Architectural elements
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:''The following outline is an overview and topical guide to architecture:''
Architecture Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing buildings ...
– the process and the product of designing and constructing buildings. Architectural works with a certain indefinable combination of design quality and external circumstances may become cultural symbols and / or be considered works of art.


What ''type'' of thing is architecture?

Architecture can be described as all of the following: *
Academic discipline An academy (Attic Greek: Ἀκαδήμεια; Koine Greek Ἀκαδημία) is an institution of secondary education, secondary or tertiary education, tertiary higher education, higher learning (and generally also research or honorary membershi ...
– focused study in one academic field or profession. A discipline incorporates expertise, people, projects, communities, challenges, studies, inquiry, and research areas that are strongly associated with the given discipline. *
Building A building, or edifice, is an enclosed structure with a roof and walls standing more or less permanently in one place, such as a house or factory (although there's also portable buildings). Buildings come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and func ...
s – buildings and similar structures, the product of architecture, are referred to as architecture. * One of
the arts The arts are a very wide range of human practices of creative expression, storytelling and cultural participation. They encompass multiple diverse and plural modes of thinking, doing and being, in an extremely broad range of media. Both ...
– as an art form, architecture is an outlet of human expression, that is usually influenced by culture and which in turn helps to change culture. Architecture is a physical manifestation of the internal human creative impulse. **
Fine art In European academic traditions, fine art is developed primarily for aesthetics or creative expression, distinguishing it from decorative art or applied art, which also has to serve some practical function, such as pottery or most metalwor ...
– in Western European academic traditions, fine art is art developed primarily for aesthetics, distinguishing it from applied art that also has to serve some practical function. The word "fine" here does not so much denote the quality of the artwork in question, but the purity of the discipline according to traditional Western European canons. *
Science Science is a systematic endeavor that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. Science may be as old as the human species, and some of the earliest archeological evidence ...
– systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. A science is a branch of science, or a discipline of science. It's a way of pursuing knowledge, not only the knowledge itself. **
Applied science Applied science is the use of the scientific method and knowledge obtained via conclusions from the method to attain practical goals. It includes a broad range of disciplines such as engineering and medicine. Applied science is often contrasted ...
– branch of science that applies existing scientific knowledge to develop more practical applications, such as technology or inventions.


Definitions of architecture

Architecture is variously defined in conflicting ways, highlighting the difficulty of describing the scope of the subject precisely: * A general term to describe buildings and other physical structures – although not all buildings are generally considered to be architecture, and infrastructure (bridges, roads etc.) is civil engineering, not architecture. * The art and science, or the action and process, of designing and constructing buildings. * The design activity of the architect, the profession of designing buildings. * A building designed by an architect, the end product of architectural design. * A building whose design transcends mere function, a unifying or coherent form or structure. * The expression of thought in building. * A group or body of buildings in a particular style. * A particular style or way of designing buildings. Some key quotations on the subject of architecture: *
Vitruvius Vitruvius (; c. 80–70 BC – after c. 15 BC) was a Roman architect and engineer during the 1st century BC, known for his multi-volume work entitled '' De architectura''. He originated the idea that all buildings should have three attribut ...
: defined the essential qualities of architecture as "firmness, commodity and delight". *
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (28 August 1749 – 22 March 1832) was a German poet, playwright, novelist, scientist, statesman, theatre director, and critic. His works include plays, poetry, literature, and aesthetic criticism, as well as t ...
: "I call architecture frozen music". * Walter Gropius: "Architecture begins where engineering ends". *
Le Corbusier Charles-Édouard Jeanneret (6 October 188727 August 1965), known as Le Corbusier ( , , ), was a Swiss-French architect, designer, painter, urban planner, writer, and one of the pioneers of what is now regarded as modern architecture. He was ...
: "A house is a machine for living in". * Louis Sullivan: "... form ever follows function. This is the law", usually quoted as the architectural mantra "
form follows function Form follows function is a principle of design associated with late 19th and early 20th century architecture and industrial design in general, which states that the shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended function ...
". * Mies van der Rohe: "Less is more". * Robert Venturi: "Less is a bore".


