Architecture

Architecture is normally used to define the buildings and other structures. The detailed definition includes all design activity from the urban design (macro level) to micro level. Architecture includes both the process and product of planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambience that reflect functional, social, technical and aesthetic considerations. Architecture includes the practical aspects of realizing building and structures, scheduling, estimation of cost, and construction administration. It is said to be the work of art and it is often perceived as cultural and political symbols.

Ancient architecture

In ancient civilizations like Egyptian’s and Mesopotamians, architecture and urbanism had reflected the constant engagement with divine and supernatural. Since ancient times, text on architecture has been written. The text on architecture evolves both general advises and canons.  Some of the examples of  canons found in the 1^st century BCE Roman military engineer Vitruvius, the Kao Gong ji of ancient china and Vaastu Shastra of ancient India and Manjusri Vashtu Vidya Satra of SriLanka.

Asian architecture

The architecture of different parts of Asia has developed along the different lines from that of Europe. The Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh architecture each will have different characteristic.  The regional diversity is showed in the Buddhist architecture.

Islamic architecture

During the 7^th century Common Era, Islamic architecture began.  It encompasses a blend of architectural forms from the ancient Middle East and Byzantium. It also has the growing features that to suits the religious and social needs of the society. Examples can be found throughout Middle East and Indian Subcontinent.

Early modern and industrial age

The widespread knowledge in the scientific fields and the increase of new materials and upcoming technology, the architecture and engineering has begun to split, and architecture had started to concentrate on aesthetics and humanist aspects.  The official architectural training in the 19^th century, for example Ecole des Beaux Arts in France, had given more stress in the production of beautiful drawings.  The industrial revolution had given the way to open the door for mass production and consumption.

Today’s Architecture

The difficulty of the buildings began to increase in structural systems, services, energy and technologies; Architecture started becoming more multi disciplinary. Today, architecture requires the team of specialist professionals. From the twentieth century to the new millennium, the architecture field had sawn the growth of specializations by project type, technological expertise, or project delivery methods.

Questions:

• Explain Ancient architecture?
• What is architecture?