Culture and architecture have a strong connection because structures built in a society reflect its beliefs and values—for instance, the Parthenon in Greece. The magnificent temple was built to worship Athena. Its impressive symmetrical forms and columns celebrate that significant period and can still be witnessed in many modern-day architectural designs.
Keep reading to learn more about architecture and culture.
What Is Architecture?
Simply put, architecture involves building a physical world where people live and work. But it’s more than that—it’s an important reflection of the culture of its time.
What Is Culture?
Culture is a broad term comprising various elements like beliefs, habits, and customs. It gives people a certain outlook on life, which influences a specific lifestyle. These lifestyles impact architecture in different ways because they affect the types of spaces societies want.
How Does Culture Affect Architecture?
Architecture speaks of the culture in every society. Today, contemporary architecture embraces cultural inclusivity. Structures designed with a blend of architectural elements from various cultures tell of our belief in accepting diversity. These buildings become symbols of unity that encourage a sense of belonging.
Recently, there has been a shift toward green architecture. Contemporary architectural styles have embraced green designs, which consist of eco-friendly building designs that focus on sustainability. These structures demonstrate that it’s possible to mitigate climate change and create a sustainable future.
Green architecture helps minimize the impact on the environment. Every action taken in green architecture ensures efficient use of the available natural resources like water and energy while reducing the waste produced.
Influences of Architecture
Some of the strongest influences of architecture include:
Geography
Geography refers to the lay of the land. The terrain and availability of materials largely determine the design and construction of structures. In places with plenty of natural resources, buildings are usually constructed with locally sourced materials. These materials are not only readily available but also able to withstand the elements in that particular geographic region.
Culture
As mentioned above, culture plays a crucial role in shaping architectural designs. Every culture has symbols that are used to convey values, ideas, and beliefs. These symbols are integrated into architectural design in different forms, like murals and sculptures. A good example is the Egyptian pyramids, which were erected as tombs for pharaohs and represented power and eternal life.
Architectural Designs that Embrace Culture
At Vinyet Architecture, we recognize and appreciate the connection between architecture and culture. This has allowed our architects to design buildings that support how our clients love to live.
Do you need help bringing your vision to life? Schedule your consultation today with our architect in Rock Hill, SC.
