Urban Spaces
Architecture is an artistic expression, widely displayed in various forms. Most obviously, architecture is best seen in constructed cities and urban spaces. In fact, the terms ‘urban’ and ‘architecture’ are so intertwined, they are often used synonymously. Buildings, streets, parks, and other spaces designed by humans have a major impact on how we experience our cities.
Cities all over the world, standing on their own or close to each other, carry the imprint of their architect’s influence. From Paris’s iconic Eiffel Tower, to the ancient pyramids of Egypt, to the unique residences in Japan and the elegant Buddhist temples in Thailand—every city has its own specific atmosphere, character, and style.
Urban architecture, however, is not just about separate buildings; it also includes how they are laid out. Grid plans are probably the most familiar form of urban design, with blocks and streets laid out like a quilt. However, some cities also use radial plans, where all the roads lead in towards a central point. Other cities might focus more heavily on pedestrian paths, or favor a variety of architectural styles.
Historic Elements
Architecture also makes its mark on history. Many major cities are protected by UNESCO. These areas are typically central to their respective countries’ identities and feature amazing examples of architecture and other elements left behind by past civilizations. Peru’s Machu Picchu, the famed city of Petra and the Taj Mahal are just a few examples.
Historical architecture is more than just a tourist attraction. It is a source of pride and a living testament to cultural values and achievements held close to the heart of every country. Looking at monuments like the Acropolis in Athens, visitors can feel the atmosphere of different historical eras and marvel at how ancient people lived.
Museums and Exhibitions
Visitors to any major city will likely notice its wealth of museums, which often include permanent and temporary exhibitions showcasing amazing pieces of architecture. For example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City hosts exhibitions on ancient Greek and Roman architecture as well as Islamic, Chinese and Japanese works.
Likewise, the Centre Pompidou in Paris features both historical architecture as well as modern and contemporary pieces. And the Victoria and Albert Museum in London features a range of exhibitions on the history of architecture and the development of design.
These venues provide an important educational resource. They offer an opportunity to see and learn about ancient and modern architectural marvels, as well as gain an in-depth understanding of the different styles and techniques used by different cultures in different eras.
Monuments And Memorials
In many places, monuments and memorials play an important role in preserving a city’s past. They also embody a statement on how a city remembers and pays respect to its historical figures and events. Monuments, for example, often serve as a daily reminder of a city’s triumphs, struggles, and losses. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in London, the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis are just a few of the remarkable monuments across America.
Memorials, too, have a powerful impact in architecture. Memorials of wars, tragedies, and acts of heroism are placed in prominent locations to ensure they are seen and remembered by the public. The National Memorial in Washington D.C., the Hiroshima Memorial in Japan, and the Calgary National Historic Site are just a few examples.
Architecture in Media
Architecture can also be seen in books, film, and television. From falling skyscrapers in Hollywood blockbusters to the glitzy towers of Gotham City in superhero movies, architects often remain behind the scenes but their work is immortalized in popular culture.
The Harry Potter series, for example, is built on a fascinatingly detailed architectural backdrop. Thanks to the iconic sets, viewers can almost feel the cobblestone alleys, the looming castle towers, and the winding staircases – all ingenious creations of studio designers.
Similarly, literature is often full of incredible design and architecture. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth, for example, the fictitious kingdom is filled with stunningly detailed fortresses, palaces and towers.
Architecture in Artwork
Whether it’s in painting or digital artwork, there are many ways that architects visually create and portray buildings. Many architects create digital 3D models of buildings, often side-by-side with hand-drawn versions. These models help to tell the story of the building before it is physically built.
Architects have also been known to put their work in larger art projects. Famous American architect Frank Gehry, for example, designed the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, which has become an iconic landmark around the world. In addition to its design, the building also features elaborate pieces of art by renowned Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa.
Architecture as a Statement
Though architecture can be found almost everywhere, ultimately its purpose has to be to mean something—to make a statement. Consequently, building design is becoming increasingly complex, with spaces designed to inspire, challenge, and provoke thought.
The Bank of London, for example, features an incredibly intricate and challenging design. The building is an amalgamation of irregularly shaped surfaces built in an intriguing array of intersecting angles and curves with an asymmetrical façade. The building is an example of how a building can defy boundaries and challenge the status quo.
Architecture In Education
Architecture is also important in educational settings, from elementary classrooms to university auditoriums. In fact, the design of a learning space has a definite impact on how a person is able to learn.
Architects are often responsible for analyzing a classroom’s size and layout, in order to create spaces that optimize learning and safety. For example, elementary schools often feature bright colors, large windows, and a mixture of educational and recreational spaces, while universities typically focus on quality study areas, stimulating reading rooms, and social spaces.
Interactive Experiences
The architecture of theme parks is often designed to provide interactive and engaging experiences that bring out our inner child. From rollercoasters that weave through beautifully designed landscapes to castles filled with exciting visuals and sound effects, architecture plays a pivotal role in creating the fantastical worlds of theme parks.
On the other hand, some theme parks opt for a much more relaxed atmosphere, designed to allow visitors to sit back and relax while taking in the many sights and sounds. Of course, the architecture here is just as important in creating the perfect environment for a day of relaxation
Architectural Preservation
The study of architecture also includes the careful preservation and restoration of existing structures. Cultural heritage sites and historical buildings are often carefully monitored by cultural organizations, in order to ensure that their unique character is maintained for future generations.
In Venice, for example, authorities are constantly monitoring the rise and fall of the water levels to ensure that the stability of the city’s architectural masterpieces are preserved. Meanwhile on the West Coast of America, the Hearst Castle—a sprawling estate created by millionaire William Randolph Hearst—experts work tirelessly to maintain and restore the estate’s legendary architecture and double its life expectancy.
Impact of Technology
As technology advances, architects have increasingly sought to explore different design possibilities using the latest innovations. 3D printing, for example, has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for architects, allowing them to create custom, intricate designs with a fraction of the cost and time of yore.
Similarly, computer-aided design (CAD) and virtual reality (VR) have afforded architects the ability to produce realistic and highly accurate virtual walkthroughs and simulations of their projects in a matter of minutes. Through technological advances, architects can explore new levels of design and experiment with design possibilities in a way that was never before possible.
Sustainability and Architecture
Sustainability is another increasingly important area of architectural design. Architects are now leveraging various technologies, materials and designs to create buildings that are more energy efficient, effective in air quality, and more resilient in the face of natural disasters.
In many cities, architects are looking to use green energy sources as an alternative to traditional electricity. For example, solar panels and wind turbines have become increasingly popular in urban areas and have begun to shape the skyline of our cities. Architects are also looking to add green spaces such as parks and gardens in their designs, in order to provide the local community access to nature.
Lastly, sustainable design has become an increasingly important consideration when constructing buildings in cities. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter designs, with sustainability taking hold as the dominant consideration in architectural design. Architects are now increasingly focusing on creating buildings that are self-sufficient, durable, and resistant to disaster preparedness.
