Architecture

Definition

Architecture (Latin architectura, after the Greek arkhitekton from - "chief" and "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.
The art and science of designing buildings and (some) nonbuilding structures.
The style of design and method of construction of buildings and other physical structures.
The knowledge of art, science & technology and humanity.
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.
The design activity of the architect, 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. The practise of 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.

The word "architecture" has also been adopted to describe other designed systems, especially in information technology.

Types of Architecture: All types of Architecture

Residential Architect

Residential architects focus most of their efforts on constructing beautiful private dwellings for homeowners. While a lot of
the houses we see in neighborhoods around the world are designed identically or close to it (some people call these
cookie cutter houses), many neighborhoods allow for customized homes with unique styles.

As a residential architect, you would be working with private clients to help them to design the home of their dreams. You
would need to be cognizant of all local building codes as well as relevant neighborhood covenants (some neighborhoods
are very strict, while others are not). The home you design will have to conform to all of these local regulations but also
fulfill the form and function of a beautiful and inviting home environment for your client. While you probably have not seen
nearly as many examples of custom homes as you have of cookie-cutter houses, odds are you have seen at least a few.
Inside and out, they beautify the world and the lives of their inhabitants and neighbors.

Many of the worlds most famous examples of beautiful architecture were actually commissioned as private residences for
homeowners. For example, Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous American architect, designed numerous homes in Oak Park, IL
and throughout the country. These houses stand today as some of the most well-known examples of American
architecture, but they were originally built to serve the needs of private clients. Many are still lived in today, while others
are open for tours. Perhaps you could become the next Frank Lloyd Wright. Or maybe you will discover another style
entirely that is completely different. Architecture is all about finding your own personal vision and bringing it to lifeand
helping your clients to do the same.

Commercial or Public Architect

If you focus on this role, you may specialize in larger ventures for businesses or government entities, erecting public
buildings such as shopping malls, libraries, government facilities, and more. There are also many famous examples of
famous public structures, all the more so since so many people are able to experience them. Think back over your life, and
you will probably remember examples of impressive train stations, airports, and other public facilities you walked through.
Maybe you only spent a few hours in some of these locations, but the memories can stick with you for years to come.

Elegant public buildings help to not only beautify facilities and make experiences more pleasant and enjoyable, but also to
fulfill a practical purpose. A well-designed shopping mall makes it easier for buyers to find what they are searching for. A
well-designed airport makes it easy and intuitive to find the right gates and to locate shops and restaurants in the
meantime.

Public building architecture also helps to define society. Throughout history, different types of architecture have come to
symbolize different ideas. For example, in America, many public buildings, particularly government buildings, are built in
the neoclassical style, which in turn imitates the buildings found in ancient Greece. This is one way that the buildings in the
U.S. capital express the ideas of democracy.

Another good example is the many public buildings built in the style of Brutalism. This style, while cold and austere, had
behind it a philosophy of community-based living and sharing. Every public building espouses ideas about how we should
live. As an architect of public buildings, you help to instill these concepts in the culture with your work.
Industrial Architect

If you are interested in working on industrial projects, I suggest you check into civil engineering as a major instead of
architecture. It is true that there is an architectural element to industrial projects. In fact, architecture can be a major
component of these structures, but they are far more elaborate to design than other types of public or private buildings.

Because of this, civil engineering is a more appropriate major for industrial projects like hydroelectric dams, bridges, and
other technical projects. These projects encompass advanced knowledge of science and engineering. Without that
knowledge, you cannot create structures which are safe and which are able to fulfill technical functions as well as be
aesthetically pleasing to the eye. There is also the issue of qualifying for the appropriate certifications to be allowed to
work on these projects, without which you cannot hope to proceed.

Should you get a civil engineering degree if you are planning only on working on public buildings (that are not technical in
nature) and private residences? There is no particular reason to, unless you have no options. A civil engineering degree is
overkill for non-technical projects, and will present you with a great many challenges along the way in terms of
coursework and certifications. You will also spend less time on artistic design principles when you are studying how to build
dams and bridges. As such, it is a good idea to only major in civil engineering if you are aiming at erecting industrial
structures.

