Architecture

Architecture is the science and art of designing buildings and other structures. It can also be expanded to the designing of surrounding environments, towns and landscapes.

Someone who specializes in architecture is called an architect. Architecture has played a key part of our entire worlds history. For wherever there have been buildings or structures that were safe for inhabiting, there has been some sort of architecture.

Architecture combines functionality with aesthetics to create the buildings we live in, work in and play in. From the smallest 1 bedroom home to the grandest palace or biggest cathedral, every structure is based on some form of architecture.

Architectural designs change with time and space. Each era has its own style of architecture, from Baroque, Greco-Roman, Art Deco, Victorian to American Colonial, Prairie, and Bauhaus. Lines, materials, structure and symbolism all contribute to the different styles of architecture.

Architecture styles can be anywhere from subtle to garish and materials vary from lumber to limestone. Most early styles of architecture though utilize local materials that were bountiful.

In Greece for example, where limestone was plentiful, most structures were created from this natural material. And since marble was not only rare but for a few select islands, but very difficult to transport, it was used sparingly and usually only for ornamentation.

In Colonial America, Saltbox houses were created from timber since it was so readily available and most properties had abundance so it cost next to nothing. And to save more money, these Saltbox houses were also put together with joints because the cost of nails was an unnecessary expense.