Architecture is called the art of devising, designing and constructing buildings and structures where they can develop human activities, and, in turn, are functional, durable and aesthetically valuable. The word, as such, comes from the Latin architectūra.
In this sense, architecture is a discipline that is governed by a set of technical and aesthetic principles, where the beauty of construction must be in harmonic balance with its functionality and utility. Hence, it is said that the architecture involves the alteration of the physical space for the satisfaction of the human needs of housing, work, industry, commerce, religion, etc.
Because architecture is a reflection of the needs, values and interests of different human societies during history, it is also an important cultural manifestation that allows us to understand the way in which human beings have related to their environment. the long of the time.
Architecture is also called the set of works, buildings or monuments, whether by an author: “The architecture of Le Corbusier was the most influential of the twentieth century”; of a technique or style: Greek, Gothic, Baroque, Mayan architecture, etc .; of a country: Mexican, Spanish, Argentinean architecture; or of a specific period: contemporary, modern, Renaissance architecture, etc.
In everyday language, the concept of architecture can be used to refer to the structure or arrangement of the elements that make up something: “The architecture of this furniture is very weak.”
Computer Architecture
Within the scope of Information Technology, the concept of architecture is related to the logical and physical arrangement of the components of a computer . Thus, it can refer to the design, both conceptual and operational, of a computer, especially when it is associated with the operation of the central processing unit or CPU ( central processing unit ). On the other hand, all design, structure and operation that constitutes a software system is also called architecture .
Sustainable architecture
The sustainable or sustainable architecture is one whose architectural design seeks essentially reducing the environmental impact on the environment of the building and its sustainability over time. To do this, it optimizes the use of natural resources, both for its construction and for its habitability. Sustainable architecture contemplates, in this sense, aspects such as climatic and environmental conditions of the place where it is erected, as well as the reduction of energy consumption through the use of natural resources that can favor heating, cooling and lighting.
Bioclimatic architecture
The bioclimatic architecture is the one that focuses on devising, designing and constructing buildings taking into account the environmental conditions and making use of the available natural resources, such as sunlight, vegetation, rain and wind, both for its construction and for its habitability. In this sense, the bioclimatic architecture intends to make an efficient consumption of natural resources in order to minimize the environmental impact and the use of non-renewable energy sources.
Organic architecture
An organic architecture is called one that is characterized by the principles of functionality and the harmonization and integration of the building with the natural environment in which it stands.