Refine the definition

Now that we have a definition for Architecture, lets look at the different types of Architecture.  We do this by building a taxonomy.

A taxonomy is "the division into ordered groups or categories".  The important element in developing a taxonomy is to have a consistent basis for the categorization.  In the previous article we defined Architecture to be "the underlying design principles upon which construction is based".  It would seem that the various types of construction would be a good basis for categorization.

So what types of construction are there?

We could say that we construct buildings, we construct systems, we construct machines.  We could then identify 3 types of architecture:

• Building Architecture - An architecture specific to the construction of a physical edifice.
• Systems Architecture - An architecture specific to the construction of an assemblage of components
• Mechanical Architecture - An architecture specific to the construction of devices that transmit or modify force or motion.   

 
Of course what we are interested is systems architecture, specifically Information System Architecture (a branch of architecture that deals specifically with the assemblage of Information).  This would be a good point to define what one means by information.  

Some common definitions for definition are:

• "Knowledge acquired through study or experience or instruction"
• "A collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn"
• "Things that are or can be known about a topic"
• "An ordered sequence of symbols"
• "Knowledge communicated or received concerning a particular fact or circumstance"
• "Knowledge gained through study, communication, research, instruction"

Information is a topic worthy of a separate discussion all of it's own.  It is interesting to note that the majority of the definitions deal with knowledge in some form or another.  For the purpose of this discussion, I propose the following:


Information is "knowledge about a topic". 


Now we are ready to continue the discussion on Information System Architecture ...

So just what is Architecture anyway?

If one asked this question of three different architects one would get at least 6 different answers.  Our inability to collectively define our practice acts as a barrier to its adoption.

Let us then proceed in true architectural fashion.  Let us first establish a suitable definition and then refine it by categorizing they different types of architectures.

A quick visit to dictionary.com yields the following results:

1. the profession of designing buildings, open areas, communities, and other artificial constructions and environments, usually with some regard to aesthetic effect. Architecture often includes design or selection of furnishings and decorations, supervision of construction work, and the examination, restoration, or remodeling of existing buildings.
   
2. the character or style of building: the architecture of Paris; Romanesque architecture.
3. the action or process of building; construction.
4. the result or product of architectural work, as a building.
5. buildings collectively.
6. a fundamental underlying design of computer hardware, software, or both.
7. the structure of anything: the architecture of a novel.

 As architects, we like nice concise definitions that exactly define the subject under discussion.  In this sense, quite often turning to the dictionary is less then rewarding.  However, the exercise of looking definitions can provide a useful starting point,



We can clearly see a couple of themes:

• The concept of building or constructing things is frequently present as is 
• The idea of design or style.

Focusing in on these two themes. it is legitimate to postulate the following as a definition for our on-going discussion of architecture:


"The underlying design principals upon which construction is based"

This is a general definition that covers a broad variety of types of architectures.  A fundamental practice in architecture is to start from the general and proceed to the specific.  To do otherwise is a basic fallacy and will seldom yield the best results.

As we continue our discussion, we will become more specific as to the type(s) of architectures we are dealing with.

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Hello World

I've been experimenting with some Web 2.0 techniques and while examining Google reader I realized that I have some things to say about IT architecture that others may find interesting.

Hence this blog.

So what to expect here. I think that my first foray will be on IT architecture itself:

• What is architecture?
  
• Who does it?
• Why are architectural programs undertaken?

Does this seem like a familiar pattern? (More on that later)

In the meantime:

Hello World!