As humanists, we value knowledge as something that should be sought out, organized, spread around, and experienced by everyone. This is why academic fields like art, literature, and philosophy exist; they are a tool to help you learn about who you are and the world around you.

Architecture is one such field — it’s a way to understand yourself and your relationship with nature and space. Learning how architects use their tools of expression, reasoning, and perception can teach you things about humanity.

It also helps you appreciate the work of architects from different time periods, cultures, and geographical areas. You get to explore new styles and concepts, and see how they fit in our current understanding of architecture.

This article will go into more detail about what makes up an architectural style, and some examples of classic styles. But first, let us talk about some key terms.

History of architecture

Many people associate architects with big towers or beautiful shapes, but that is only one part of what they do. Beyond creating structures that look cool, they also study how buildings work as functional spaces to live in, serve food or business within, or as signs to give messages to the surrounding area.

Architecture has its roots going back thousands of years, even pre-dating written history. The great pyramids of Egypt are an example of this - construction projects undertaken for religious purposes. Ancient Greek temples are another – why design something pretty if it’s just for aesthetics?

In Europe, cathedrals are an excellent example of architectural functionism. These massive structures were not necessarily beautiful, but their shape was perfect for giving spiritual strength to those who entered them.

Since then, there have been many different styles and types of architectures, some more practical than others.

Principles of architecture

A principle is like an underlying theory that helps explain how something works. For example, the principal reason why roofs are designed with sloped sides is to allow water to run off.

The same goes for windows and doors. They're shaped as they are because it has a purpose - letting in light and giving people access to the outside.

When you understand these basic principles, then you can start applying them to new buildings. You will know what styles are and who invented them!

There are five main principles at the heart of all great architectural designs. They go by different names depending on which school or tradition you follow, but they share one thing; they strive to make spaces and structures more functional.

That may sound boring, but let me give you some examples. When architects aim to make rooms feel spacious, they lay out furniture and decorations so that everything feels aligned towards a specific goal.

Likewise, when they design outdoor areas such as gardens or balconies, there are usually clearly defined features such as walkways or natural lighting. This looks good because it makes using the space easier and improves comfort – even if you don't use the feature itself!

These two concepts combine into something much bigger – what we call the Principle of Functionality. It says that every part of an architect’s work should be focused on making something useful and efficient.

This seems obvious, but too often we forget it.

Types of architecture

Like most things, there are many ways to approach architectural work. Some use very formalized methods that require years of training or experience, while others develop their skills through experimentation and practice.

There are three main types of architects you will come across- those who design buildings using theoretical concepts, people who create designs by drawing pictures of what they want, and then building it, practitioners, or builders, which means constructing the designed structure themselves!

All three have different strengths, but no one is better than the other depending on what you intend to achieve with your career.

Theory is always helpful when it comes to understanding how spaces relate to each other and why certain styles are popular. This includes things like interior room layouts, space organization, and basic principles of physics and psychology.

Drawing is usually the next step for designers after theory. Many learn how to draw from books first, before practicing by creating sketches and models.

Practitioners take this one step further by actually building structures according to diagrams and plans. They may also build upon earlier projects and studies.

A third type is sometimes called “Constructors” or “Builders.” These individuals specialize in designing practical structures such as homes or offices. They must be trained in construction logistics and materials though, as they would likely do some amount of both within their job.

Organization of an architecture firm

Now, let’s talk about how to organize your own architectural practice. First, you need to recognize that not all businesses have to be about making money. Some can achieve success by offering value to people, helping them solve their design problems, and leaving a positive legacy in the world.

You should aim to create value for clients through excellence in your field, personal connections, and educational resources. These are things that cost no money but make big differences to your business.

Second, understand that not everyone will agree with your decisions or use every tool in your set of tools. That is okay! Sometimes other ideas are more effective than yours – maybe they offer better results, help promote healthy discussion, or just seem better to them.

Third, remember that even if someone else is doing something, that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. Use what works for you, compare notes, and find ways to improve upon it (or do it yourself!).

Design process

The design of something like a house or a piece of furniture is an interactive process that involves many different people with various roles, skills, and responsibilities. These include architects, interior designers, planners, builders, engineers, sustainability professionals, etc.

Everyone’s role in the designing process is very specific, but what they all have in common is that they are creating the thing for the sake of making it better than the one before.

That may sound vague, but it’s not. When someone adds their input to the process, whether it’s asking questions about the current form, offering alternative forms, suggesting materials, proposing changes to the function or use of the space, you get a new version of the item being designed.

It’s hard to imagine anyone else doing this work for you, which is why most things we own were handmade by creative individuals.

Design considerations

While it is true that architects use shapes, colors, materials, and lines to create spaces for people to enjoy, be inspired by how they are organized too!

The way an architect arranges elements in space gives us clues about their fundamental beliefs and principles. These qualities can include:

Focused attention – An element or pattern of elements directs our focus towards it, making us consider it more closely

– Directs our focus towards it, making us consider it more closely Meaning – What does this element mean? Is there a message or assertion being made?

– What does this element mean? Is There A Message Or Assertion Being Made? Implication - What assumptions do you get from looking at this element? Are there consequences to what you see here?

- What assumptions do you get from looking at this element? Are There Consequences To What You See Here? Emphasis - This element puts extra emphasis onto other things nearby. Does it invite your eye to move closer to learn something important about space?

– This element puts extra emphasis onto other things nearby. Does It Invite Your Eye To Move Closer To Learn Something Important About Space? Contradiction – Looking at this element makes you think about another thing down the line (contrast).

– Looking at this element makes you think about another thing down the line (contrast). Unity – Elements that make up one whole feel like they could not exist outside of each other.

Design choices

A famous architect once said that good architecture is built upon three qualities: quality of material, quality of work and quality of design. All are important, but only the last one brings us back to why we build things in the first place – to make ourselves feel better about our lives or to inspire motivation for other activities.

The way his words were phrased made it sound like designers get credit for nothing beyond choosing pretty colors and shapes, which can be fun (and sometimes even helpful) ways to reduce stress. But actually looking at what an artist does with their craft, how they apply themselves to a medium and how well they use their tools comes down to who they are as people.

Architects spend hours thinking about and developing their style, which includes color schemes, types of materials, and general layouts and organizational styles. They may also explore different techniques and strategies for incorporating nature into their designs, something that many consider to be a key part of what makes a space “architectural”.

However, aside from maybe picking out some tiles or plants for a room, there is very little evidence that architects have ever invested much time in exploring and understanding the effects that external stimuli — such as light, music, landscapes, and so forth — have on them personally.

Construction processes

Like language, architecture is built around a set of rules or procedures that regulate how it’s done. These construction processes are usually referred to as “rules of thumb.” For example, when building with stone, people use a round ball-shaped object called a muller to smash away small pieces.

When using mortar, you mix the dry components in one container and then add the liquid component into this empty space. When setting these materials together, make sure there are no lumps left behind! This will create an ugly texture and risk breaking down the solidity of the material.

When laying a slab of concrete or brick onto another surface, make sure to press down firmly so that it adheres to the other material. An easy way to do this is to have someone else help push down while you check its look and feel. You can also use your own weight if necessary – just be careful not to bruise the material!

These examples show that architectural elements like stones, bricks, and slabs all follow similar rules for assembly. It is important to know what kind of mortar to use and how to apply it to ensure strong joints and layers. — Architectural historian Amanda Feild

This article will give you some tips on creating your own designs made only out of found objects. Hehe, I love being able to say I designed something completely my own.