The Significance of Architectural Ideas

What is the signifi deposece of architectural ideas? The question begs the question of which architectural ideas should be bowl overed in the first place. While it may be received that there contract been a huge number of architectural ideas since the beginning of human civilization, it is important to rebound the question at hand. At the least, what put forward be done is to appropriately categorize architectural ideas tally to their chronology. In doing so, we are confining ourselves to a more(prenominal) specific and easier task. There is little reason to un plasteredty that preliminary architectural ideas suck influenced the more contemporary ones.Theories on how constructs are to be designed have long existed, perhaps as be durations as the time when human beings began to first conceptualize their dwellings and their places for revere and other social activities. For the most part, early civilizations had to consider their needs and means. They had to reflect on b uilding structures for the stake of providing shelter, security and a place of worship. They also had to consider their level of architectural skills and the materials available during the time.These basic considerations for early architectural ideas are signifi piece of asst for the people back then since their needs and means limit what they laughingstock design and actually build which, as a consequence, delineate the characteristics of their architectural designs. In his De Architectura, Vitruvius provides one of the hardly a(prenominal) surviving earliest examples of architectural designs. He suggests that good buildings should have one-third basic characteristicsdurability, utility, and beauty (Pellecchia, p. 378). Apparently, these three precepts have remained integral to modern architectural ideas.Thus, it is only fitting to say that these ideas are signifi flush toilett inasmuch as they have set in motion a well-established sustainard in envisioning the designs of buil dings requireless of certain sizes and scopes. More importantly, these foundations for architectural ideas give salary increase to more complex yet more specific approaches in designing buildings according to the balance between these basic precepts. For instance, an architect may give more perceptiveness to utility over beauty without having to abandon the latter completely.Another architect may focus more on the aesthetics of the building without neglecting the durability of the structure. There are other influential architects in earlier timessuch as Leon Battista Alberti and Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, among othersbut it is fitting to say that their contributions in terms of architectural ideas earth-closet never be denied. However, that is not to say that new architectural ideas have not materialized in more recent years, or that architects are simply confined to the ideas of the earlier generations.For example, the Ameri put up architect Louis Sullivan who is consider ed to be the aim of modernism once suggested that form find outs function (Louis Sullivan and the Architecture of Free Enterprise, p. 42). It has been an overriding force in twentieth century architectural designs, influencing architects to take more consideration of the practical use of buildings rather than their aesthetics. The general instruction of architecture at that time became more focused on the intended function of buildings, thereby submit its aesthetic aspects to a lesser degree of importance.Buildings were designed according to how they testament serve their purpose, or how they will address the primary intention behind their construction. A museum in New York, for instance, will have to be designed based on how a museum ought to function and not on how the structure will stand visually appealing to its visitors. The form follows function approach stands in direct contrast to the idea general during the 19th century that architectural design should bestow more si gnificance to aesthetics.John Ruskin, for instance, proclaims that a building is not strictly a product of architectural ideas if it is not adorned in certain see (Bliss, p. 37). Thus, an office building will not only have to serve its purpose. Rather, it will also have to be appealing to the senses of its occupants. The shape of the building will not only have to be sufficient enough in order to accommodate the target number of occupants. It will also have to be ornamented with figures on its topmost floor, or its windows will also have to be visually appealing when viewed from a certain distance.This formidable clash between architectural ideas only signifies the fact that severally idea belong to a certain generation is presumably significant first within that generation and second to the generations which subsequently used that idea as a platform for other architectural ideas. This observation is clearly manifested in the way 19th and 20th century architectural ideas stand in opposite ends. They contradict each other in terms of approach but subsequent generations of architects may have found their proclaim ways to strike a balance between the two.Nevertheless, it is important to note that the primary concern for each of these generations is on the nature per se of the architectural design. In more recent times, the idea that architectural designs should follow the concept of sustainability reflects the notion that these designs should also take into consideration the prevailing social and environmental conditions (Watson, p. 121). Much of what can be called sustainable buildings is designed in such a way that they minimize environmental hazards or that they promote an ecologically friendly environment.This type of architectural idea is significant today since it directly addresses study environmental concerns including the use of natural resources. For example, the use of wind turbines and solar panels in providing electricity to modern buildings can help lessen the demand for electricity derived from coal-powered electric plants. Also, designing buildings with larger glass windows allows for sunlight to get hold of and provide the light, thereby reducing the need for light bulbs during the day.In essence, the approach places great premium on the environmental effects of architectural designs, from lighting fixtures to the materials used in the ornamentation of the structure. With the continuous depletion of the planets natural resources and the unending threats to the environment, sustainable architectural designs significantly help in reducing the environmental dangers. If the right(a) allocation of earth-friendly materials for the aesthetic construction of a building reaches a global scale, there is reason to commit that the present environmental problems will be addressed in the long run with far-reaching benefits.As it can be observed, architectural ideas belonging to certain generations reflect the respective social co nditions and aesthetic interpretations in those times. looking for back, the early architectural ideas still have their influence on contemporary designs. Architects still have to consider the durability, utility, and the beauty of the designs of their buildings, without which buildings will be devoid of use, will disintegrate faster and put thousands of lives in code peril, and will look as though they are sore to the eyes so much so that they fail to inspire those who dwell in them.Architects will also have to reflect on whether or not they have to put form over function, or the other way around, especially with regard to the very intention of why the structure needs to be constructed. Ideas in the field of architecture can truly survive great lengths of time precisely because they remain significant not only for those who lived those ideas during their time but also for those architects today who seek inspiration.One architectural idea may give rise to another. Or an architectu ral idea being criticized for its preference for function over form may return to yet another idea harmonizing function and form into a single design. At any rate, it can be said that the significance of architectural designs rests on their application. If they hardly apply to any immediate need, they may lose their influence and eventually become mere footnotes in the annals of the history of architecture.