Definition
The word ARCHITECTURE derives from the Greek word “Architekton” (in Latin “architecton”) which means “construction master“.
According to the Neologisms Dictionary, ARCHITECTURE is “the science and art of constructing buildings, according to some proportions and rules determined by the character and destination of the buildings”, but there are many other definitions given by dictionaries, specialists or even by outstanding personalities of human kind, definitions with more or less technical expressions and sometimes even “poetical”.
Therefore, Novalis says that “architecture is solidified music“.
V. Hugo writes that “architecture is the Great Book of Human Kind“.
G. Călinescu defines architecture as “one of the purest arts, next to music and poetry“.
Actually, in relation to the other creation activities of humans, architecture is a more complex process that requires the knowledge and blending of the elements of science, technique and art.
One of the modern definitions of architecture, is that of “…synthesis discipline that succeeds to accomplish a consensus between function, structure and form within the constructed space, in which human life may develop in an organized manner“.
As a science, architecture has suffered over time substantial transformations and completions, because of the progress of society, of the appearance of some modern technologies and of some construction materials with superior performances, as well as because of the appearance of some functional necessities far different in relation to those of the constructions of the past centuries.
Therefore, if the distinctive sign of old architecture was monumentalism and decorative abundance, that of modern architecture is generally linear and volumetric simplicity, the expression of function and rationalism.
From here results the reluctance of certain people to consider contemporary architecture an artistic creation, although any construction, regardless of its destination and functionality is able to produce emotional reactions by plastic composition, by expression, by accomplishing a perfect symbiosis between aspect and functionality.
With all the transformations that intervened over time regarding the content of architecture as science, the fundamental characteristics, the “laws” and basic principles of architecture are kept and remain true.
Therefore the fundamental attributes of a construction that architecture must ensure are: utility, solidity and aesthetics.
These fundamental attributes, valid ever since antiquity evolved, though, along with society, with the material and spiritual demands of people, the extent to which they interfered in the conception and formation of buildings being strongly influenced by these demands.
The neglect of some attributes and exaggeration of others led to the coming up of passing architectural trends, among which: “constructiveness”, “aestheticism”, “functionalism”, etc., trends by which there were created constructions that do not satisfy human expectations from all points of view.
The changes in architecture, considered by some “the most conservative of human arts and sciences”, were, are and will be mainly quantitative and less qualitative and their premises have a main motivation – demographic growth and the general tendency of people to live in urban settlements and in conditions that are as comfortable as possible.
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