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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