Architecture Guide and Directory
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Throughout history, architecture styles have always been created as a direct result of natural, cultural, and technical characteristics. Natural characteristics encompass climate, altitude, and geography. Cultural characteristics include economy, government, and social ideals. Technical characteristics include the three basic structural forms of post and beam, truss, and arch. Historians and archeologists are able to identify the period in which a structure was built by taking all these characteristics into account.
Early architecture in Mesopotamia utilized an abundance of clay, which
allowed for easy carving of relief depictions. The
early Egyptian civilization made use of abundant stone to create
massive post and beam structures. The Greek empire used marble in
its architecture, creating exact detailing and making use of the post and
beam structure, and occasionally the truss. The feudalism and
fiefdom structures of the Middle Ages caused people to view architecture
as a means of protection. Castles or monasteries were often perched
on hilltops, and cities were surrounded by thick stone masonry walls.
The Renaissance Age brought with it architectural elements such as
pointed arches, flying buttresses, and beautiful stained glass. In the
modern era, Frank Lloyd Wright is the most well-known American architect.
During his career, he designed more than 500 completed structures, including
Fallingwater and the
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
As we move into the future, architecture's important considerations come in the form of conservation of resources and rehabilitation of existing structures. Innovative and energy-saving building design is needed as resources dwindle, and focus on restoring original architecture is becoming foremost in urban areas where space and resources are most limited. Architecture has always reflected the age and culture in which it was built, and our modern times are no different. The needs of our changing society demand a high level of skill and creativity from those challenged with answering the questions posed in our architectural world.
For more information about architecture professions, visit the American Institute of Architects website, and read these books about Architecture and Becoming an Architect.
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