Topic > Architectural Theory

The author states that "the purpose of architecture is to design buildings" is an unsatisfactory definition. Why does he say that? If so, what is the true purpose of architecture? Explain. “The purpose of architecture is to design buildings” is not only an unsatisfactory definition, it is also a euphemism. . “It is probably fair to say that questions of the definition and purpose of architecture have never been resolved. These are issues about which there is a lot of confusion and debate, which is strange considering that human activity is literally older than the pyramids” (Unwin, 2014). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Architecture has evolved over the centuries, starting as a refuge and protection from the surrounding environment, now it is sensitivity, communication, functionality and representation of ideas. It has more meaning and is more meaningful as it is part of everyday life. It serves different types of branches depending on the needs and desires of users. It is an intellectual work of art and is not limited to a solitary abstraction, but rather has a definite meaning and purpose. “You can't contradict this definition, but it doesn't help much either; in a certain sense it actually diminishes the conception of architecture, limiting it to the 'design of buildings'. Although it is not necessary to do so, we tend to think of buildings as objects (like a vase, or a lighter) and architecture involves more than just the design of objects” (Unwin, 2014). No doubt design is an important part of architecture, but there is much more that is interesting. Because design can be a thought, an idea, an experience or even just a sensation. So saying that architecture is "design of objects" is yet another vague definition and is also considered a misconception as it limits people's thinking. “Here, the architecture of a building, of a group of buildings, of a city, of a garden…. its conceptual organization, its intellectual structure, is considered. This is a definition of architecture applicable to all types of examples, from simple rustic buildings to formal urban environments” (Unwin, 2014). Asking an architect "what is architecture?" ' is probably the most difficult and at the same time the most basic question. Because the answer to this philosophical question not only requires different perspectives of people for a definitive answer, but also requires intellectual exploration. In the primordial past, as the author recalls, how man was introduced to architecture. It was completely based on human needs such as privacy, protection and so on. Over time it has acquired different meanings relevant to the variety of purposes. It's something that has been practiced over the years, each architect had a different point of view on what architecture meant to them. “The idea that place identification is the generative core of architecture can be explored and illustrated further. By doing this you can think of architecture, not as a language, but as one in some way” (Unwin, 2014). The author states that architecture can definitely be a form of language that expresses the ideas, skills and creativity of an architect or even the person using that space and design can be a combination of elements to form a vocabulary. The exchange of ideas between architects also occurs because they understand architecture as a language. “Perhaps most importantly, thinking about architecture as place identification accommodates the idea that architecture is participated in by more than the individual” (Unwin, 2014). The author compared architecture to different art forms such as music, painting and.