexpensive, using local materials and common building systems, like the architect-designed homes featured in an article in Dwell.

When imaginatively conceived and deftly executed, architecture has an impact far beyond its footprint. A great building can revive a neighborhood, energize a community, or simply impart a widespread sense of wonder. – Samuel Cochran and Asad Syrkett

Although architecture can be many things, all types of architecture should support our daily activities and enhance our lives. At a very basic level, architecture provides shelter and enhances our quality of life by being comfortable and functional. In its highest form, architecture enhances our quality of life by being beautiful and inspiring. Good architecture supports living and working while inspiring us to be better.