Landscape Architect

This type of architecture focuses on outdoor areas. If you go into this specialized field, you might design parklands,
gardens, and lawns surrounding college campus buildings and other public destinations. Landscape architects may also
work with homeowners and other private parties to design compelling outdoor areas. You might even be involved with the
development of golf courses or similar recreational spots.

Building structures can be a part of this job, even though you are working with outdoor areas. For example, many
landscaping jobs entail erecting gazebos and other outdoor structures such as follies. Unlike residential architects and
public and industrial architects, however, you will be doing a lot of work directly with trees, plants, and other living
materials. As such, your body of knowledge will have to go beyond simple construction. You will have to understand
aspects of horticulture, and know how you can integrate living growth into your settings. A well-designed landscape will
incorporate plants in a system that is beneficial to them and allows them to thrive.

Interior Design

Although interior design is not actually a type of architecture, you should consider looking into it all the same, because it is
so closely connected to architecture. Some building designers are also interior designers, while others do not work on
furnishing and other aspects of interior design. Frank Lloyd Wright, discussed earlier in the section on residential
architecture, also was an interior designer. He saw his buildings as a single integrated whole, and strived to create
furniture that evoked the same elements as his buildings. He worked on creating seamless living spaces which flowed
throughout the interiors of his buildings. Because he had knowledge of both interior design and architecture, he was able
to unite them fluidly to bring his entire vision to life.

For this reason, it may be worthwhile for you also to cultivate study in both fields, and learn interior design along with
architecture. In fact, some architects also learn to tie in landscaping with the rest of their design skills. By doing this, you
can create spaces which flow both indoors and outdoors for the best possible effect. It is often the effect of the whole that
leaves such an impact on visitors.

How many different specializations you want to integrate into your work is really up to you. Some architects do best if they
are extremely specialized and focused on one aspect of design, while others excel by learning how to integrate different
aspects of design. You may work well controlling all elements that go into a building or you may work better in an
environment where you are sharing the responsibility of design with a number of other architects.

You will also need to figure out where you fit best on a team. Do you work better taking cues from a lead architect, or
would you like to be the head architect, calling the shots? You probably will not jump into that kind of position straight off
the top. You will need ample work experience first. Architecture is a tough and competitive field. And the more radical your
ideas are, the more challenging your path is likely to be. Nonetheless, it is usually the more unusual ideas which capture
or imaginations.

Green Design

One aspect of design you may want to pay particular note to at this point in time is green architecture. Green architecture,
as you probably imagine, is exactly what it sounds likebuilding structures friendly to the environment. Green buildings
are built with solar panels, underground rooms (to keep cool) and other innovative features that reduce energy costs and
allow for sustainable living. They may also have a more organic design which is consistent with the natural environment
and which fits in seamlessly with the surroundings in a nonobtrusive way.

Green design is a really big deal nowadays as more people are becoming aware of the consequences of the industrial
lifestyles we have been leading for more than a century. A lot of residential clients are looking to implement green features
into their buildings. Some public building commissioners may also be looking to make a green statement, particularly with
government buildings. Corporations that want to present an eco-friendly image may be looking to hire architects who can
help them reduce their footprint.
Finding Where You Fit

How can you decide where you fit into the world of architecture? I recommend checking out some books on architecture
and getting inspiration from your favorite architects. You may also want to plan a trip to go and see structures that inspire
you. A lot of famous public buildings offer tours, and even some famous residences which are no longer in private use. If
you cannot afford that kind of trip, look for local landmarks which can teach you something about architecture and inspire
you to discover your own personal style. While you are at it, sign up for technical drawing classes if your high school offers
them. This offers you a great first step to learning the technical aspects of architectural design.

