UNIT 1

ARCHITECTURE

OBJECTIVE
The student will understand the meaning of the term 'architecture' and the
concepts related to it. It will explain what architecture is, why
It is considered art, science, and technique at the same time.

SYLLABUS:
1.1 WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE? DEFINITION OF ARCHITECTURE.
1.2 ARCHITECTURE: SCIENCE, TECHNIQUE AND ART.
1.3 WHAT IS SCIENCE? DEFINITION OF SCIENCE.
1.3.1 WHY ARCHITECTURE IS CONSIDERED A SCIENCE.
1.4 WHAT IS TECHNIQUE? DEFINITION OF TECHNIQUE.
1.4.1 WHY ARCHITECTURE IS CONSIDERED A TECHNIQUE.
1.5 WHAT IS ART? DEFINITION OF ART.
1.5.1 WHY ARCHITECTURE IS CONSIDERED ART.

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 CONCEPT MAP

WHAT IS
ARCHITECTURE?

DEFINITION OF
ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE: COMPARISON
SCIENCE AMONG VARIOUS
TECHNIQUE AND ART POSTURES
THEORETICALS

DEFINITION OF DEFINITION OF DEFINITION OF

SCIENCE TECHNIQUE ART

WHY THE WHY THE WHY THE

ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE
IT IS CONSIDERED IS CONSIDERED IT IS CONSIDERED
SCIENCE TECHNIQUE ART

12
 INTRODUCTION

Talking about architecture is talking about a very broad topic. And indeed, in

amid so many styles, currents, and movements that we can find

Nowadays, there is a question that stands out above all others: what
What is architecture?
Over the years many answers have been given to this
question, and none is completely satisfactory. However,
finally the majority of architecture theorists have come to
agreement that architecture encompasses the concepts of science and technique
and art. However, the question persists: what is architecture? And, united
To this question, another arises: why can architecture be
to consider, at the same time, as science, as technique, and as art?
In this unit, the concept of architecture will be defined, thus
as well as those of art, science, and technique. Lastly, but not least
important, it will be explained how science, technique, and art are
they are combined in the architectural work.

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1. WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE? DEFINITION OF ARCHITECTURE
Architecture has had, over the years, many definitions. The
The present unit will not describe these diverse historical positions (which will be
analyzed in more detail in later units) if not that they
will focus on defining, as clearly and simply as possible, what is the
architecture.
This definition is not so easy to find because each
architectural current, and even each architect in particular has their own
vision and their own concept related to their work. Over the years
professionals from all areas of knowledge have given various
definitions of architecture, each of them emphasizing one
different matter of the same according to her personality, her relationship
with the architecture, the time, and the place in which this definition is formulated.
Later, these positions will be analyzed in detail; for now, it is only
it is important to note the plurality of opinions regarding the
architecture. However, a constant factor in all these definitions
Architecture is the projection, design, and construction of spaces.
habitable by human beings.1
Thus, architecture is basically the creation of spaces.
habitable, but these spaces must serve a purpose. A work
architectural that is not habitable or that has no function at all not
it can be considered architecture; it will then become a
sculpture, which is another form of art.
Many times it is wrongly thought that every building must
to be considered as an architectural work. This stance is incorrect; the majority
the buildings that surround us cannot be considered in any way
some like architecture. For a building to be considered
as an architectural work, it must meet a series of requirements
theoretical and practical aspects that will be described throughout this book and that
It is not appropriate to detail now. It will be enough to understand why not everything

constructed space is architecture, let's ask ourselves three basic questions:

1
VILLAGRÁN GARCÍA, José Theory of architecture pp.17-32

14
 Does the built space fulfill a function satisfactorily?
Is the construction of the building suitable for it to be
stay standing?
Can the building we are considering be regarded as aesthetic?
analyzing?

These questions, however, are not as easy to answer as

it may seem at first glance. This is because of the breadth of
themes that architecture encompasses, it is virtually impossible that any
the building fully meets all the aspects encompassed by these
questions. Over the years, architecture has been considered one of these
three ways, although it is true that, as we already said, their analysts have put
its emphasis on different aspects of it. In the following table
We will graphically present the main approaches that have been taken.
what the theory of architecture has had, marking the fields with an X
treaties with greater detail and with an O those that are only mentioned
by the author:

ART SCIENCE BUILDING INHABITING SOCIAL

VITRUBIO X X X O X
Marco Polión
(1st century BC)
PALLADIO X X X O X
Andrea of
(1508-1580)
LEDOUX, X X X X
Claudio (1736-
1808
LABROUSTE X O
Henry (1801-
1875
RUSKIN, John X O X
(1819-1900)

