Architecture (Latin
architectura, after the Greek
ἀρχιτέκτων – arkhitekton – from
ἀρχι "chief" and
τέκτων "builder, carpenter, mason") is both the process and the product of
planning,
designing, and
constructing buildings and other physical structures. Architectural works, in the material form of
buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as
works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements.
"Architecture" can mean:
- A general term to describe buildings and other physical structures.[1]
- The art and science of designing buildings and (some) nonbuilding structures.[1]
- The style of design and method of construction of buildings and other physical structures.[1]
- The practice of the architect, where architecture means offering or rendering professional services in connection with the design and construction of buildings, or built environments.[2]
- The design activity of the architect,[1] from the macro-level (urban design, landscape architecture) to the micro-level (construction details and furniture).
Architecture has to do with planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambience to reflect functional, technical, social, environmental and aesthetic considerations. It requires the creative manipulation and coordination of materials and technology, and of light and shadow. Often, conflicting requirements must be resolved. Architecture also encompasses the pragmatic aspects of realizing buildings and structures, including scheduling, cost estimation and construction administration. Documentation produced by architects, typically drawings, plans and technical specifications, defines the
structure and/or
behavior of a building or other kind of
system that is to be or has been constructed.
Brunelleschi, in the building of the dome, not only transformed the cathedral and the city of
Florence, but also the role and status of the architect.
[3][4] The word "architecture" has also been adopted to describe other designed systems, especially in
information technology.
[1]