Figure out what kind of work you find most compelling, and then have a chat with a college advisor who can help you to
plan your educational path. You will probably major in architecture, but a degree in interior design or civil engineering
might be more appropriate, depending on what you want to do. You also might pursue a concentration or a masters
degree in landscaping or some other specialization. Good luck, and enjoy beautifying the world someday with your
expertise and aesthetic judgment!

Types of Architecture: Basic and Common Architecture

Romanesque:

As the name might suggest, this type of architecture looks and is of Ancient Rome. Obviously, some of the structures that
fall under this guideline is The Coliseum or some of the Roman Churches. The thing to look for in this style of architecture
is the Arches. Romans where famous for their use of arches because they were the first society master the arch. Look for
something old with arches, especially in Italy, and it is probably Romanesque.

Gothic:

Gothic was the Architecture style most popular in the Medieval times. Most of the famous cathedrals throughout Europe
default to the Gothic style. The tells that help you know youre dealing with Gothic Architecture are: 1) Pointed Arches; 2)
ribbed vault in the ceiling; and 3) the flying buttress. These sound fancy and confusing but click the links Youve
probably seen these features many times before.

Renaissance:

Renaissance was very popular and followed the Gothic style. It borrowed a lot from the previous styles. The emphasis of
Renaissance architecture has to do with symmetry and arrangement of features, making it more difficult to spot front the
other styles. Tip: look for domes. Domes were a big part of the Renaissance Style and are present in many of the famous
structures such as the Cathedral of Florence and St. Peters Basilica.

Modern:

At this point, the architecture bubble busts wide open. Odds are the building you are reading this in falls under the
umbrella of modern architecture. That being said, the modern architecture is still phenomenal. The Einstein Tower, an
observatory in Germany, The Glass Palace, a modern building in the Netherlands, and the Goetheanum in Switzerland are
just a few of the fantastic modern buildings in Europe.

Prominent Filipino Architects and Their Works

The architecture of the Philippines, a diverse nation made up of over 7,000 islands, reflects the countrys complex cultural
identity. Colonised first by Spain, then Japan and finally America, Filipinos joke that they spent 400 years in a convent, 5
in a prison camp and 45 in Hollywood. This complexity finds its creative expression in the work of these six post-war
architects, whose vision captured a countrys history while looking to the regions future.

The Makati Skyline by Leandro Locsin

Leandro Locsin (1928-1994) was in some

ways a quintessential Renaissance man. A
brilliant architect, interior designer, artist
and classically trained pianist, Locsin was
also a keen art collector, amassing a sizable
collection of fine Chinese art and ceramics
during his lifetime. It is for his buildings,
however, that he is remembered; from
airport terminals to memorial chapels, arts
centres to stock exchange structures, Locsin
left his mark on the urban landscape of the
Philippines.

Locsin was determined to reconfigure

Western architectural mores for a Filipino
audience. His most substantial contribution
to Filipino architecture is the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex, a collection of five Locsin-designed buildings that
demonstrate the architects drive to find a vernacular form of modernist architecture. The National Theatre building within
the complex is a good example of Locsins trademark style, known as floating volume: consisting of a two-floor-high block
of travertine marble cantilevered 12 feet into the air, the theatre harks back to traditional Filipino dwelling huts, but on a
monumentally modern scale.

Despite the wide range of buildings Locsin created, all of them have one thing in common: concrete. His ability to make
this most monolithic of materials appear weightless, and to elegantly combine Western brutalism with vernacular
elements, led Locsins peers to dub him the poet of space.

Tanghalang Maria Makiling by Ildefonso P Santos

The Father of Philippine landscape architecture,

Ildefonso Paez Santos, or IP Santos as he was known,
created some of the best-loved urban spaces in the
Philippines. Landscape architecture, a corollary of
architecture proper that deals with parks, plazas and
green spaces, was a little-considered element of urban
planning in the first half of the 20th century in the
Philippines. However, Santos changed that, carrying
out pioneering work that, after four decades in the
profession, led him to become National Artist for
Architecture in 2006.