15
THE DUKE, Violet X O
(1814-1879)
GROPHIUS, O X X O X
Walter (1881-
1969
COSTA, Lucio X X X X
1902-1998
VAN THE X O
ROHE Mies
(1886-1969)
THE X X X X
CORBUSIER
(1887-1965)
WRIGHT, Frank X O X
Lloyd (1867-
1959

Analyzing this chart, we can see that the trend is clear: the
architecture is an art. This is an aspect in which everyone agrees.
treaties studied here, which is why we must consider it valid. On the other
side, we also see a strong trend to consider the aspects of the
architecture as a way of construction, which clearly indicates a
technical trend. There are few architects who consider the aspect
scientific of architecture, but this should not be disregarded
approach to it. Regarding the fields of social and housing,
they refer to functions of architecture rather than approaches to it.
A commonly accepted definition of architecture, and which in a certain
mode encompasses all the aspects we must take into account to know
What architecture is "architecture is the art, science, and technique of
to build, design, and project livable spaces for human beings.2

2
Villagrán, José Theory of Architecture, pp. 19-32.

16
 As can be seen, this definition considers architecture
under three aspects: scientific, technical, and artistic. It is necessary, therefore, to point out

what is the meaning of each of these three concepts, emphasizing the

see why architecture belongs to these three fields of
knowledge.

LEARNING ACTIVITY

What is the definition of architecture?

2. Fill in the following table, indicating the way in which the various
traders addressed the following aspects of architecture:

ART SCIENCE BUILD RESIDE SOCIAL

VITRUBIO
PALLADIO
LEDOUX
LABROUSTE
RUSKIN
THE DUKE
GROPHIUS
COSTA
VAN THE
ROHE
The
CORBUSIER
WRIGHT

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1.1 WHAT IS SCIENCE? DEFINITION OF SCIENCE

Science is understood by its method: the scientific method. In this unit

the scientific method will not be studied; it will be enough to say that the method

scientific is the series of logical steps aimed at providing the

the most appropriate solution to a problem. The scientific method will be analyzed.

in more detail in later units; for the purposes of this unit it is enough
by pointing out some of its general characteristics:
does not base its principles on dogmas or prejudices, but rather
check its veracity through observation.
It is a progressive method, that is, it is built from the
gradual self-improvement.
Use measurements to understand the magnitudes of the
phenomena that it studies.3

These characteristics are the most important of the scientific method,

and architecture commonly makes use of them according to its purposes and
with their needs.
In later units, the contribution will be studied in greater detail.
from the scientific methodology to architecture. However, at least in the
points previously mentioned, the scientific method is present in the
architecture. In later units it will be seen, for example, that each
architectural current bases its postulates on the results of a
observation of its environment, and that each of these currents has as
purpose "to correct" the defects of which its predecessor suffers.
Regarding the fact that architecture uses measurements, this will be able to
check when analyzing that the proportion, the scale, and the measurement of
space is measured in numerical terms. Therefore, architecture must
to be considered as science.
There is another factor that compels us to consider architecture as
science. When we calculate a structure, an installation or simply
the area of a given space, we make use of mathematics, science

3
Discourse on the Method

18
by excellence. Geometry is also mathematics, a basic factor for
to shape the architectural project. Every time architecture
it makes use not only of mathematics but also of the method
scientific, it is clear that architecture must be considered as a
science.

LEARNING ACTIVITY

1. Research on the Internet or in bibliographical sources what science is.

2. Look in any medium for what the scientific method is.
3. Discuss in a group why architecture is considered a science.

WHAT IS TECHNIQUE? DEFINITION OF TECHNIQUE

We understand technique as a methodology to achieve an end.

concrete. This means that, for something to be considered as carried to
The end must exist through technique, and once this is found, it
It must follow a series of defined steps to achieve this end.
As already mentioned, the technique must have an end. This means that it does not

we only need to know what we want to do, not just that

We must define why we are going to do it and with what we will do it. These
three points are considered decisive: knowing what needs to be done, for
4
what is going to be done, and with what it is going to be done.

By analyzing these three points, we discover that the first one that
appears in the development of a project is the second: what it is going to be for
Do something. If there is no need to meet, any effort becomes useless.
work that is carried out. Thus arises the final cause of our work.
Later we discovered that, when there is a problem, it
we found a solution spontaneously. For example, if the
The initial problem is that we need a space for residential purposes.
The answer to this requirement is obvious: we need a house. Like this.

