Architecture as an Academic Discipline

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Table of Contents

History over the last 100 years
The Future of Architecture
Conclusion
References

Architecture is the discipline which deals with theoretical and practical application of knowledge in the sphere of design and building. The word “architecture” has several meanings. First of all, it is a kind of art. Secondly, it is a practical application of knowledge in the sphere of building and design. Thirdly, architecture is the general term which denotes all buildings which were created during the human existence. And finally, the word “architecture” denotes all trends, styles, and tendencies of design in process of building. As a an academic discipline it can be described as the theoretical science, as building it is the practical aspect of architecture, and as a kind of art, it presents ethical perception of projecting. “Every moment, awake or asleep, we are in buildings, around buildings, in spaces defined by buildings, or in landscapes shaped by human artifice” (Roth, 1993, p. 1). In other words, architecture is not only an academic discipline which predetermines not only knowledge in the field of exact sciences, but also the process of creation as an inalienable part of art. In many aspects architecture serves as the phenomenon which dictates norms and trends in fashion. Moreover, architecture is the sphere of life which has become a significant part of fashion (Jones, 1961, p. 1).

There are various fields of architecture which are different not only in the object of creation, but also in the aim of creation. For example, there are urban architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, industrial design, etc. In other words, architecture is not just the science of creating buildings. It is the many-sided art of ethical perception of shape, color, material and space (Birksted, 1999, p. 15).

By the way, architecture as an academic discipline is interrelated with other spheres of human knowledge. “A second frequently cited benefit of architectural education is that its inherent interdisciplinarity fosters a natural meeting ground with its allied disciplines” (Groat & Ahrentzen, 2001, p. 246). It means that an architect should be an all-round expert which may easily understand and evaluate not only some basic principles of architecture, but also apply deep knowledge in such aspects as culture, tradition, history, etc.

Due to the comprehensive facilities of architecture both in the field of art and career, I became highly interested in the academic discipline. Architecture means a wide surface for development of imagination and intellectual abilities. I wish to become an architect because this sphere would be beneficial not only for my career prospect. It is also a promising filed for personal evolution.

History over the last 100 years

Speaking about history of architecture as a profession it should be pointed out that technological achievements of the last century played a great role in the development of the sphere. Moreover, some historical events, such as World War II, influenced tendencies and principles of architecture. “External transformations were becoming apparent –changes determined by the design being more strictly guided by the purpose of the building and by full advantage being taken of new methods of construction” (Whittick, 1953, p. 5). Of course, cultural changes and events could not but effect development of architecture as well. If one takes into account the postulate that architecture is the mirror of culture of this or that period, it becomes obvious that certain cultural aspects should be reflected in architecture. “We believe that architecture can influence human behavior and that culture certainly influences architecture” (White, 2000, p. 57). For example, we may recollect Louis Sullivan and his principle about form and function: form follows function, we should not forget about such phenomenon in architecture as skyscrapers. The architect meant that skyscrapers had to denote freedom of humanity, but nowadays, skyscrapers are symbols of loneliness, and separation (Bush-Brown & Walker, 1960, p. 8). Although, theory of Sullivan was mistaken and unsuccessful, it influenced greatly development of the discipline: the theory was followed by other architects for many years. Emergence of modernism at the beginning of the twentieth century as a dominant cultural trend also predetermined development of architecture not only as the field of application, but also as an academic discipline. Thus, Chicago and Glasgow became centres of architectural knowledge and practice (Cantor, 1988, p. 27). Nevertheless, history of architectural education began at the end of the twentieth century when credentials for architecture were introduced. The process of problematic acceptance of architecture to the list of academic disciplines was connected with its unusual specification. “Over the entire period 1920 to 1974 American universities graduated only 56 people with a doctorate in architecture, a minuscule figure” (Dr. Garry’s Key Centre for Architectural Sociology). All in all, the question of architecture accommodation in the system of other academic disciplines is still a topical issue.