Roles in architecture

Professionals involved in planning, designing, and constructing buildings include: *
Architect An architect is a person who plans, designs and oversees the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the design of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings that h ...
– a person trained in the planning, design and supervision of building construction. ** Architectural intern – a person gaining practical experience while studying to qualify as an architect. ** Council architect – an architect employed by a local authority. **
Landscape architect A landscape architect is a person who is educated in the field of landscape architecture. The practice of landscape architecture includes: site analysis, site inventory, site planning, land planning, planting design, grading, storm water manage ...
– a person who develops land for human use and enjoyment through effective placement of structures, vehicular and pedestrian ways, and plantings. ** Project architect – a person who is responsible for overseeing the architectural aspects of the development of the design, production of the construction documents and specifications. ** State architect – a person who is generally responsible for the design and/or construction of public buildings in the state. * Architectural designer – generally, a designer involved in architecture but not qualified as an architect. * Architectural engineer * Architectural technologist or building technologist – a professional trained in architectural technology, building design and construction, and who provides building design services. * Building control officer or Approved Inspector * Building inspector *
Clerk of works A clerk of works or clerk of the works (CoW) is employed by an architect or a client on a construction site. The role is primarily to represent the interests of the client in regard to ensuring that the quality of both materials and workmanship are ...
* Drafter or draughtsman – a person trained in drawing up architectural drawings. * Site manager *
Building surveyor Construction surveying or building surveying (otherwise known as "staking", "stake-out", "lay-out", "setting-out" or "BS") is to stake out reference points and markers that will guide the construction of new structures such as roads or buildings. T ...


People engaged in architecture

*
Architects An architect is a person who plans, designs and oversees the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the design of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings that h ...
*
Architecture firms Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing building ...
* Architectural historians *
Architecture critics Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing building ...


Architectural styles

Architectural style An architectural style is a set of characteristics and features that make a building or other structure notable or historically identifiable. It is a sub-class of style in the visual arts generally, and most styles in architecture relate closely ...
– a specific way of building, characterized by the features that make it notable. A style may include such elements as form, method of construction, materials, and regional character. Influential contemporary and relatively recent styles include : *
Modern architecture Modern architecture, or modernist architecture, was an architectural movement or architectural style based upon new and innovative technologies of construction, particularly the use of glass, steel, and reinforced concrete; the idea that for ...
– generally characterized by simplification of form and the absence of applied ornament. * Postmodern architecture – has been described as the return of "wit, ornament and reference" to architecture in response to the formalism of the International Style of modernism. *
Deconstructivism Deconstructivism is a movement of postmodern architecture which appeared in the 1980s. It gives the impression of the fragmentation of the constructed building, commonly characterised by an absence of obvious harmony, continuity, or symmetry. ...
– based on the more general theory of
deconstruction The term deconstruction refers to approaches to understanding the relationship between text and meaning. It was introduced by the philosopher Jacques Derrida, who defined it as a turn away from Platonism's ideas of "true" forms and essen ...
, a design style characterized by fragmentation, distortion and dislocation of structure and
envelope An envelope is a common packaging item, usually made of thin, flat material. It is designed to contain a flat object, such as a letter or card. Traditional envelopes are made from sheets of paper cut to one of three shapes: a rhombus, a ...
. * International style or international modern– the pervasive and often anonymous style of city developments worldwide. *
Brutalism Brutalist architecture is an architectural style that emerged during the 1950s in the United Kingdom, among the reconstruction projects of the post-war era. Brutalist buildings are characterised by minimalist constructions that showcase the b ...
– the notorious use of raw concrete and massive uncompromising forms.


Specialist subclassifications of architecture

Terms used to describe different architectural concerns, origins and objectives. *
Architecture parlante ''Architecture parlante'' (French: ) is architecture that explains its own function or identity. The phrase was originally associated with Claude Nicolas Ledoux, and was extended to other Paris-trained architects of the Revolutionary period, ...
("speaking architecture") – buildings or architectural elements that explain their own function or identity by means of an inscription or literal representation. *
Religious architecture Sacral architecture (also known as sacred architecture or religious architecture) is a religious architectural practice concerned with the design and construction of places of worship or sacred or intentional space, such as churches, mosques, ...
– the design and construction of places of worship. *
Responsive architecture Responsive architecture is an evolving field of architectural practice and research. Responsive architectures are those that measure actual environmental conditions (via sensors) to enable buildings to adapt their form, shape, color or character re ...
– designing buildings that measure their environmental conditions (via sensors) to adapt their form, shape, color or character responsively (via
actuator An actuator is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system, for example by opening a valve. In simple terms, it is a "mover". An actuator requires a control device (controlled by control signal) a ...
s). *
Sustainable architecture Sustainable architecture is architecture that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings through improved efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, development space and the ecosystem at large. Sustainable ...
– environmentally conscious design techniques in the field of architecture. * Vernacular architecture – traditional local building styles, typically not designed by professional architects although vernacular elements are adopted by many architects.


