Architecture comes from the latin architectura and the greek arkhitekton (‘architect’ and ‘builder’). In general, the meaning is linked to process and product of planning, designing and constructing buildings and physical structures. The word architecture can mean several things according to the context that is used. It can be:
- A general term to describe buildings
- The art and science of designing buildings
- Knowledge of art, science, technology and humanity
- The practice and design activity of the architect
Mainly, it has to do with planning and design form, space and ambience to reflect functional, technical, social, environmental and aesthetic considerations. One of the most important requirements is the creative manipulations and coordination of materials and technology.
Talking about the first written works on the subject of architecture, the earliest found is De architectura, by the Roman architect Vitruvius in the early 1st century AD. According to him, a good building should satisfy three principles:
- Firmitas: durability, a building should stand up robustly and remain in good condition
- Utilitas: utility, it should be suitable for the purposes for which it is used
- Venustas: beauty, it should be aesthetically pleasing
There is many famous architects that wrote about architecture, its meanings, functions and effects. Below, there are some famous quotes about it.
- ‘Architecture is bound to situation, and I feel like the site is a metaphysical link, a poetic link, to what a building can be.’ – Steven Holl
- ‘Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins.’ - Mies van der Rohe
- ‘Form follows function.’ - Louis Sullivan
- ‘Architecture is an expression of values.’ - Norman Foster
- ‘This is beautiful. That is Architecture.’ - Le Corbusier
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