| If you think that architecture is just about high rise | | | | This Hindu temple is visited each year by hundreds of |
| buildings, the latest shopping mall or a series of | | | | thousands of people. Architects around the world |
| subdivisions, then you are wrong. It is about a lasting | | | | study how the ancient architects accomplished such |
| mark in history. Architects over the course of history | | | | magnificence. If that is not enough for you to think |
| have been responsible for some of the greatest | | | | about, then consider the Taj Mahal. As one of the eight |
| monuments of mankind. | | | | wonders of the world, the architecture design is |
| Entire cultures have been associated with specific | | | | flawless and worthy of being a tribute to the beauty |
| architectural styles which have lasted throughout the | | | | that can spring from the mind of man. |
| decades and centuries. Mankind has learned much | | | | Fans of modern architectural styles will appreciate |
| from earlier civilizations through these buildings, and just | | | | Frank Lloyd Wright. One of his most famous pieces is |
| imagine what future civilizations will learn about us | | | | found in Pennsylvania. Titled "Fallingwaters," this unique |
| through our great structures. | | | | house is a blend of modern function with an aesthetic |
| A great example of architecture dates back to over | | | | form that is pleasing to most people's eyes. Even fans |
| ten thousand years BC, to the Neolithic period. Skara | | | | of Renaissance buildings, such as the Sistine Chapel, |
| Brae is the site of one of the first discoveries of | | | | can appreciate how Wright's use of light, nature and |
| mankind's earliest structures. Sure, the sites were not | | | | modern structure created a form of art nouveau that |
| as grand as those discovered later, but it has to be | | | | few have been able to reproduce. |
| mind boggling that even at this early stage man was | | | | Sure, not every building in history will be a great |
| using mathematics to create sound structures to | | | | example of architecture. Your home may never be |
| provide protection from the elements. | | | | remembered in the same light as the Eiffel Tower or |
| Perhaps you are in need of more familiar architectural | | | | the Pyramids of Egypt, but that does not mean it does |
| engineering marvels and designs. Think of the great | | | | not hold significance. It does show how we live and |
| pyramids in Egypt or the Mayan temples. The | | | | interact. From the cold cellar to the bathroom, it is a |
| incredible soaring spires of India's star shaped tower of | | | | living example of how architects in today's society |
| Somanaththapura. | | | | have come to recognize the needs of mankind. |