What Is Architecture?

WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?
Technically, architecture is defined as the designing and planning of buildings and

structures. But what interests me more, and what the rest of the world should perceive, is its
deeper and more profound meaning.
From what I have read among various sentiments of architects, architecture is way more than its
technical sense. It is the harmonious combination of art and science – a union of two of the
most essential fields known by man. As it stimulates the transformation of chaos into order,
architecture designs and manipulates the lives of people in a comfortable way while creating a
sense of place to belong with. Architecture is the mindful and disciplined creation of spaces with
a given set of parameters which makes it collaborative in its own. With these given parameters,
the skill of creativity and practicality is exercised while being mindful of its principles. Hence,
architecture possesses the elements of being pleasing to the eye, withstanding the test of time,
and improving the quality of life.
Architecture had also been a depiction of culture across many diverse countries making
it timeless as it ages with grace. Through those times, architecture has been a proof of our
existence as human beings. That is why up to now, architecture is seen everywhere and
became everything.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING?
Architecture and engineering – fields dealing with artistic creativity and scientific
innovation respectively. Together with their own dealings, the two are often mismatched and
misunderstood. Although both fields are undeniably connected to each other, they have, of
course, their own expertise and responsibilities.
Architects are more likely to only focus on the designing of structures, mostly buildings.
On the other hand, engineers can design and also construct other types of structures such as
roads, bridges, machines etc. Because of this, engineers are more versatile with it having
several specializations.
Both architecture and engineering are also concerned with the designing and
construction of structures. However, the fields have separate responsibilities when it comes to
this. Architects deal with the planning of the building and designing it mindful of aesthetics and
functionality. Whereas, engineers verify and oversee the design of the architect whether the
plan is feasible or not and they are also the ones who will execute the construction with safety
and practicality.
Although the tasks of the two are somehow clashing, both fields keep what’s important for each
other through out the construction.
WHAT ARE THE THREE PRECEPTS OF ARCHITECTURE?
“Commoditie, firmeness, and delight”. Almost over 2000 years ago, the known Roman
Vitruvius had written a book entitle ‘Da Architectura’ that had started the reign of these three
precepts in the field of architecture and up to date, these precepts became a requirement – the
absence of one will not give the field justice.
Firmitas. This principle discusses the importance of durability. Just as how anyone
wanted it to be, every structure must not be built one day and crumble the next. This principle
must always be a priority, as well as the other two, as it can sustain not only a roof above our
heads but it can preserve personality and culture. The durability of a structure creates a sense
of safety to the client and to the community which makes it inseparable from architecture itself.
Utilitas. This principle talks about usefulness. Aside from durability, functionality must
also be kept of its importance for this gives us a sense of comfort and efficiency. Every part of a
structure must serve its purpose to the client. Aside from practicality, this principle gives the
client the ease to live and to also address their needs. The very soul of architecture is to aid
one’s life therefore function must very be put out of mind.
Venustas. This principle is about architecture’s spatial and aesthetic appeal. With
durability and functionality being executed, beauty completes the essence of any built structure.
The style and aesthetics of a structure can be a mean of conveying the client’s personality and
will and a depiction of their culture and belief as well. Furthermore, this principle of beauty
encompasses the elements such as the play of light and the shadows, proportions, weight,
texture, and others.
These three precepts must always be present and kept in mind in any architecture.
Through out the years, these has been a standard for every architect and must be executed
with wholeness. Combining the three with perfect harmony and allowing interaction among them
creates the advancement of the field one structure designed at a time.

What Is Architecture?

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WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?

Technically, architecture is defined as the designing and planning of buildings and

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