One of his earliest successful projects was the Makati

Commercial Center, an outdoor shopping mall in which
the shop fronts and walkways were interspersed with
garden trails, fountains and public artworks. This led him to be commissioned to revitalise Manilas Paco Park, the work for
which he is perhaps best remembered. A former Spanish cemetery and Japanese ammunitions store, the park was
transformed into a national park in 1966; between 1967-1969 Santos revived the parks grounds, incorporating the
original park structures, including memorial sites and fortification walls, into a space for urban recreation.

Paco Park by Pablo Antonio

One of the first exponents of modernist architecture in the

Philippines, Pablo Antonio (1901-1975) is revered as a pioneer and
the foremost architect of his time. This success was perhaps
unexpected for a boy who was orphaned at 12 and who dropped
out of his first architecture degree. It was during his studies at the
University of London that Antonio began to shine, completing a
five-year programme in only three years. He went on to
revolutionise popular architecture in the Philippines, eschewing the
fashionable neo-classical style for his own version of art deco.

Far Eastern University faada by Pablo Antonio

Antonio was acutely aware of the demands made on architecture by

the unforgiving Filipino climate. Buildings such as the Galaxy
Theatre, the Far Eastern University and the Manila Polo Club display
practical innovations such as natural ventilation systems and
sunscreens, rendered in Antonios signature style: clean lines,
strong shapes and simplicity. As Antonios son Pablo Jr explains, for
our father, every line must have a meaning, a purpose. For him,
function comes first
UP Carillon by Juan Nakpil

The son of veterans of the Philippine Revolution, Juan Nakpil (18991986) was
committed to the belief that architecture built in the Philippines should reflect the
culture and people of the Philippines. In his early career, Nakpil spent time studying
in the United States and also in France, absorbing the lessons of international
architecture. When he returned to Manila in the mid-1920s, Nakpil applied his
newfound knowledge to Filipino structures; he worked on the restoration of the home
of national hero Jose Rizal and, like Locsin, took inspiration from traditional stilt
houses, remaking them in cantilevered concrete on a mammoth scale. His own
holiday home was designed along these lines, combining traditional nipa roofing made
out of natural materials with a poured concrete base.

Nakpil worked on dozens of buildings across the nation, from the Manila Jockey Club
and the Quiapo Church to the Mabini Shrine and government departments. Despite
his determination to make buildings specifically for Filipino citizens, some of his
designs were considered too radical by the public: Nakpils stainless steel pylon,
superimposed over a granite obelisk memorialising Jose Rizal, was unpopular and was
soon removed. But Nakpils failures were few, and he remained one of the Philippines
most popular and revered architects until his death, named as a National Artist for
Architecture in 1973.

Coconut Palace Court by Francisco Maosa

Francisco Bobby Maosa has been challenging architectural convention in his

native country for five decades. He displayed an artistic temperament from an
early age and remained a keen painter throughout his life; but, along with his
three brothers, Maosa eventually chose to pursue architecture, and before
long became the outspoken champion of indigenous architecture, popularising
the idea of Philippine architecture for Filipinos.

Maosas distinctive style, known as Contemporary Tropical Filipino

Architecture, is a heady mixture of seemingly incongruous elements; coconut
lumber, rattan, shell, thatch and even indigenous textiles are juxtaposed with
hypermodern materials: metal, glass, concrete. The Coconut Palace at the
Cultural Center of the Philippines complex typifies Manosas style, its coconut gourd roof, coconut shell chandelier and
pineapple fibre bedcovers infused with technological innovation for the modern era.

In 2009 Maosa was designated a National Artist in Architecture, like Leandro Locsin, IP Santos, Pablo Antonio and Juan
Nakpil before him.