4
Villagrán García, José Theory of Architecture p.197

19
we define the point of what needs to be done. Finally, we arrive at the
third point.
This third point refers to the decision about the material that
we will use to meet the need, and it is the point that, ultimately,
will shape our idea. In the mentioned example of the house, we can decide
that it will be made of wood, of stone, of brick... these
materials, all different from each other, will cause us to have one or the other
type of house. However, speaking specifically about architecture,
These materials are nothing more than one of the raw materials of the work.
architectural, because there is an even more important one: space. The
architecture is, as a technique, the technique of the proper use of space, and
therefore space must be considered the raw material of the
architecture.
At this moment we know what the need is, we know what we will do.
to cover it and, finally, we know the way we will do it. To
carry out the physical realization of our project, we will prepare a
work of creation, which implies, in any case, a transformation. Thus, the
The end of any technical project is to transform the raw material to adapt it.
to a purpose made with reason and will. That is to say, this technique is a
adaptation of matter for a purpose.

1.2.1 Why architecture is technical

When we carry out an architectural project, we are fulfilling

with the satisfaction of a need, as it has been mentioned, for
For an architectural work to take place, there must be a need.
to cover, in this case, the need to have a space. We have already seen
that this is the ultimate purpose of the technique and, since architecture
It meets this requirement, it must be considered a technique.
Aristotle mentions, regarding architecture, that: 'architecture is
an art, and it is, moreover, a productive habit accompanied by reason5This
it makes us understand that architecture always follows a particular purpose. In

5
Villagrán García, José Theory of Architecture p. 199

20
other forms of art, the work is the end in itself: a painting, for example,
it has its reason for being in that it is visually beautiful, and a sculpture is not

it satisfies no need other than to recreate the view. This demonstrates

how art can be an end in itself.
Architecture, unlike these arts, must be produced with
a practical end. A house that is not inhabited by anyone is a
absurd. This is why architecture must be considered a
technique: it is satisfactory for needs, consists of a methodology and leads to
It is a transformation of the raw material.

LEARNING ACTIVITY

1. Investigate what technique is.

2. Define, through a practical example, what the three points are.
the main ones involved in using a technique.
3. Discuss in groups why architecture is considered a technique.

1.3 WHAT IS ART? DEFINITION OF ART

Art is the most common approach to architecture. But,

What is art? According to Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, art is 'the
interpretation of matter as technique and poetry6This definition
it demonstrates that art, in itself, is a technique, since, as already
we see, the technique consists of a transformation and a rational doing and
voluntary to achieve an end. However, there are various factors that
radically differentiate art from technique. The Russian painter Wassily
Kandinsky says in his book On the Spiritual in Art (1911) that there are three
distinctive elements in all works of art:

 The element of the artist's own personality. This element is

refers to the fact that every artist must have characteristics that identify them

the work as his own, beyond the characteristics of the movement or

the movement they follow.

6
Villagrán García, José Theory of Architecture p.200

21
  The element of style. This element is the counterpart of the previous one, and
it means that the work must denote its belonging to a time and to
a cultural environment.
 The element of the pure and eternally artistic. With this we
we refer to the fact that art must transcend spatial limits and
temporary.

Another guiding element in art is aesthetics. The definition of

aesthetics, like many others related to art, is itself abstract,
but it can be said that aesthetics is the study not of the work of art, but of
of the beauty within it.7Thus, when something is beautiful, we say that
it is aesthetic, insofar as we say it is unaesthetic when it results
unpleasant.
It is important, when speaking of art, to also mention another of its
Characteristics: the artwork is unique. As the process of creation is
unique, then the product of it is also unique. So a work
Art is never the same as another, even if it has been made by the same.
artist, with the same purpose and in more or less similar situations.
Naturally, since the work must have the element of personality and
the style will be distinctive of an artist and a specific movement,
but still the artwork is unique.

1.3.1 Why architecture is considered art

We have already said that architecture has been seen as art since it
they gave the first definitions on the subject. It is advisable, then, that
let's analyze the characteristics that allow architecture
to be considered as an art.
First of all, it should be mentioned that every architectural work has
of having an aesthetic. Already in his books on architecture, the Roman theorist
Vitruvius dedicated a large part of his work to analyzing the aesthetics of the
Greco-Roman architecture. We can see a deep analysis in his work.

