History of Architecture

Importance of Architecture

In this article, we will discuss the Importance of Architecture with reference to the following points:

• Inspiration
• Record of Past History
• Architecture as Fine Arts
• Architecture as Mother of all Arts
• Architecture as Poetry of Construction and Frozen Music

Let us now start with our discussion with Inspiration...

Inspiration

Some of the monumental works erected to commemorate some important event or in memory of great national leaders arouse inspiration in the minds of the people for all the times.

For example:

The tower of Victory built by Rana of Chittor and Indian war Memorial at Delhi inspire the feelings of patriotism.

Record of the past history

Architecture is the most powerful record of the past history of any country. It throws light on the social, religious customes and manners and development of the country. The development of the civilization of any country is reproduced in the development of architecture.

Architecture is therefore considered as the printing press of all ages and gives history of state of society in which it was erected.

Thus Egyptian architecture reflects the absolute power of the Pharaohs and slavery of the people. Greek architecture that we so admire was the product of the democratic belief of the Greek Civilization. It had rich beauty which reached highest perfection. The majestic buildings of Rome clearly show the great skill and constructive ability and expression of “Roman Imperial Power”, but royal palaces and thermae speak of their luxury.

Basilican churches reflect religious enthusiasm. Gothic reflects the condition of passionate energy. French Renaissance shows the pompous life of the Monarchs, in their palaces and the Indian architecture clearly shows its spiritual content and represents in numerous religious buildings which are characterized by the treatment of wall surfaces containing the high or low relief of noble ‘God of Indian Mythology’.

Now temples and churches are becoming less and less in 20^th century, whereas we come across libraries, museums, markets, hospitals, town-halls, institutions, swimming pools, theatres etc which are the indices of social forces at work. Architecture is more than a history of form and style, it is a product of cultural and environmental factors and expression of the way of life of the people for whom it is built. Architecture is therefore sometimes called as “matrix of civilisation”.

In our next article, we will discuss Importance of Architecture with respect to "Architecture as Fine arts".

Also check out:

Development of Architecture