Architectural theory

*
Architectural design values Architectural design values make up an important part of what influences architects and designers when they make their design decisions. However, architects and designers are not always influenced by the same values and intentions. Value and intent ...
– the various values that influence architects and designers in making design decisions. *
Mathematics and architecture Mathematics and architecture are related, since, as with other arts, architects use mathematics for several reasons. Apart from the mathematics needed when engineering buildings, architects use geometry: to define the spatial form of a build ...
– have always been close, because architecture relies upon mathematical precision, and because both fields share a search for order and beauty. * Pattern language – a term coined by architect Christopher Alexander, a structured method of describing good design practices within a field of expertise. * Proportion – the relationship between elements and the whole. *
Space syntax The term space syntax encompasses a set of theories and techniques for the analysis of spatial configurations. It was conceived by Bill Hillier, Julienne Hanson, and colleagues at The Bartlett, University College London in the late 1970s to ea ...
– a set of theories and techniques for the analysis of spatial configurations. * Architecture criticism – published or broadcast critique, assessing the architect's success in meeting his own aims and objectives and those of others.


Architectural terms

*
Glossary of architecture This page is a glossary of architecture. A B C The Caryatid Porch of the Erech ...


Regional architecture


Architecture of Africa

Architecture of Africa * Architecture of Algeria * Architecture of Angola * Ancient Egyptian architecture * Architecture of Cape Verde * Architecture of Ethiopia * Architecture of Madagascar *
Architecture of Mali The architecture of Mali is a distinct subset of Sudano-Sahelian architecture indigenous to West Africa. It comprises adobe buildings such as the Great Mosque of Djenné or the University of Timbuktu. It can be found all over the Sahel region of Af ...
*
Architecture of Morocco Moroccan architecture refers to the architecture characteristic of Morocco throughout its history and up to modern times. The country's diverse geography and long history, marked by successive waves of settlers through both migration and military ...
** Architecture of Casablanca ** Architecture of Fez ** Architecture of Marrakesh * Architecture of Nigeria ** Architecture of Lagos *
Architecture of Somalia Somali architecture is the engineering and designing of multiple different construction types such as stone cities, castles, citadels, fortresses, mosques, temples, aqueducts, lighthouses, towers and tombs during the ancient, medieval and early ...
* Architecture of South Africa ** Architecture of Johannesburg **
Cape Dutch architecture Cape Dutch architecture is an architectural style found mostly in the Western Cape of South Africa, but modern examples of the style have also been exported as far afield as Western Australia and New Zealand, typically on wine estates. The sty ...
* Architecture of Zimbabwe


