What is Architecture?

Through history, Architecture is often considered as just building or jut an ornament added to a building, but it is much more than that. There are e lot of famous and beautifully constructed architecture pieces that have a really small number or no ornaments and all. When architecture was first presented, it was something used as an aid for constructed sheltering, not as a decorative concept. As Thomas Graham Jackson said “Architecture does not consist on beautifying building but in building beautifully”. Vitruvius, the author of the book ‘De architectura’ says that Architecture requires mental training and deep knowledge about everything. A true architect needs talent but he also has to be ready to learn. Vitruvius says that the most important thing for an architect is to have discipline, meaning that he has to practice but needs to be guided by theory.

All of the successful changes that Architecture went through originated in suggestions of accessibility and utility. But the thing that was added to these suggestions was aesthetics. The aesthetic sense is not just practical but it is pleasant to look at.

In the building of Stonehenge, we have a simple construction raised by reason into Architecture. The early artists of Egypt drew hieroglyphics on the blank walls of the temples. This inspired architects later to beautify them and turn them into decorations for their work. This however didn’t affect the development of architecture.

Architecture was invented for structural necessities, not for decoration purposes. It turns the structural forms into beauty to please our senses. Architecture is not an inspirational business, it’s a rational procedure to do sensible and hopefully beautiful things. You can cast your eyes on buildings and feel the presence of the past and the spirit of the place.