The Future of Architecture

Several tendencies of future development of architecture may be singled out. The first one is closely connected with technological achievements. The thing is that various new techniques open wide sphere in which different principles of architecture may be applied. Moreover, it means that new aspects of architecture as an academic discipline and kind of art may emerge and develop into the new subbranch of architecture. Still, new technologies would not mean invention of new style. Perhaps, old styles which are considered to be classical ones would be mixed, but in an absolutely new way:

“There is an important need in every society for icons which constitute a particular area, the structures which form the texture of living memory in refuting the past and the future alike, the eternal present of transformation and metamorphosis must be incorporated in an urban framework which encourages the creation of unpredictable, flexible and hybrid architectures” (Libeskind, 1999, p. 127).

Another sphere of architecture which would develop rapidly is the oriental and exotic architecture. It would happen as the aftereffect of globalization. The desire to be closer to something unknown and alien would be prevalent in the sphere of architecture.

Taking into account the fact that today we live in the epoch of ecological catastrophe, architecture may be developed in the direction of eco systems usage. Moreover, design as an inalienable part of architecture would also be influenced by the achievements in the sphere of ecological materials and deign. Of course, consumer’s choice would be the main guidelines in this aspect: many people nowadays are concerned with the problem of ecosystem and damage which is caused by industry.

Another sphere of architecture which may be developed in future is regionalism. In this aspect architects would try to reconsider in a creative manner local conditions. Such approach predetermines several guidelines: the works of architecture should correspond with historical, cultural, geographical conditions in this or that area. In other words, architecture would serve to make buildings and other objects blend harmonically with environment in all aspects.

Conclusion

In conclusion it should be pointed out that architecture is not a young academic discipline. It faces numerous problems in the aspect of formation. Still, it is developing rapidly in different spheres not only as an academic discipline, but also as a kind of art, and branch of business. In the modern world which is highly dynamic, static state is equal to death. Taking into account the fact that architecture comprises various spheres, which are in constant development, it can be admitted that this sphere of knowledge is a promising one. There are lots of possible paths I may choose as an architect. For example, architectural design is highly attractive, because it gives an opportunity for self-development and self-expression. Imagination plays a great role in my life. On the one hand, I would be happy to turn my ideas into life, and, on the other hand, to be successful in this business. At the same time it requires a high level of competence not only in the sphere of architecture, but also in history, culture, art, and other humanities. I do not see my future career expressed in terms of partnership and sole practice as long as it requires a huge initial capital and beneficial connections. Nevertheless, I would like to become a member of some respectful architectural company and start there my career. It would give me an opportunity to implement into life my favourite principles, such as the harmonic combination of simplicity, beauty, and convenience of design.

References

Birksted, J. (Ed.). (1999). Relating Architecture to Landscape. London: E & FN Spon.

Bush-Brown, A. D. & Walker, D. D. (Eds.). (1960). Louis Sullivan. New York: George Braziller.

Cantor, N. F. (1988). Modernism to Deconstruction Modernism to Deconstruction. New York: Peter Lang

Groat, L. N., & Ahrentzen, S. (2001). 11 Interdisciplinary Visions of Architectural Education: the Perspectives of Faculty Women. In The Discipline of Architecture, Piotrowski, A. & Robinson, J. W. (Eds.) (pp. 235-259). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.

Jones, C. (1961). Architecture Today and Tomorrow. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Libeskind, D. (1999). 9 Traces of the Unborn. In Architecture and Revolution: Contemporary Perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Leach, N. (Ed.) (pp. 127-129). London: Routledge.

Roth, L. M. (1993). Understanding Architecture Its Elements, History, and Meaning (1st ed.). Boulder, CO: Westview Press.

White, J. R. (2000). The Ephrata Cloister: Intersections of Architecture and Culture in an Eighteenth-Century Utopia. Utopian Studies, 11(2), 57.

Whittick, A. L. (1953). European Architecture in the Twentieth Century (Vol. 2). London: Crosby Lockwood & Son.

Dr. Garry’s Key Centre for Architectural Sociology. A History of Architectural Education in the West. Web.

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Architecture as an Academic Discipline

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