Architecture of Asia

Architecture of Asia * Architecture of Afghanistan * Armenian architecture *
Architecture of Azerbaijan Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing buildings o ...
** Architecture of Baku * Architecture of Bahrain * Architecture of Bangladesh *
Architecture of Bhutan Bhutanese architecture consists of Dzong and everyday varieties. Dzongs in Bhutan were built as fortresses and have served as religious and administrative centers since the 17th century. Secular lordly houses emerged as a distinct style in the lat ...
** Dzong architecture * Architecture of Cambodia *
Architecture of China Chinese architecture (Chinese:中國建築) is the embodiment of an architectural style that has developed over millennia in China and it has influenced architecture throughout Eastern Asia. Since its emergence during the early ancient era, the ...
**
Architecture of Hong Kong The architecture of Hong Kong features great emphasis on contemporary architecture, especially Modernism, Postmodernism, Functionalism, etc. Due to the lack of available land, few historical buildings remain in the urban areas of Hong Kong. Th ...
* Architecture of Cyprus * Architecture of Georgia (country) *
Architecture of India Indian architecture is rooted in its history, culture and religion. Among a number of architectural styles and traditions, the best-known include the many varieties of Hindu temple architecture, Indo-Islamic architecture, especially Mughal ...
**
Architecture of Bengal The architecture of Bengal, which comprises the modern country of Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura and Assam's Barak Valley, has a long and rich history, blending indigenous elements from the Indian subcontinent, with in ...
** Architecture of Gujarat **
Architecture of Karnataka The antiquity of architecture of Karnataka () can be traced to its southern Neolithic and early Iron Age, Having witnessed the architectural ideological and utilitarian transformation from shelter- ritual- religion. Here the nomenclature 'Archite ...
**
Architecture of Kerala Kerala architecture is a style of architecture found mostly in the Indian States of India, state of Kerala and in parts of Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka. Kerala's style of architecture is a unique Hindu temple architecture that emerged in the ...
** Architecture of Maharashtra **
Architecture of Rajasthan The architecture of the Indian state of Rajasthan has usually been a regional variant of the style of Indian architecture prevailing in north India at the time. Rajasthan is especially notable for the forts and palaces of the many Rajput ruler ...
**
Architecture of Tamil Nadu Nearly 33,000 ancient temples, many at least 800 to 2000 years old, are found scattered all over Tamil Nadu. As per Tamil Nadu Hindu Endowments Board, there are 38,615 temples. Most of the largest Hindu Temples reside here. Studded with compl ...
** Architecture of Uttar Pradesh ** Architecture of Telangana *
Architecture of Indonesia The architecture of Indonesia reflects the diversity of cultural, historical and geographic influences that have shaped Indonesia as a whole. Invaders, colonizers, missionaries, merchants and traders brought cultural changes that had a profo ...
** Architecture of Sumatra **
Balinese architecture Balinese architecture is a vernacular architecture tradition of Balinese people that inhabits volcanic island of Bali, Indonesia. The Balinese architecture is a centuries-old architectural tradition influenced by Balinese culture developed from Hi ...
*
Architecture of Iran Iranian architecture or Persian architecture (Persian: معمارى ایرانی, ''Memāri e Irāni'') is the architecture of Iran and parts of the rest of West Asia, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Its history dates back to at least 5,000 ...
** Architecture of Tehran * Architecture of Israel * Architecture of Japan ** Architecture of Tokyo ** Okinawan architecture * Architecture of Jordan * Architecture of Korea ** Architecture of North Korea **
Architecture of South Korea South Korean architecture refers to any architecture in South Korea, which includes architecture from Jeulmun pottery period, Neolithic–7th century (B.C.E.), Three Kingdoms of Korea, three-kingdoms of Korea, Goryeo, Joseon Dynasty, Joseon, Jap ...
* Architecture of Kuwait * Architecture of Lebanon * Architecture of Macau * Architecture of Malaysia ** Architecture of Kuala Lumpur ** Architecture of Penang * Architecture of Mongolia * Myanmar architecture, Architecture of Myanmar * Architecture of Nepal ** Architecture of Kathmandu * Pakistani architecture, Architecture of Pakistan * Architecture of the Philippines * Russian architecture, Architecture of Russia * Architecture of Saudi Arabia * Architecture of Singapore * Architecture of Sri Lanka * Architecture of Taiwan * Architecture of Thailand * Architecture of Tibet * Architecture of Turkey * Architecture of the United Arab Emirates * Architecture of Uzbekistan * Architecture of Vietnam * Architecture of Yemen


