As we already mentioned, the term “architecture” can mean many things to different people. Some use it as a career path while others view it as an artistic expression or even a way of life.

Regardless of what definition you choose to go with, there are some universal principles that anyone can apply when describing architecture. These include such qualities like creativity, understanding systems, and logic.

With this article, we will be going over five important traits to identify as being an architect. Let's get into it!

1.) Use Mathematics in Your Designs

This is one of the most fundamental concepts behind becoming an architect. If you are looking to become more creative with your designs, then learning how to use mathematics effectively is a must.

Mathematics plays a very crucial role in architectural theory. For example, if you want to know why certain lines look good, then studying geometry and algebraic equations is necessary.

Likewise, knowing about proportions and scaling is also important because both relate to math. When designing anything from buildings to gardens, you have to consider size and proportion.

Math comes in handy here since you need to measure sizes and determine whether something looks balanced or not.

2.) Understand Systems

As said before, using mathematics in design ideas is only half of being able to call yourself an architect. The other part is understanding how systems work.

Definition of architecture

What is architectural design? That’s a good question! Technically, it’s not spelling anything- it’s just designing buildings or landscapes (or giving instructions to do so!). But we usually refer to people who study architectural design as architects.

That’s because in ancient Greece, anyone with an interest in creating well designed structures was educated in the field that now bears their name. Only later did they start building things!

Architecture is also considered a ‘liberal art’ – like writing or painting, it requires creativity, expression and discipline. And you don’t need to be trained as an architect to appreciate great examples of it!

But if you are interested in studying this career then there are several different routes you can take. Some courses focus more on interior decoration or landscaping, while others teach you how to plan and construct buildings using computer software and/or conventional methods.

There are even bachelor degrees which combine both these areas. The most popular being Bachelor of Science in Architectural Technology and Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. Both of those award students with a degree in professional level skills for working in the industry.

Important architects

While not every individual who calls themselves an architect is truly trained in the field, there are some key players that have shaped the field we know today. Some built large-scale architectural projects such as skyscrapers or homes while others designed small scale structures such as window displays or interior decorations.

Some important designers include Albert Einstein, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Daniel Liechtenstein, Charles René Vésale, and Antoni Gaudí. All of these individuals had their own style that was unique and recognizable.

Not only do we see their work throughout our everyday lives but also they left a significant impact by changing how people design buildings. They influenced the way other professionals design buildings so it’s worth taking a look at their work.

Generalists like Leonardo Da Vinci were also influential since his artistic works show many different styles and concepts for painting, sculpture, and architecture. His work has lasting value because he experimented with new techniques and materials.

Famous buildings

Many people consider famous architecture to be building shapes, colors, or textures that stand out and make you admire them. These are usually referred to as signature features of an architectural style. For example, look at the Parthenon in Greece — its shape is considered a signature feature. It stands tall and solid with strong lines and proportioned columns and curves.

Other famous landmarks include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, which resembles a thin stick figure with its pointed top and round bottom. The Chrysler Building in New York has a very sleek design that looks like a boat floating among other skyscrapers.

But what if we took away all these characteristics? What if we removed everything but the space where it sits? This was part of the inspiration for the term “open plan”. A open plan office is one without walls or ceilings, only empty spaces separated by furniture. Open plans were popularized in the 1970s, when companies could afford to have large conference rooms with no barriers.

This theory applies to how architects design houses. If we take away the wall structure, then what do we get? An open concept room! That means there are no boundaries or closed off areas, just free flowing space. This makes sense because most homes now are designed this way.

However, not every house needs to be open-concept. Some individuals prefer having their own private retreat or area to work in.

The best buildings of the 20th century

A great deal can be said about what makes an excellent building, but there is one element that most agree is fundamental – it must tell a story.

A good building leaves you with questions or at least inspiration to ask questions about your place in the world. It may inspire you to make changes in your own life, whether that’s changing careers or just changing how you live yours.

It could even influence you to make significant lifestyle shifts outside of work, such as giving up meat or moving away if you cannot afford to live close to where you work.

These are all examples of what we call active engagement with the space. And there’s no denying that people spend a lot of time in their homes, so actively engaging with them is important.

But aside from being aesthetically pleasing, there is another reason why creating well-told stories is crucial to leaving a lasting impression of self-reflection and change on those who enter a room you are in.

As architects ourselves, we believe this concept should be applied more broadly than simply looking at houses alone.

Architecture is a discipline that applies itself beyond constructing dwellings; its practitioners design everything form skyscrapers to grocery stores to understand how spaces function and communicate.

This article will focus exclusively on exploring some of the greatest architecture of the past 100 years, focusing particularly on buildings that tell powerful stories.

The best buildings of the 21st century

A great deal has been said about what makes an “architecture” masterpiece, but very little discussed is how to be an architect. While some people may talk about concepts like proportion or unity, there are really only two things that matter when it comes to being called an architecture artist.

The first is having a passion for shapes and patterns, and the second is using your skills as a designer to apply this knowledge in creative ways.

It sounds simple, right? But understand that not everyone who calls themselves an architect actually does architectural work!

A large portion simply designs houses or other types of spaces, which can look beautiful, but they lack the integral part — designing a space that works effectively and efficiently for both humans and nature.

Architectural terms

Many people get confused about what some of the most important architectural terms mean. These include such concepts like building types, styles, and trends. Thankfully, we are going to go over all of these here!

So let’s dive in and see what each one means.

Design elements

What is architecture? According to Harvard’s Definition of Architecture, it is “the design, construction, and decoration of buildings and structures, including their functional properties and intended uses.”

But you don’t have to be designing skyscrapers or homes to include yourself in that definition. All types of designers can lay claim to being an architect, because they all work with architectural concepts and styles.

These concepts include such things like color schemes, proportions, and motifs. The style element comes from how architects use these components to create specific looks that make people feel comfortable.

It is not just about having those beautiful designs either — some master architects take inspiration from nature and apply that into their creations. Plants are a great example of this!

I will leave you with my own personal favorite type of architecture – something that cannot easily be defined, but which I admire constantly. It is when an artist puts his or her whole heart and soul into creating a piece. This takes longer than rushing to meet a deadline, but what comes out of them is always worth it.

This is probably one of the reasons why art museums seem to keep growing in popularity. People appreciate the effort put into each artwork.