Iglesia ni Cristo Central Temple, Commonwealth Ave.

by Carlos A. Santos-Viola

An urbane young man who enjoyed lawn tennis and playing the saxophone, Carlos Santos-Viola was also a gifted architect
from the early days of his career. He was a devout Catholic throughout his life, and many of his best known designs were
executed for the Iglesia Ni Cristo, a Filipino religious group. Santos-Viola created churches for the group all over the
archipelago, designed in a style quite distinct from
that of his contemporaries. Instead of the
monumentalism of Leandro Locsin or the art deco
simplicity of Pablo Antonio, Santos-Viola chose to
incorporate Gothic and Baroque elements into his
modern churches.

The Central Temple he built for the Iglesia Ni Cristo

shows these revivalist flourishes working in harmony
with Santos-Violas equal passion for geometric
shapes and, perhaps more than anything else,
functionality. The primacy of functionality informed
almost all of Santos-Violas work, and he was fond of
asserting that, the structure must not only look good
but must also be made well.
Modern Architects and Their Works

The role architecture plays in our everyday lives is astronomical. From the cool houses we marvel at on Freshomes pages
to historical & iconic buildings that we recognize instantly, architecture surrounds us daily. The architects behind these
buildings and homes are what we love and the following 10 architects have paved the way for ingenious design, cutting
edge innovation and have become pioneers of our built environment. Take a look at what we think are 10 of the greatest
modern architects of our time.

1.) Frank Gehry (born 2.28.1929):

There is no mistaking Gehrys works, as they are the most distinctive, and innovative architectural phenomena around. His
deconstructive forms are iconic as tourists flock to all of his buildings worldwide to marvel at the architectural forms he
creates. Named by Vanity Fair as the most important architect of our age, he has set the precedence for contemporary
architecture. His ability to create spaces that manipulate forms and surfaces is his most notable feats and we all love his
unique uses of materials that almost defy all logic in how they work together.

His most notable projects include:

The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao,
Der Neue Zollhof in Dsseldorf and the
Marqus de Riscal Vineyard Hotel in Elciego.

2.) Frank Lloyd Wright (born 6.8.1867):

Some consider Frank Lloyd Wright to be the

greatest architect of all time. For he thought of
interior & exterior spaces as one and was ahead of
his time in building forms, construction methods,
and never went to a formal architecture school. His
humble American upbringing led him to learning
under Louis Sullivan another legend in
architecture and to this day Wright is noted for his
prairie-style buildings and organic influences. His
organic and natural forms that seemed to become
one with nature and his innovative detailing are still
considered to be the best building and design
concepts, even after nearly 150 years.

His most notable projects include:

The Guggenheim Museum in New York City, New
York
Fallingwater Residence in Mill Run, Pennsylvania
Arizona State University Gammage Auditorium &
Taliesin West Wrights home and studio in
Scottsdale, Arizona.

3.) Ieoh Ming Pei I.M. Pei (born 4.26.1917):

The Chinese born architect came to study

architecture in the United States as a teenager and
later became one of the greatest architects of
modern architecture. Almost 80 years later I.M.
Peis work can be seen worldwide and are noted for
their unique use of geometric forms and
incorporating Chinese influences into his work. His National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado embodies Peis
iconic geometric forms and unity with natural elements in their surroundings. Peis work graces some of the most
prestigious government and acclaimed sites throughout the
world.

His most profound projects include:

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston
The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
Le Grand Louvre (The Pyramid) in Paris
The Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.

4.) Zaha Hadid (born 10.31.1950)

The first woman architect who ever won the Pritzker Architecture prize went to the legendary Zaha Hadid. Born in Iraq
Hadid went on to win this iconic award which is often termed the Nobel peace prize of architecture. Hadids forms are
characterized as futuristic, unconventional, daring and artistic. Many of her projects were never built and she still was
ranked on Forbes list at 69th most powerful women in 2008. Her beautiful buildings always leave us with our mouths
open, as if to say, How did she design that?