Architecture of Europe

Architecture of Europe * Architecture of Albania * Architecture of Austria *
Architecture of Azerbaijan Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing buildings o ...
* Architecture of Belgium * Architecture of Bosnia and Herzegovina ** Architecture of Mostar * Architecture of Bulgaria * Architecture of Croatia * Architecture of the Czech Republic * Architecture of Denmark ** Architecture of Aarhus ** Architecture in Copenhagen * Architecture of Estonia * Architecture of Finland * French architecture, Architecture of France **Architecture of Normandy **Architecture of Paris ***Architecture of the Paris Métro ***Paris architecture of the Belle Époque **Architecture of Provence * Architecture of Georgia (country) * Architecture of Germany ** Architecture of Berlin ** Architecture of Munich * Modern Greek architecture, Architecture of Greece ** Modern architecture in Athens * Architecture of Hungary * Architecture of Iceland * Architecture of Ireland ** Architecture of Letterkenny ** Architecture of Limerick * Architecture of Italy ** Architecture of Rome ** Italian modern and contemporary architecture * Architecture of Lithuania * Architecture of Luxembourg * Architecture of Malta * Architecture of Moldova * Architecture of Monaco * Architecture of Montenegro * Architecture of the Netherlands * Architecture of North Macedonia * Architecture of Norway * Architecture of Poland ** Architecture of Warsaw * Architecture of Portugal * Romanian architecture, Architecture of Romania * Russian architecture, Architecture of Russia * Architecture of Serbia ** Architecture of Belgrade * Architecture of Slovenia * Spanish architecture, Architecture of Spain ** Architecture of Barcelona ** Architecture of Madrid * Architecture of Sweden ** Architecture of Stockholm * Architecture of Switzerland * Architecture of Turkey ** Architecture of Istanbul * Ukrainian architecture, Architecture of Ukraine * Architecture of the United Kingdom ** Architecture of England ***Architecture of Aylesbury ***Architecture of Birmingham ***Architecture of Leeds ***Architecture of Liverpool ***Architecture of London ****Architecture of the London Borough of Croydon ***Architecture of Manchester ***Buildings and architecture of Bath ** Architecture of Scotland ***Architecture of Aberdeen ***Architecture of Glasgow ** Architecture of Ireland ** Architecture of Wales ***Architecture of Cardiff * Architecture of Vatican City


Dependencies, autonomies, and other territories

* Architecture of Gibraltar * Architecture of Kosovo ** Architecture of Peć


Architecture of North America

* Architecture of Antigua and Barbuda * Architecture of the Bahamas * Architecture of Barbados * Architecture of Belize * Architecture of Canada ** Architecture of Montreal ** Architecture of Ottawa ** Architecture of Quebec City ** Architecture of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Architecture of St. John's ** Architecture of Toronto ** Architecture of Vancouver * Architecture of Costa Rica * Architecture of Cuba ** Architecture of Havana * Architecture of Dominica * Architecture of the Dominican Republic * Architecture of El Salvador * Architecture of Grenada * Architecture of Guatemala * Architecture of Haiti * Architecture of Honduras * Architecture of Jamaica * Architecture of Mexico ** Architecture of Guadalajara ** Architecture of Mexico City * Architecture of Nicaragua * Architecture of Panama ** Architecture of Panama City * Architecture of Puerto Rico * Architecture of Saint Kitts and Nevis * Architecture of Saint Lucia * Architecture of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines * Architecture of Trinidad and Tobago * Architecture of the United States ** Architecture of Albany, New York ** Buildings and architecture of Allentown, Pennsylvania ** Architecture of Atlanta ** Architecture of Buffalo, New York ** Architecture of Chicago ** Architecture of metropolitan Detroit ** Architecture of Fredericksburg, Texas ** Architecture of Houston ** Architecture of Jacksonville ** Architecture of Kansas City ** Architecture of Las Vegas ** Architecture of Los Angeles ** Architecture of Miami ** Buildings and architecture of New Orleans ** Architecture of New York City ** Architecture in Omaha, Nebraska ** Architecture of Philadelphia ** Architecture of Plymouth, Pennsylvania ** Architecture of Portland, Oregon ** Architecture of San Antonio ** Architecture of San Francisco ** Architecture of Seattle ** Architecture of St. Louis


Dependencies and other territories

* Architecture of Anguilla * Architecture of Aruba * Architecture of Bermuda * Architecture of the British Virgin Islands * Architecture of the Cayman Islands * Architecture of Greenland * Architecture of Guadeloupe * Architecture of Martinique * Architecture of Montserrat * Architecture of Navassa Island * Architecture of the Netherlands Antilles * Architecture of Saint Barthélemy * Architecture of Saint Pierre and Miquelon * Architecture of the Turks and Caicos Islands * Architecture of the United States Virgin Islands


Architecture of Oceania

Architecture of Oceania * Australia ** Architecture of Australia ***Architecture of Bathurst, New South Wales ***Architecture of Melbourne ***Architecture of Sydney * Melanesia ** Architecture of Fiji * Micronesia * Polynesia ** Architecture of New Zealand ** Architecture of Samoa


