Wth is architecture.

(SOURCE: http://daniel-libeskind.com/projects/royal-ontario-museum/images)

What the heck IS architecture?

Today, we were told to read something out of one of our assigned (but "free," thank goodness!) textbooks by our professor. We then discussed how many different industries, such as the automobile industry and the process of plane-making, have been modernized since they originated. Their methods have been streamlined and have become more economical by reducing the number of parts and/or labor force. Architecture, on the other hand, has seemed to go in the almost opposite direction unfortunately. While we now have the machinery, materials, and manpower to do the job quicker, the design processes seem to get longer, and the projects, more complicated. 

     If this trend continues the way it is now, soon Architecture may well be a thing of the past.

Or will it? What do we even consider architecture? There are new houses and buildings being built everyday without the use of an architect.  Now what the heck do we call that? Is that new building or house simply "not architecture", or is it still considered architecture since it stemmed from the mind of a person who, while not professionally trained, designed the building?

     Architecture shouldn't just be saved for the use of professionals. Any one person has the ability to design and create something of their own imagination and attempt to fabricate it. It should not be a standard that we have to live up to nor conform to. Architecture is the free-flowing ideas and plans that are so-crazy-they-just-might-work hammered and buffed out into a real life plan or design. It should capture your eyes as well as your mind when you look upon a great design that someone, somewhere, created.

That's what architecture is to me.

     It also depends on the "eye of the beholder." For some people, the first image may be a wonderful building with the daring slopes and well-thought out plans, while this last photo may be seen as a hoax if someone were to DARE call it "architecture." However, for whoever received this little hut-on-wheels as their new home, probably wanted to shout it out from the rooftops and now love that little mobile closet like they haven't anything else in a while. Who knows if that's true, but that's what architecture is to me. It has an innumerable number of variables while changing its appearance and meaning everyday. Architecture is an art with so many other things mixed in.

                                           *Steps off soapbox*

 (And no it's not a fridge even though that's definitely the door's origin.)

          SOURCE: http://www.viralnova.com/used-garbage-homeless-shelters/

Check out the link for a cool little story on the "huts!"