Introduction to Architecture

The term 'architecture' comes from the Latin (architura) and the Greek (architectu), from the combination of 'archi-' (chief or leader) and tekton (builder or carpenter) to mean "master builder". Although the term has come to refer to the art and discipline of creating an actual (or inferring an implied) plan of any complex system or object, its primary use relates to plans of the built environment.

As a process, architecture is the activity of designing and constructing buildings and other physical structures, primarily to provide socially purposeful shelter. A wider definition often includes the design of the total built environment, from the macro level of how a building integrates with its surrounding landscape to the micro level of architectural or construction details and, sometimes, furniture.

The primary objective for architects is to provide for the spatial and shelter needs of people in groups of some kind (schools, families, churches, businesses, etc.) by the creative organisation of components and materials in a landscape or cityscape, dealing with space, form, mass, volume, light, shadow, texture, structure and materials, along with pragmatic elements such as cost, construction limitations and technology. The end result must be functional, practical and economical, but also often with artistic and aesthetic aspects. This distinguishes architecture from engineering design, which has as its primary object the creative manipulation of forms and materials using scientific and mathematical principles.

Architectural works may be perceived as political and cultural symbols and works of art. Historical civilisations are often known primarily through their architectural achievements, such as the Roman Colosseum and the pyramids of Egypt. Cities, regions and cultures continue to identify themselves with (and are known by) their architectural monuments; for example, Sydney Opera House and the Taj Mahal.

Architectural Philosophies

The earliest written work on the subject of architecture is De architectura, by the Roman architect Vitruvius in the early 1st century AD. According to Vitruvius, a good building should satisfy the three principles of firmitatis utilitatis venustatis, and the architect should strive to fulfil each of these three attributes as well as possible.

• Durability:
  It should stand up robustly and remain in good condition.
• Utility:
  It should be useful and function well for the people using it.
• Beauty:
  It should delight people and raise their spirits.

15th century architect Leone Battista Alberti, who elaborated on the ideas of Vitruvius in his treatise, De Re Aedificatoria, saw beauty primarily as a matter of proportion, although ornament also played a part. The most important aspect of beauty was therefore an inherent part of an object, rather than something applied superficially; and was based on universal, recognisable truths.

While the notion that structural and aesthetic considerations should be entirely subject to functionality was met with both popularity and scepticism, it had the effect of introducing the concept of 'function' in place of Vitruvius 'utility'. Function came to be seen as encompassing all criteria of the use, perception and enjoyment of a building, not only practical but also aesthetic, psychological and cultural. The great 19th century architect of skyscrapers, Louis Sullivan, promoted an overriding precept to architectural design: "Form follows function".

In the late 20th century, a new concept was added to those included in the compass of both structure and function: the consideration of sustainability. To satisfy the modern ethos a building should be constructed in a manner which is environmentally friendly in terms of the production of its materials, its impact upon the natural and built environment of its surrounding area and the demands that it makes upon non-sustainable power sources for heating, cooling, water and waste management and lighting.

The renowned 20th century architect Le Corbusier wrote on the difference between the ideals of 'architecture' and mere 'construction':
You employ stone, wood, and concrete, and with these materials you build houses and palaces: that is construction; ingenuity is at work. But suddenly you touch my heart, you do me good. I am happy and I say: This is beautiful. That is Architecture.

Architecture Today

As the complexity of buildings began to increase (in terms of structural systems, services, technologies and energy), architecture started to become more multi-disciplinary. Architecture today usually requires a team of specialist professionals, with the architect being one of many, although usually the team leader.

During the past 30 years, the field of architecture has seen the rise of specializations by project type, technological expertise or project delivery methods. In addition, there has been an increased separation of the 'design' architect from the 'project' architect.