What Our World is Built Upon

Did you know that the world architecture doesn’t actually refer to a building? The word itself can mean a process, a kind of profession, or a type of document. Originally, this word was used to refer to builder – someone that built an environment. Today, the word is a bit more artistic than it once was, but it still has the same basic connotation. The first document mentioning the craft came from Rome, and the Romans went on to define the term precisely. For the Romans, any building or structure had to be durable, functional, and beautiful – perhaps this is why many of those Roman buildings erected centuries ago still stand today.

The Roman architect Vitruvius is attributed with being the grandfather of architecture itself. Vitruvius created the true foundation for architecture, and those that study this discipline still follow in his footsteps today. Modern buildings and structures still follow the same basic design principles that the Romans did many centuries ago (durability, functionality, and beauty), though current architects are designing structures that are entirely different from those Roman buildings of old. During the 19th century architects began to design the skyscrapers that changed the face of architecture forever.

Thousands of skyscrapers dot landscapes today. In fact, it would be difficult to find one person that has not heard (or seen) a skyscraper today. These impressive buildings are what architecture is all about – consistently and constantly reaching for higher, taller, and unique building peaks. Some architects exist to design buildings that are simply eye-catching, while others only seek to create structures that can last and serve a purpose. No matter what the main idea behind a building may be, all buildings can be considered architectural in nature as long as they revert back to those three Roman guidelines.

The world of architecture has come a long way throughout the past few decades. Once the skyscraper was built, architects could see no boundaries or limits. Those that follow in Vitruvius’ footsteps are still seeking to build a structure that outlasts and outshines all others before it. As each decade passes, one architect or another manages to reach this goal…only to be outshone by another genius as time marches on. It is safe to say that architects will keep building structures that impress, last through the ages, and mystify those that admire their beauty. What will buildings look like in the future? Only the architects of tomorrow truly know the answer to that question.

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