Architecture of South America

Architecture of South America * Architecture of Argentina * Architecture of Bolivia * Architecture of Brazil * Architecture of Chile * Architecture of Colombia * Architecture of Panama * Paraguayan architecture, Architecture of Paraguay * Architecture of Peru * Architecture of Trinidad and Tobago


Territories

* Architecture of Aruba * Architecture of the Falkland Islands


History of architecture

* Neolithic architecture – architecture of the last part of the Stone Age, and of the people of the Americas and the Pacific up until the time of European contact. * Ancient Egyptian architecture – architecture of ancient Egypt, which developed a vast array of diverse structures and great architectural monuments along the Nile, among the largest and most famous of which are the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Great Sphinx of Giza. * Achaemenid architecture – the architectural achievements of the Achaemenid Persians manifesting in construction of complex cities (Perspepolis, Susa, Ecbatana), temples made for worship and social gatherings (such as Zoroastrian temples), and mausoleums erected in honor of fallen kings (such as the burial tomb of Cyrus the Great). * Armenian architecture – an architectural style developed over the last 4,500 years of human habitation in the Armenian Highland (the eastern part of Asia Minor) and used principally by the Armenian people. * Coptic architecture – the architecture of the Copts, who form the majority of Christians in Egypt. * Dravidian architecture – a style of architecture thousands of years ago in the Southern part of the Indian subcontinent or South India, built by the Dravidian peoples. * Maya architecture – the structures of the Maya civilization, which was established circa 2000 BC and continued until its conquest by the Spanish (in the 16th and 17th centuries). Some of its notable constructions include ceremonial platforms, palaces, E-Groups, pyramids, temples, observatories, and ballcourts. * Sumerian architecture – the ancient architecture of the region of the Tigris–Euphrates river system (also known as Mesopotamia). * Ancient Greek architecture – the architecture of ancient Greece, where the classical orders were developed, establishing a precedent for the subsequent development of classical architecture. * Ancient Roman architecture – adopted the principles of ancient Greek architecture and developed both new decorative forms, and much more complex building forms, notably adopting the use of arches and vaults. * Buddhist architecture – developed by the worshipers of Buddha in South Asia in the 3rd century BCE, and associated with three types of structures: monasteries (viharas), stupas, and temples (Chaitya ). * Inca architecture – the pre-Columbian architecture of the Incas in South America, known particularly for its exceptionally precise masonry. * Sassanid architecture – the Persian architectural style that reached a peak in its development during the Sassanid era. * Mesoamerican architecture – the set of architectural traditions produced by pre-Columbian cultures and civilizations of Mesoamerica, best known in the form of public, ceremonial and urban monumental buildings and structures. * Byzantine architecture – the architecture of the Byzantine Empire. * Islamic architecture – encompasses a wide range of both secular and religious styles from the foundation of Islam to the present day, influencing the design and construction of buildings and structures in Islamic culture. * Newa architecture – style of architecture used by the Newari people in the Kathmandu valley in Nepal, ranging from stupas and chaitya monastery buildings to courtyard structures and distinctive houses. * Medieval architecture – a term used to represent various forms of architecture common in Medieval Europe. ** Romanesque architecture – an architectural style of Medieval Europe characterized by semi-circular arches. ** Gothic architecture – a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. * Iranian architecture – or Persian architecture is the historic architecture of Iran, Iran (Persia). * Hoysala architecture – building style developed under the rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries, in the region known today as Karnataka, a state of India. * Vijayanagara Architecture – primarily a temple style found in Vijayanagara principality in India. * Ottoman architecture – or Turkish architecture is the architecture of the Ottoman Empire which emerged in Bursa and Edirne in 14th and 15th centuries. * Renaissance architecture – the architecture of the period between the early 15th and early 17th centuries in different regions of Europe, demonstrating a conscious revival and development of certain elements of ancient Greek and Roman thought and material culture. ** Classical architecture – architecture derived in part from the Greek and Roman architecture of classical antiquity, enriched by classicizing architectural practice in Europe since the Renaissance. ** Palladian architecture – a European architectural style derived from and inspired by the designs of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio (1508–1580). * Baroque architecture – the building style of the Baroque era, begun in late sixteenth century Italy, that took the Roman vocabulary of Renaissance architecture and used it in a new rhetorical and theatrical fashion, often to express the triumph of the Catholic Church and the absolutist state. * Neoclassical architecture – an architectural style produced by the neoclassical movement which began in the mid-18th century, manifested both in its details as a reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament, and in its architectural formulas as an outgrowth of some classicizing features of Late Baroque. * Victorian architecture – includes several architectural styles employed predominantly during the middle and late 19th century. * Renaissance Revival architecture – nineteenth century revival style inspired by buildings of the Renaissance. * Gothic Revival architecture – also called "Victorian Gothic" and "Neo-Gothic", an architectural movement that began in the late 1840s in England. Its popularity grew rapidly in the early 19th century, when increasingly serious and learned admirers of neo-Gothic styles sought to revive medieval forms, in contrast to the neoclassical styles prevalent at the time. *
Modern architecture Modern architecture, or modernist architecture, was an architectural movement or architectural style based upon new and innovative technologies of construction, particularly the use of glass, steel, and reinforced concrete; the idea that for ...
– generally characterized by simplification of form and absence of ornament. Although now historical, the ubiquitous International style (architecture), international style which predominates in cities worldwide remains a strong influence in contemporary architecture. * Postmodern architecture – began as an international style the first examples of which are generally cited as being from the 1950s, but did not become a movement until the late 1970s and continues to influence present-day architecture. * New Classical architecture – a movement for reapproaching traditional architecture language, that established since the 1980s. * Contemporary architecture – the architecture of the 21st century.


