A Guide On How To Understand, Appreciate and Celebrate Great Architecture!

Oct. 11, 2010 - PRLog -- Most people when asked what is an architect, do not even know where to begin much less know how to identify great architecture.  What is architecture and why is it important in simple usable terms? Webster’s New World dictionary defines architecture as “the science or profession of designing and constructing buildings.”  Okay what significance does that have to do with a typical person’s life?  Well let’s see… every enjoyable thing in life calls for extreme passion and detail, such as Stiletto shoes, Rolex watches, Gucci bags, Bentley cars and yes… the finest homes.  Architecture in simple terms is an enjoyable and functional work of art in a sculptural form.  You see… while you can hang a painting on a wall and appreciate the inspirational energy, architecture provides a usable function that caresses and nurtures our spirits in order for us to cope more efficiently with the pressures of modern living.  In this essay I will explain in simple terms why architecture is so awesome and how life without it is like a visit to the moon without the space shuttle.  We will discuss: where architecture came from, what is an architect, who enjoys architecture, how to discover poor architecture and last but not least how to appreciate and celebrate it.

In the early days of human existence people used caves and huts for shelter from the sun, rain and predators; as time went on people started to build structures that were detached from each other in functions such as sleeping, cooking and bathing.  Architecture became a form of art that reflected the behaviors and habits of the people it served. Some great forms of architecture can be found in the forest as tree houses, clay houses (such as African adobe structures) and igloo houses (Eskimo structures) and so on; each living structure is designed around the functions of the user... people.  The architecture we enjoy today in popular American cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles is a collective grouping of design solutions from all corners of the globe (sort of like the cross culture dishes we enjoy). Common architectural influences came from the Greeks, Italians, Spaniards, English, Africans, Asian and Mediterranean. As people traveled and settled into different climates they had the need to alter certain architectural functions taken from each influence. For example in Italy where it is warm and more tropic, spaces such as the loggia (which is like a covered porch) was transformed by the French into a foyer because of the extreme winters in France (hence the term we know as the foyer).  Places such as the carribean have a mixture of different types of architectural styles and influences based on the types of people who settled on the land.  So if you are vacationing and experience a lot of Spanish architecture, chances are the Spaniards might have ruled the land or a culture that was heavily influenced by the functions of Spanish architecture. Also materials that were readily available was a major influence in all forms of architecture; if a region had plenty stones they used stones, plenty trees they used timber and so on.  It was not until the world started trading that importing things such as building materials made it possible to enjoy things that were not naturally abundant in a given area. Today we have the luxury of enjoying any thing our hearts desire as long as we have the means to afford it, due to technology and our multiple sources of transportation; however we still use materials that are readily available and abundant in each region such as southern pine for light commercial and residential structures in America to reduce construction cost.  Choose your style whether traditional, classical, modern or post modern they’re all great examples and interpretations of the evolution of serving peoples needs through architecture.  


Architects in the early days were called master builders because they executed and oversaw every phase of the building process. An architect had to be an artist, structural engineer, civil engineer and builder; he even had to insure his structures by standing below design elements such as arches to show that his designs were sound.  Artist such as painters and sculptures would be commissioned to do carvings and paint murals in important structures such as cathedrals, government complexes and palaces by the architect.  Architects allowed civilization to be defined by architecture because people desired more than just shelter from the elements, they needed the utilities that allowed people to live and function within small clustered environments such as urban cities.  Today architects responsibilities are less rigorous, due to the complexities of buildings such as mechanical systems to heat and cool, electrical requirements to house the infrastructures of our modern technologies and civil engineers that design and layout our roads and highways.  Most people think hiring an architectural designer or architect (registered to design larger projects and commercial buildings) is unreachable when in truth there are plenty of available talents ready and able to design a home around your lifestyle and needs.  Today builders rely on stale online plans to build for you and your family, where minimal thought in maintenance cost is considered, how it enriches your community and resists excessive wear from the elements. Take control of the life you enjoy with the people you love by allowing an architectural designer to create your dreams and desires within your budget. Remember a great designer is capable of transforming great architecture with any budget, just seek and you will be pleased with all the possibilities.


Architecture has been enjoyed from the beginning of human existence by all people; it was only when other values were attached where proper architecture became only available to rulers of the land and wealthy patrons.  Land marks such as the Egyptian pyramids were great examples of humans’ quest to create structures that provided shelter from the elements, display of power and resistance to invasions by outsiders.  As time went on different cultures would display their beliefs and needs through the functions of a building that had to be strategically designed and constructed. Also as cities grew in population they’re became a need for commerce, housing, access and disposal of human waste; which was done through a thing called master planning (common term the planning department in a city).  Patrons in the early days collected ideas from their world travels to create they’re mansions, which is still practiced today.  This means the next time you are on vacation in Europe or the Caribbean, instead of just enjoying the food, take a look at how the details are in the lobby, the rooms, activity areas and entry ways and so on.  Also look at lightings in a nice restaurant, water features, seating configurations, color coordination, ceiling heights, material textures and how being in the space makes you feel. Start to collect these things in a folder along with pages from magazines, it will enable your architectural designer or architect to better grasp your dreams and desires in your new custom home or project.

Many people to day are plagued by poor designed and built structures, due to the motivation of profit in our modern societies.  Today you have homes that are not even four years old that have visible wood rot around entry doors and garages because there is no roof covering to protect wood materials from rain drop splashes.  For full essay please visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Neil-O-Campbell-Architectur...

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Neil Campbell Architecture LLC is a relationship driven Design Company, practicing the art of refining, restyling and repackaging the best of all forms of architecture.