7
Aristotle's Poetics

22
about proportion, scale, shape, and generally about all the elements that
form the aesthetics of architecture. Since then, no theorist of
architecture has stopped being interested in the aesthetic aspect of the
the same, and even in the midst of the 20th century, prominent architects like Le

Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright have thoroughly analyzed form.

in which aesthetics are present in architecture. Thus,
we can say that, given that the architectural work has an aesthetics, it is
considered art. It should be noted that aesthetics is a concept of perception.
psychological: our mind analyzes the elements that compose a work
and if these are combined correctly, then
we consider the work of art beautiful. The aesthetics will be analyzed at
awareness in later units, where the elements that will be studied
the components and how they are perceived unconsciously.
In addition to aesthetics, the architectural work is unique. There are no two alike.

spaces that have been designed the same; in case there are any
it would be a clear sign of plagiarism and, therefore, it would not be considered art.

work. Thus, as long as the work maintains its unique character, it will fulfill
the requirements that are demanded to consider that it is art.
Regarding the elements of personality, style, and eternity of
art, we also find it in architecture. If one analyzes the work of
a particular artist, it is possible to find that they always have some sign
distinction. Some architects, for example, are famous for their
structures, others for the shapes of their buildings and some more for their use of
color and light, but they all have something that identifies them.
The style is currently somewhat more difficult to define. And it is that
Since the mid-20th century, many trends began to emerge.
simultaneously. Previously, artistic currents could
to be considered on a global level, changing only a few particularities
regionals of the same. But now this trend seems to reverse: the
architecture encompasses many different movements, and none is the
definitive, and there are even some architects who, dissatisfied with the
architectural conception that they see day by day, create their own movement,
completely valid posture that also helps to increase the collection
architectural. This phenomenon will not be analyzed; it will only be noted that still

23
in the midst of the architectural plurality that exists today, there are
defined trends, and all architects lean towards one of
these.
Regarding the principle of the eternity and purity of art, this is, such
once, the most important of the three elements that make up the
architecture and art in general as it involves the ability to transcend the
taste of an era. This is important because fashions are fleeting; the
what is liked today may not be liked tomorrow, and what was liked yesterday is forgotten today.

In all branches of art, it happens that when fashion passes, the work remains.
relegated in favor of the offspring products of the new trend. In the case of
the painting or other forms of art this problem may be less serious,
but if we take into account that the life of an architectural work is long,
we must think that this, necessarily, must be in a position to
fulfill its function for a long time. Therefore, it is important that
the architectural work is transcendent.
For a work to transcend, it must meet both conditions.
as we mentioned earlier: aesthetics and unique value. We already said what it
the unique value of a work; let's move on to aesthetics. This is
a science, even if its applications are artistic. To carry out its work,
aesthetics is based on principles of unconscious perception, that is,
the way our brain, not our eyes, understands and
analyzes the impressions of our senses. Given that the functioning
of our brain is always the same, the rules of aesthetics
they transcend fashion, and that is why even today we find
beautiful works that trace their history back thousands of years in the past.
Thus, even when a style goes out of fashion, its legacy endures.
many years in the memory of humanity.
The following will study a practical example of the three.
Kandinsky's postulates applied to architecture, taking for it
as a reference the Parthenon, in Athens. This temple was built in the
6th century BC, following an architectural trend characteristic of its time and
from its place but which is currently considered obsolete. However, the
The Parthenon perfectly met the architectural demands of its
at that moment, its structure presented all the corresponding elements to

24
Greek architecture and its materials were suitable for the time and
the situation in which this monument was built. Thus,
we found that the Parthenon meets the element of style.
Regarding the artist's own personality, currently the
Archaeologists and art historians have determined that within the
In the Parthenon, there was a great statue of the goddess Athena, made of materials

precious, in the same way that, in the city of Olympia, there was a
statue of Zeus with similar characteristics, also the work of Phidias, the
architect of the Parthenon. Thus, we find in both buildings
characteristic elements of this artist that distinguish Phidias from others
contemporary architects of yours who also belonged to the school
of Greek architecture.
Finally, the element of the pure and eternally will be analyzed.
artistic. As already mentioned, the Parthenon was built two millennia ago and
medium, which places it outside the context of current architecture; a
an architect who would create a monument in Greek style would probably be
harshly criticized. However, the quality of the Parthenon saves it from
“pass in mode”. Its position at the top of the Acropolis has made it
a symbol of the city of Athens; its perfect proportions make it
even two thousand years after it was built, we find the building
beautiful to behold and its monumental scale compels the visitor to look at
I respect this ancient building, feeling dominated, even against its
will, by the marble giant. Thus, it can be said without error that the
The Parthenon is a building that has stood the test of time; it is a building
always current, an icon of architecture that has transcended eras,
fashions and styles.

LEARNING ACTIVITY

25
1. Research on the Internet or another source what art is.
2. Define the following elements that make up art:
 The element of the artist's own personality:
 The style element:
 The element of the pure and eternally artistic:
3. Discuss what the two conditions that must exist are for
a work of art is considered as such and in what way
elements are present in the architecture

26