Buildings

Although not all buildings are architecture, the term encompasses a huge range of building types, as summarised in the following list pages: * List of building types * List of buildings and structures * List of human habitation forms


Building construction

* Building design


Materials

* Materiality (architecture) * Building material * List of building materials


Structural elements

* Arch – a curved structure, often made up blocks or bricks, spanning across an opening and supporting the weight of structure above. Works by transferring vertical loads into Compression member, compression forces. There are many arch shapes including semicircular, segmental, parabolic, pointed (gothic), three-point and flat arches. * Beam (structure) – a straight structural member, typically wood or steel, capable of Span (architecture), spanning from one support to another and supporting the weight of structure above. Works by resisting bending forces. * Buttress – a short section of masonry built at right angles to a wall, to resist lateral forces. * Cantilever – a projecting structure without visible means of support at the projecting end. * Column or pillar – a relatively slender structural element, typically circular, square or polygonal in plan, that bears the weight of the structure above. * Dome – a roof structure, typically Sphere#Hemisphere, hemispherical, constructed in a similar way to an arch. The plan shape may be circular, elliptical or polygonal, and the cross section shape can vary in the same ways as an arch. * Doorway – opening in a wall, typically rectangular, providing means of access, usually with a gate or door to provide security and weather protection. * Facade – an exterior face of a building, especially the front. * Floor – typically a horizontal surface that is walked upon, to support the expected loads of the building. * Foundation (engineering), Foundation or footing – solid base usually below ground, upon which buildings and other structures are built. Works by spreading vertical loads over a sufficient area to ensure the structure will not subside. * Lintel – a structural member spanning across the top of an opening. Unlike a beam, a lintel spans a relatively short distance which can be spanned by single block of stone of sufficient depth. Concrete, timber and steel lintels are also used in different types of construction. * Pier (architecture) – loadbearing structure similar to a column, but more massive. * Truss – a structure spanning in the same way as a beam, but using materials more efficiently by using triangulation to create a rigid structure. Typically timber or steel, used to support a pitched roof. * Vault (architecture) – a curved masonry structure spanning in the same way as an arch, forming either a roof or support for a floor above. * Wall – a linear structure enclosing the exterior of an area or building, or subdividing an internal space. A wall may be Load-bearing wall, loadbearing or non-loadbearing. * Window – an opening in a wall, typically rectangular, providing light and ventilation. Usually but not always Architectural glass, glazed.


