Consider a well-known phenomenon in nature, that is the growth of a tree. We know how it starts as a sapling that is nurtured and watered to make it grow into a healthy tree. As an analogy, consider the ‘sapling’ to be ‘the field of architecture’ and the ‘questions’ we ask, the ‘water’. A tree has many branches, likewise, architecture expands into various dimensions. But what’s important here is  that the Tree starts with ground zero. And its basic nourishment is still the water. Unless we ask the right questions, we cannot nourish our wisdom. So, let’s start with the most fundamental question: 

What is architecture?

First, let’s hear it from the experts.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said: “I call architecture frozen music”.
I.M.Pei quotes: “life is architecture and architecture is the mirror of life”.
Norman Foster says: “Architecture is an expression of values”.
Aaron Betsky calls it “a kind of urban ballet” while Bjarke Ingels says it is “practical poetry”.

Note: architecture as frozen music, life, urban ballet, practical poetry, and an expression of values. These may also seem very philosophical at once. But, isn’t it quite astonishing how everyone differs from each other and yet explains beautifully how one can anticipate the term ‘architecture’.

Although when we try to describe architecture, the idea itself seems like an endless ocean. Here, we will try to encapsulate the very thing so that you will get the overall picture of what architecture is. Yes, these will be all the things you ever need to know about architecture!

Bygone days show us the earliest surviving works of the Roman architect, Vitruvius–De architectura meaning ‘On architecture’. According to him, architecture provides firmitas, utilitas, and venustas (durability, utility, and beauty). Therefore, architecture should be balanced and coordinated among these three elements, with no one overpowering the other.

You may have heard of architecture as a social art, or a science, or a combination of both, or a business. We see that architecture always acts as a problem-solver, in turn, assuring support to all types of human activity. It is more than just designing buildings. 

Put another way, architecture helps us homosapiens fit in with our immediate environment (including climate, weather, and history), advocating for a sense of place, health, aesthetics, economic opportunities, and more importantly, creating a legacy on the planet to date that reflects countless cultures and traditions. From ship design to interior decorating, the field of architecture has now branched out to include almost everything. 

But first, it’s time we look at some good examples of architecture to inspire you!

Examples of iconic architecture

We can find instances in history that architecture began to develop as early as the prehistoric ages. Over the span of human history, each era contributed to the evolution of architecture, as we see today.  Some daring and innovative architectural marvels are special due to their scale, or engineering, or material, or ornaments, or construction techniques.