The Architecture Process

The Architecture Process

Architecture is the art and the process of designing, planning, and building structures or other structures using technology. Architectural works, at the basic material form of houses, can often be perceived as personal works of architecture and as visual representations of a society’s culture. However, architecture is used in a much wider variety of settings, from city planning and design to residential home building and designing for industrial production. The art and science of architecture have developed significantly during the last half of the twentieth century.

Urban planning and design are the processes through which architects create the built environment. The basis of urban design is the use of space planning, which includes the determination of space requirements, population, and provision for essential facilities. The basis of an architect’s planning is the knowledge of the physical and social properties of the built environment. With this knowledge, the architect is also able to define the functional solutions to the design problems. Architectural engineers are involved in the planning and designing of a structure.

Urban planning and design go hand in hand with the aesthetics of the built environment. This is especially true with the case of highly urbanized areas, where new developments need to stand out against the preexisting urban aesthetic. In most cases, the relationship between aesthetics and architecture is one of contrast, or a balance between the two. Urban designers use various techniques such as the blend and match, discontinuous flow, and the prioritization of different elements to achieve the desired aesthetic effect.

Landscape architecture is a discipline that addresses the designing of built environments within a landscape. A landscape architect usually works with a specific goal in mind, such as increasing property value, beautifying the built environment, protecting the environment, or providing a more functional outdoor space. Landscape architecture is different from urban design because the purpose of this type of architecture is not necessarily to create a beautiful and practical work of art.

The architectural process involves many other professional aspects, including research. An architect must analyze both the natural and human structures existing in the building site. The research conducted by an architect also involves the consideration of the functionality of the buildings. They must also consider issues such as energy efficiency, storm water management, and construction stability. A successful architect must be well versed in a wide variety of approaches, as they come in different forms such as structural, interior, environmental, or landscape architecture.

Architectural structures are made up of many different types of materials and structures. The traditional materials used by architects include brick, stone, concrete, glass, tile, wood, metal, ceramic, wood, slate, concrete, granite, marble, and concrete block. Other materials that are becoming popular in the construction of modern day buildings include glass, cedar, bamboo, quartz, limestone, steel, gypsum, plaster, linoleum, plastics, fiberglass, and other man-made products. As you can see, the architectural design of any building depends on a variety of factors. The architect is responsible for coming up with a plan to design and build the structure.