An Introduction to Architecture

Architecture is the practice of design buildings andworship and means, mainly the local building materials
other physical structures. It is often considered a formand physical ability. Early architecture was mainly
of art and science due to the massive amount ofvernacular architecture, a special type of architecture
technical knowledge required to implement a designwhich is based around local needs and means. As it
that has been created from nothing.evolved the classic civilisations were born and great
Architects have many factors to consider whentime and effort put into crafting areas of religious or
constructing a building such as mass, texture, materials,political significance and even back in these times
light/shadow, cost, construction and technology. All ofarchitecture was more than just a visual product. The
these factors are manipulated in order to create anroman Coliseum was designed so that all of the
end design that appears both functional andthousands of crowd members could see and hear the
aesthetically pleasing.action at the centre and the way it amplifies sound
A very important part of modern architecture is that itwas no accident.
is not merely a visual art form. Complete architectureAs time passed architecture developed more and
takes into account all of the human senses as well asmore with medieval structures like the castle and fort
the environment around the structure, andproving architecture had a place on the battle field as
management of power, water and other utilities. Therew ell as he city floor. During this period architects,
is also a common concept among architects that theespecially in Europe, began to form guilds (as many
art cannot exist in a vacuum and that it must havecraftsman did then). These guilds were design to help
context, surroundings and contrasts to be complete.architects work together and achieve more
Although architecture is not widely recognised as anmonumental things, a practice that is still in society
"important" and "popular" profession it is in fact one oftoday in the form of architect partnerships.
the most influential and widely recognised jobsIn the renaissance architecture became a very
throughout history. Almost everything we know aboutpersonal affair and moved quickly away from war and
ancient civilisation is based upon what we have foundreligion. Many famous architects are from this period
in and about it's architecture and there are countlessas this marked the start of buildings recognising their
political and cultural symbols known primarily for theirarchitects with individuals such as Palladio and
structural achievements such as the Pyramids ofBrunelleschi going down in history.
Egypt and the Roman Coliseum. Even modern citiesToday architecture is everywhere, almost any public
and locations are both visited and known bybuilding is professional designed and many compete
architectural landmarks such as the Opera House offor recognition inside their respective cities. There is
Sydney and the Empire State building of New York.massive emphasis on certain elements such as
The history of architecture is also extremely interesting,energy efficiency, environmental blending and the use
as human technology and scientific and mathematicalof environmentally friendly construction materials.
understanding increases, so to did our ability to buildDesign is also becoming increasingly advanced with
wonderful buildings. Architecture was born out of asuperstructures like the Burj Al Arab 7 star hotel.
combination of needs, such as shelter, security and