How do people have described this discipline?
Regarding a great information source like Wikipedia, we find architecture defined as both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art.
But as this definition states, this discipline is an art. And is there something more subjective than art? That is why architecture can be defined in a thousand ways, all of them correct.
For instance:: “l’art de fer edificis amb un sentit […] utilitat i estètica…”, “the process of creating and building an idea”, “crear algo que perdure y se considere un arte”
I personally don’t think I have enough experience to develop a good definition of this art. However, I can’t wait to express how I see and feel this discipline; to my mind architecture is “la expresión artística más trascendental y exigente; la que, literal y estrictamente, diseña y rige el mundo, teniendo un gran impacto en nuestra sensibilidad y ritmo de vida.”
“the most transcendent and demanding artistic expression; the one that, literally and strictly, designs and governs the world, having a great impact on our sensitivity and rhythm of life. «
Concepts regarding architecture
This practice is based on an infinity of terms, which shows the subjectivity, ambiguity and therefore the complexity of architecture. Architecture is supported by terms like culture, history, ephemeral, technology, identity, etc …
Great archtitect’s reflections
It’s breath taken how do the most recognized architects, who have contributed the most to the world, define their profession; their way of earning and living their life.
Here we’ve got some examples:
Vitruvius: ARCHITECTURE IS THE ART OF BUILDING
Mies Van Der Rohe: -DER TREUESTE WÄCHTER DES ZEITGEISTES, WEIL OBJEKTIV UND NICHT VON INDIVIDUALISMUS ODER PERSÖNLICHEN FANTASIEN IST-
(the most faithful guardian of the times, because it is objective and not affected by individualism or by personal fantasies)
Louis Khan: -ARCHITECTURE IS WHAT NATURE CANNOT MAKE. IT IS SOMETHING UNNATURAL BUT NOT SOMETHING MADE UP-
Le Corbusier: -L’ARCHITECTURE EST LE JEU SAGE, DROIT, AGNIFIQUE DES VOLUMES SOUS LA LUMIERE-
(architecture is the wise, right, magnificent game of volumes under the light)
Why is it so complicated to define architecture?
Because unlike other disciplines like art itself, architecture is not just a way of knowing. It’s technique, a way of doing that defines humanity. Humans are the only specie who through tecnique i sable to modify the nature.
But how or why did we start designing spaces?
Architecture was born as need that called for change, and it’s not a utopian event. Its strictly related to spaces and determinate relationships between things.