Her most noted projects are:

MAXXI the National Museum of the 21st Century Arts the Bridge Pavilion in Zaragoza, Bergisel Ski Jump in Innsbruck o
Phaeno Science Center
The Opera House in Guangzhou.
5.) Philip Johnson (born 7.8.1906)

Noted as the American architect who founded the Department of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art in
New York City, Johnsons architectural works are easily identifiable. His glass house in Connecticut is one of the most
familiar residences with its minimal interiors and expansive glass vistas were just one example of his use of the material.
His amazing use of glass, steel and later crystal became his world-renowned fame. The Crystal Cathedral in California
looks as though it should be in a childs fairytale book it is the epitome of forward-thinking architecture that characterized
Johnsons Minimalism and Pop-Art styles.

His most notable works are:

The Seagram Building in New York City, in collaboration with architect
Mies van der Rohe
Philip-Johnson-House in Berlin, Germany,
The Museum of Television of Radio & The Crystal Cathedral in California.

6.) Tom Wright (born 9.18.1957)

Is it possible to become one of the greatest modern architects of our time if you are only noted for one building? When the
building is the most recognizable hotel in Dubai, yes. British architect, Tom Wright is responsible for the Burj Al Arab in
Dubai. Acclaimed for its luxurious amenities as a hotel and also one of the most recognizable buildings in modern
architecture. Noted with the worlds tallest atrium, and equipped with its own helicopter landing pad and tallest tennis
court at the top, Tom Wright definitely deserves to join the list of great modern architects.

His Works are:

Burj Al Arab, the Highest Hotel in Dubai
Helipad, the Highest Tennis court
7.) Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (born 3.27.1886)

Referred to commonly as Mies, the German-American architect is termed one of the pioneers of modern architecture
along with Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius. Mies was known for his minimalist and less is more approach to architecture
and his forward thinking of using plate glass and structural steel to divide interior spaces is one of his most notable
characteristics in architecture. His innovative open floor plan concepts were first thought of by Van der Rohe and many of
his interior concepts & furniture styles are widely used in todays architecture and interiors.

His most notable projects include:

Barcelona Pavilion, in Barcelona, Spain
New National Gallery in Berlin, Germany
Seagram Building in New York City
Crown Hall in Chicago, Illinois.

8.) Renzo Piano (born 9.14.1937)

The Italian born architect was named one of Time magazines top 100 most influential people in 2008. Piano who is an
Italian Pritzker prize-winning architect has been instrumental in shaping modern architecture that stands on its own in
recognition. The Shard Europes tallest skyscraper in London has faced much controversy in its construction, but many
feel it has given London a way to join the 21stcentury. In his younger years he worked with the world-renowned architect
Louis Kahn and soon become known for his unique applications of materials and details.

Pianos most notable projects include:

The newly opened Shard in London, England,
NEMO Science Center in Amsterdam
The New York Times building in New York
Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan.
9.) Jean Nouvel (born 8.12.1945)

Nouvel is a French born architect who has won numerous prestigious awards and honors over the years for his projects,
including the Prtizker Prize in 2008. Nouvels most acclaimed fame came from winning the design competition for the Arab
World Institute in Paris that brought him international fame. Mechanical lenses in the south wall open & shut automatically
and are reminiscent of Arabic latticework. The devices control interior lighting automatically from exterior light levels.
Nouvels work is known worldwide and his use of innovative architectural concepts set him apart from many modern
architects today.

Nouvels projects of note include:

Arab World Institute in Paris,

Denstu Building in Tokyo
Ziaty Andel in Prague
Gasometer A in Vienna
Les Grandes Tables of Seguin Island in Paris.
10.) Moshe Safdie (born 7.14.1938)

Safdie is another product of Louis Kahns apprenticeship that led to his remarkable modern architecture career. Originally
from Haifa, Safdie is known for his 1967 International & Universal Exposition Expo 67, which was Canadas main
celebration during its centennial year, and was deemed a remarkable cultural achievement. Safdie has been awarded with
much recognition of which the Gold Medal, from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada is among the finest.

Safdie finest projects include:

The towering & glass filled National Gallery of Canada,

Habitat 67 in Montreal,
Khalsa Heritage Memorial in Punjab, India.