In this blog I did some research on the principles and the fundamentals of architecture. I tried to understand the basics that any architect should know before start modeling and drawing.

What is Architecture?

Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing, and construction, usually of buildings and other physical structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art.

In relation to buildings, architecture has to do with the planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambiance that reflect functional, technical, social, environmental, and aesthetic considerations. It requires the creative manipulation and coordination of material, technology, light and shadow. Architecture also encompasses the pragmatic aspects of realizing buildings and structures, including scheduling, cost estimating and construction administration. As documentation produced by architects, typically drawings, plans and technical specifications, architecture defines the structure and behavior of a building or any other kind of system that is to be or has been constructed.

The earliest surviving written work on the subject of architecture is De Architectura, by the Roman architect Vitruvius in the early 1st century AD. According to Vitruvius, a good building should satisfy the three principles of firmitas, utilitas, venustas, which translate roughly as:

• Durability – it should stand up robustly and remain in good condition.
• Utility – it should be useful and function well for the people using it.
• Beauty – it should delight people and raise their spirits.

According to Vitruvius, the architect should strive to fulfill each of these three attributes as well as possible.

Architecture went through different stages much like any other art form. It went through innovation in terms of the forms shaped and in terms of the materials used as civilization continues. Different stages and forms of architecture could be:

1- Ancient Architecture like The Pyramids in Egypt and the Vernacular architecture in Norway.

2- Asian Architecture like the Golden Pavilion in Japan.

3- Islamic Architecture.

4- The Renaissance period.

5- Early modern and the industrial age like the Paris Opera by Charles Garnier in France.

6- Modern architecture lead by the Bauhaus school in Germany.

There are different types of architecture like futuristic architecture, blob architecture, organic architecture, and sustainable architecture.