The Architectural Dictionary
The definition of ARCHITECTURE. noun
ar·chi·tec·ture [ahr-ki-tek-cher]
The definition of architecture is 1. the profession of designing buildings, open areas, communities, and other artificial constructions and environments, usually with some regard to aesthetic effect. Architecture often includes design or selection of furnishings and decorations, supervision of construction work, and the examination, restoration, or remodeling of existing buildings. 2. the character or style of building: the architecture of Paris; Romanesque architecture. 3. the action or process of building; construction. 4. the result or product of architectural work, as a building. 5. buildings collectively.
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The Terminology (under construction - ETA April 2012)
Adaptive Reuse - Old buildings often outlive their original purposes. Adaptive reuse, or re-use, is a process that adapts buildings for new uses while retaining their historic features. An old factory may become an apartment building. A rundown church may find new life as apartments or hotel. Great examples are in The Netherlands where the number of christians and catholics has dropped so significantly that every week several churches are converted into housing, restaurants, exhibitions etc.
Adobe - Adobe is a term widely used in the southwestern United States and Spanish speaking countries. Although the word is often used to describe an architectural style, adobe is actually a building material. Adobe "bricks" are usually made with tightly compacted earth, clay, and straw. However, construction methods and the composition of the adobe will vary according to climate and local customs. Sometimes an asphalt emulsion is added to help waterproof the adobe bricks. A mixture of Portland cement and lime may also be added, but these materials will add to the cost. In parts of Latin America, fermented cactus juice is used for waterproofing. (ADOBE is also the manufacturer of software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and many more).
Antebellum - Antebellum means "before war" in Latin. The term Antebellum architecture refers to elegant plantation homes built in the American South during the 30 years or so preceding the Civil War. Antebellum is not a particular house style. Rather, it is a time and place in history. The features we associate with Antebellum architecture were introduced to the American South by Anglo-Americans who moved into the area after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
Antebellum - Antebellum means "before war" in Latin. The term Antebellum architecture refers to elegant plantation homes built in the American South during the 30 years or so preceding the Civil War. Antebellum is not a particular house style. Rather, it is a time and place in history. The features we associate with Antebellum architecture were introduced to the American South by Anglo-Americans who moved into the area after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
Architectural Dictionary.
We love architecture and we greatly enjoy sharing our ideas with you. An important factor in architecture is the terminology and what it really means. Architecture is in a way a language in itself as it holds more expression than we can provite in a tectual explanation, however as times change we must be able to share this knowledge. Think of terms like Parametric design, self-sufficient design, Generative architecture and much more. These terms are relatively new, however they are not all interpreted the same way. Our goal is to share these definitions so that everyone has a fair idea of what specific terms mean.
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