The origins of architecture go back thousands of years, to when our ancestors constructed large buildings out of earth or stone. These proto-architects built their structures by passing their hands through space in order to understand how gravity works on shapes.

Architecture as we know it was formally defined in the fifth century BC by Aristotle. He categorized buildings into three major types: temple, house, and theater. His definitions have stood the test of time and are still used today!

Since then, architects have been redefining what “architectural” means. Some define architectural design as encompassing all styles and genres while others use the term more narrowly to mean any building with an emphasis on structure.

Regardless of the definition one uses, everyone agrees that great architects create spaces and environments that make people feel good about themselves and give them inspiration to build their own lives. This influence is very powerful and can last for hours, days, and even longer than the individual visiting the space.

There are many ways to be an architect, so there is no wrong way to pursue this career if you want to enjoy it. It is totally possible to remain anonymous and not be known professionally, but being well-known is another thing entirely.

The main goal in becoming an architect should always be to help other people produce beautiful things they desire and/or need.

The ancient world of architecture

Ancient architects were not just people who built buildings, but they designed them to tell a story or convey a message. They also made use of advanced mathematics to create structures that are efficient for what they were supposed to do.

Architecture has existed in all cultures across the globe. Some say this is because humans have always needed shelter and food to survive, so we design and build things that help us achieve those goals!

Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Mayans, Romans, Greeks, and Chinese used their knowledge of geometry, proportion, and balance to make impressive architectural designs.

These cultures applied their skills to construct everything from pyramid shapes to temples to palace complexes. Many of these structures still stand today, proving the beauty of their work.

The Roman Empire and architecture

During Rome’s golden age, they did something that would have a profound effect on later architectural styles – they built their buildings out of materials that were locally available.

Rome was an empire with lots of trade routes so it made sense to use local resources for building structures. They used marble, granite, limestone, brick, and concrete as material sources for everything from columns to floors to roofs.

These types of materials are still in popular usage today. For example, you can find lots of beautifully designed homes using marble or stone exteriors along with exposed beams and other classic architectural features.

The influence of this trend is clear when you look at some of our current favorite architects – Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Antoni Gaudí all incorporated these materials into their designs.

The Renaissance and the classical world of architecture

During this time, or what we now refer to as the Renaissance period, architectural styles originated in Italy. These new styles were heavily influenced by ancient Greece and Rome.

The most well-known style during this era is called Neoclassicism. This style was characterized by large majestic buildings with lots of white marble and neoclassing — interior design that features classicism such as columns and elaborate decorations.

Another famous style from this era is Italian Baroque which consisted of very ornate decoration and use of heavy special effects (like gilding). A lot of these designs are reminiscent of the pagan religions of Ancient Rome.

Yet another popular style during this era was Gothic, which consisted of spires and arches that get higher the longer you look at them. This creates an illusion of height, similar to how mountains work.

These three styles all have one thing in common, however; they are all known for their beautiful looking roofs.

The Baroque era

During this period, architects began to use proportion and symmetry as integral parts of their designs. Proportion refers to how much of an element in relation to another one. For example, if there is enough space for two windows next to each other, then one window would have to be smaller than the other one to make sense.

Symmetry referred to designing elements that are identical in shape and size; for instance, both sides of a door or wall could be the same length. This gave the room more balance and harmony.

The baroque style was characterized by dramatic use of color, complex decorations, and elaborate carving and sculpture. These features were often inspired by nature or designed to evoke a specific emotion.

Overall, buildings during this time became increasingly ornate and flashy. It was also a period when powerful rulers commissioned large-scale building projects, which influenced later styles.

The Industrial Revolution and modern architecture

Modernism, Neoclassicism, and other styles of architectural design emerged during this period. These designs focused on creating space through shapes and divisions in wall materials.

Modernist architects wanted to create an interior that was clean and simple, leaving little room for decorations. Some built glass walls or exposed steel structures, which also contribute to the spacious feeling.

This style is characterized by its use of straight lines and proportionally sized forms. Many buildings from this era still stand today, making it one of the most popular types of architecture.

The Chicago Art Institute is a famous example of early neoclassical architecture – look out for details such as the curved top line of the building and the way the columns taper off into nothing.

Artists and writers inspired many architects during this time, with some designing furniture and colors for rooms and others writing about how important beauty was. This helped fuel the popularity of the style.

Art and architecture in the 20th century

In the twentieth century, art and architectural styles flourished beyond what we consider normal today. Many believe that this is due to two main factors- technological advances and globalization. Technology allowed for more elaborate designs, and technology such as social media allow people around the world to connect which helps design concepts spread quickly.

Interior and exterior design both influenced the other. For example, skyscrapers inspired designers to create space within buildings by using glass or exposed steel. A building with lots of windows makes a great setting for an interior.

Architects also use shapes and patterns to add some style to their work. The classic circle, square, and triangle are very popular go-to forms that can be mixed and matched many different ways.

Art played a big part in inspiring new trends as well. Artists painted beautiful landscapes and still lifes, creating inspiration for builders.

Many artists used bold colors, strong lines, and experimented with materials to find new ways to express themselves. This influence can be seen in modern day designs.

Architecture today

Modern day architecture is quite different than what we see in classical styles. Gone are the days of building with materials that can be built into place, and having structures designed to emphasize solidity and vertical space. These concepts have been replaced by shapes that appeal to your eyes, proportionally strong forms that feel sturdy and substantial, and spaces that convey something about the owner or organization creating them.

Modern architects use computer-aided designs (CAD) to create their buildings, which then are modified and adapted through various shaping techniques using manual skills alone. Materials like concrete, steel, and glass are heavily used due to their ease of production and durability.

Architecture has become an artistic expression of its creator’s style. Even though some buildings look very similar from afar, each one contains unique features that set it apart. A popular theme among many modern architectural artists is asymmetrical design — where one part of a structure is completely off balance compared to the rest.

What is modern architecture?

Modernist architects wanted to completely break away from the past, leaving no trace of its legacy behind. They wanted to see how little influence the past had in shaping our contemporary architectural culture.

Modernism was characterized by clean lines, utilitarian functions, and materials that emphasize function over form. These features are easily recognizable because they still stick with us today. Some of the most famous buildings designed during this era include the Chrysler Building, The Empire State Building, and the Louvre among others.

However, not all designers practicing modernism were necessarily part of the formalists or style purists. Some embraced more expressive styles like futurism which look forward while also having strong characteristics of minimalism.

A defining feature of both school’s theories is their focus on functionality over beauty. This could be due to the nature of the architect themselves, but also the media they use to promote their work.

Many architects now have access to technology such as photoshop and video editing software so it isn’t too hard to see why some might shy away from extra decorations.