What Is Architecture Essay Example

The term "Architecture" is derived the word "architekton" from Greek, meaning "construction master." In the Neologisms Dictionary, the term Architecture is the "art and science of constructions, based on some rules and proportions which are determined by the destination and character of the building." However, there are many other definitions given by outstanding individuals and dictionaries. Concerning other things created by human beings, architecture remains the most complex process that is facilitated by the blending and knowledge of the elements of art, science, and technique. There is, however, the big debate on the extent to which science and art affect architecture (Ching & Eckler, 2013). This paper will, therefore, focus on the concept of architecture as being both an art and a science and the contribution of each discipline in the overall design and construction process.

Architecture is both science and art because it involves the integration of scientific methodology and artistic sensibility in the process of designing buildings and the environment in which those buildings stand. Public art is an instance of media planned and executed with the aim of being shown in the public realm. The public domain implies to parks, streets, and right-of-way, owned by the public, and wherein most cases is where most buildings are situated. The term architecture, therefore, meets this definition. All people as the public often interact with architecture in many ways. As a result of these interactions, people are affected at the emotional and practical level by the appearance of the buildings and by their interior environment. For example, the Saint Peter's cathedral in Rome gets thronged by multitudes because its artistic features resonate with them on an emotional level.

Even though architecture is, therefore, an Art, the scientific method is often used to develop and research concepts on different levels that are necessary to create a building (Hunter, 2015). These levels involve knowing the surrounding context from the infrastructural, historical, environmental, and stylistic perspective; and the same time calculating the program areas needed by users, such as structure, electrical, plumbing, interior products, fire protection, security and technological systems.

The orchestration between science and art includes discipline in both linear and lateral thought process. Linear thinking is systematic ideation that keeps people grounded and leads to specific desired results. Lateral thinking, on the other hand, uses analogies and connects ideas across a field to construct something imaginative as shown below.

However, like science, architecture has over time experienced significant transformations and completions, because of the current progress that the society is enduring, and the introduction of modern and powerful technologies, in addition to construction materials which are more reliable thus giving superior performances (McRae & White, 1998). At the same time, the construction field is experiencing the introduction of functional necessities which are different from those in the past generations. It is this unique sign of ancient architecture that was decorative in abundance and monumental while those of the modern era are volumetric simplicity and linear, which is a viable expression of rationalism and function.

The concept of architecture being science and art influences contractions of the building. First of all, construction directly impacts on the environment which is directly or indirectly affected by natural factors. Through the act of imagination, which is art, man influenced the manner in which buildings are planned, mainly through man's necessities, activities, and dimensions.

Even though people determine the sizes and the functionality of buildings in such a way that the building is attractive, there are some scientifically arrived standards that any buildings has to reach to bring the desired level of comfort that the users require in the space built. These conditions include the humidity and temperature in the closed area; the fresh air needs ample breathing, aesthetic factors, and reserved space to maintain hygiene inside the built space. However, buildings contrast without meeting the above standards; however, it will not give people enough comfort to live an ordinary or healthy life. In recent innovation, some countries have dabbled with buildings that combine both the natural habitat for ventilation and modern designs.

However, unlike of the above factors, all buildings must meet some technical standards, which helps to maintain the efficiency and the average durability of the construction. These main conditions are based on scientific knowledge and mandatory for the existence of a building. These conditions are necessary for the functioning of the project ("Preface," 2014).

Therefore, even though buildings are designed using human imagination and art, the construction of such building must be based on scientific knowledge and measures. These essential elements of structures are the technical regulations in installations, and include, unique cards, standard projects, internal rules and unique technical requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is therefore clear that architecture is both science and art. These two parts of architecture are essential for the proper construction of the house. However, these two elements must occur with the other to develop building design and to successfully implement such plan in the construction process. However, what is clear is that the contribution of arts in the field of architecture is mainly on issues concerning the beautiful nature of the building while the scientific input is those affecting the strength and safety of the structure.

References

Ching, F. D., & Eckler, J. (2013). Introduction to architecture.

Hunter, M. C. (2015). The architecture of Science and the Science of Architecture. Wicked Intelligence, 188-221. doi:10.7208/chicago/9780226017327.003.0007

McRae, L., & White, L. S. (1998). ArtMARC Sourcebook: Cataloging art, architecture, and their visual images. Chicago: American Library Association.

Preface. (2014). Art and Architecture of Ireland Volume IV: Architecture 1600-2000. doi:10.3318/978-1-908996-65-7.preface

N. W. (2012, October 22). Saint Peter's cathedral ceiling, Rome. [The ornate ceiling of Saint Peter's cathedral in Rome.l]. Retrieved March 02, 2018, from https://neelywang.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/rome_st-peters3.jpg

I. P. (2016, April 26). I.M. Pei's Inspiration: A Comparison of Masterful Architecture with Minimalist Art [JFK Building unique design according to IM Pei design theory]. Retrieved March 02, 2018, from https://www.archdaily.com/870059/im-peis-inspiration-a-comparison-of-masterful-architecture-with-minimalist-art

E. T. (2016, December 05). Singapore's Oasia Hotel is a Living, Breathing Tower [The worlds largest outdoor vertical garden. Infusing nature with modernity.]. Retrieved March 02, 2018, from https://www.habitusliving.com/architecture/oasia-hotel-downtown