Introduction to Architecture | Era of New Architectural Styles

Introduction to Architecture | Architecture Style of the 21st Century

What is Architecture??

“Arch”- a form of construction and “tecture”- the surface of the structure.

Architecture is defined as designing the structures with respect to their interiors, exteriors and also the surroundings of the structure. It is considered as a form of art and science.

People who have the creative ability of imagination and then transforming it into concepts go for Architecture. If along with creative genius, a person is coupled with the technical aspects of construction, any kind of design made by such an Architect could be very well and easily be executed since the Architect himself would understand the technicalities involved in the execution of a specific design.

Parthenon, Athens
Parthenon, Athens

Architects give a certain feel to the space depending on what structure it is. Their understanding of architectural factors such as mass, texture, use of colours, use of appropriate materials, play of light and shadow in the interiors to create illusion etc.

Two major goals are to be accomplished in Architecture:

  • Functional aspect
  • Aesthetic aspect

That is, along with structure being functional, the structure also has to be aesthetically appealing which would make the people want to appreciate the structure.

If we study the history of Architecture, we will see that a lot of architectural styles flourished in different parts of the world and were then modified with the changing lifestyles of the people.

Some architectural styles were plan specific, some were elevation specific, some flourished because of the available materials in that particular era etc.

It is very crucial for Architecture students, Architects and all the designers to understand and feel the essence of real Architecture.

Architecture is not just designing buildings, it is an art of integrating the design of buildings with its surroundings which would include its environment and the Urban fabric.

The structure must stand out with its radiating beauty as well as give a feel of belongingness to that place. When I say, the structure must belong to that place, it means that it should merge with the surroundings. For example, if we design homes following the Persian Architectural style in a street which has pronounced Gothic Style structures, our designed building would not be in context with the place and would look out of place, though the structure has been designed elegantly, it would not give a feel of being a part of that place.

Architects design spaces in which we live, hence it is important for an Architect to study and understand the psychology of the people.

It is to be remembered that psychology, culture, traditions, surroundings, influence of the people around has an impact on our lifestyles. Architecture has the power to change and influence the lifestyles of the people.

Architecture has been used to denote power since ancient times in different ways. Sometimes, with the help of huge massing of structures and sometimes with ornamentation like in Baroque period.

Some of the important ancient architectural styles are as follows:

  1. Egyptian Architecture
  2. Renaissance Architecture
  3. Roman Architecture
  4. Gothic Architecture
  5. Baroque Architecture
  6. Romanesque Architecture
  7. Persian Architectural Style
  8. Indian Architecture
  9. Modern or Contemporary Architecture

Emerging concept of Sustainable Architecture

The new concept of Sustainable Architecture is seen to develop in many parts of the world. This concept has been brought up inorder to help sustain our environment.

Energy efficiency, Water efficiency, sustainable landscaping, material efficiency i.e. use of eco friendly building materials, improvement of the indoor air quality etc.

New concepts and ideas keep evolving with time as lifestyles change, environment changes, technology advances. This new architectural philosophy is on its way to becoming an Architectural style because it is the need of today….!

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