Architectural education

Professional requirements for architects – Students undertake specific vocational training in order to qualify as a professional architects. Training typically consists of one or more university degrees and a period of practical experience. In some countries, it is illegal to use the title ''architect'' without accredited qualifications. In the United Kingdom the Architects Registration Board exists solely to regulate membership of the profession. In the United States the National Architectural Accrediting Board regulates professional educational programs and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards is an umbrella organization to recommend model laws, regulations, exams, and to facilitate reciprocity in licensure between different jurisdictions. Architectural education can involve degree types that do not directly result in licensing, such as Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, or a research PhD in Architecture. Some of the qualifications specific to architectural licensing include: * Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) – undergraduate academic degree designed to satisfy the academic component of professional accreditation bodies, to be followed by a period of practical training prior to professional examination and registration. * Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) – professional degree in architecture, qualifying the graduate to move through the various stages of professional accreditation (internship, exams) that result in receiving a license. * Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch) – doctoral degree in the field of architecture, that can be completed after either a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree or, in some cases, another degree.


Architectural practice

* Architectural drawing or architect's drawing - a technical drawing of a building or building project. * Architectural design competition - a specialist competition inviting architects to submit design proposals for a project. * Architectural technology or building technology - is the application of technology to the design of buildings. It is a component of architecture and building engineering and is sometimes viewed as a distinct discipline or sub-category. * Blueprint - an obsolete paper-based method of reproducing technical drawings producing a distinctive appearance, white lines on a blue background. The word is still in use as a by-word for a design solution ("a blueprint for future developments"). * Brief (architecture) - a written statement of a client's requirements for a building project. * Building code or building control - a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety and environmental performance in building construction. *Computer-aided architectural design (CAAD) - software based production of technical drawings and 3-d models *Construction law - a branch of law that deals with matters relating to building construction. * Cost accounting or cost management - a vital activity in connection with building, generally performed by a specialist quantity surveyor. Construction projects are notoriously subject to cost overruns, caused by changing circumstances or by failure to fully allow for foreseeable costs during budgeting. * Project management - the process of managing all the activities involved in a construction project, including adherence to the design and local legislation, costs and payment, and verification of project completion.


Architecture prizes

Architecture prize – Architecture prizes are generally awarded for completed projects and are chosen from publicised or nominated works, not from submissions by the originating architect. The RIBA Royal Gold Medal has in fact been refused on a number of occasions. * Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) – an architectural prize established by Aga Khan IV in 1977, awarded for achievements in design and planning in Islamic societies. * AIA Gold Medal – awarded by the American Institute of Architects for a significant body of work 'of lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture', first awarded 1907. * European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture, also known as the Mies van der Rohe Award – awarded jointly by the European Union and the Fundacia Mies van der Rohe, Barcelona, 'to acknowledge and reward quality architectural production in Europe'. * Pritzker Architecture Prize – awarded annually to "a living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture". Founded in 1979 by Jay A. Pritzker and his wife Cindy, the award is often referred to as the Nobel Prize of architecture. * Royal Gold Medal, RIBA Royal Gold Medal – awarded annually since 1848 by the Royal Institute of British Architects for an individual's or group's substantial contribution to international architecture. It is given for a distinguished body of work rather than for one building. * Carbuncle Cup – unlike the mainstream awards which reward perceived merit, this is awarded annually by the UK magazine Building Design to 'the ugliest building in the United Kingdom completed in the last 12 months'. List of architecture prizes, more...


Related fields

* Architectural conservation – repair and restoration of buildings, especially historic structures. * Architectural technology – the application of technology to the design of buildings. * Construction – the process of creating physical structures. * Building construction – construction specific to buildings. * Civil engineering – the design, construction and maintenance of the physical environment e.g. bridges, canals, dams, drainage systems and roads etc. * Building services engineering – the design of heating, ventilation and cooling and other mechanical systems, electrical power and lighting. * Structural engineering – the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads. * Sustainable design – provides expertise in improving the environmental performance of buildings. * Interior design – the design of interior finishes and fittings. * Urban design and urban planning (urban, city, and town planning) – a technical and legal process concerned with controlling the design of structures and the use of land. * Virtual reality – technology used to simulate a virtual world


See also

* Architectural glossary * Index of architecture articles * Table of years in architecture * Timeline of architecture


References


External links


Architecture.com
published by Royal Institute of British Architects
Worldarchitecture.org
World Architecture Database
Archdaily.com
Recompilation of thousands of recent projects

list of links from the International Union of Architects, UIA
arch-library
{{DEFAULTSORT:Architecture Architecture lists, Building materials Technology-related lists, Architecture Wikipedia missing topics, Architecture Outlines of computing and engineering, Architecture Wikipedia outlines, Architecture