Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing buildings or other structures. The term comes from Latin architectura; from Ancient Greek ἀρχιτέκτων (arkhitéktōn) 'architect'; from ἀρχι- (arkhi-) 'chief', and τέκτων (téktōn) 'creator'. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilisations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements.
Architecture began as rural, oral vernacular architecture that developed from trial and error to successful replication. Ancient urban architecture was preoccupied with building religious structures and buildings symbolizing the political power of rulers until Greek and Roman architecture shifted focus to civic virtues. Indian and Chinese architecture influenced forms all over Asia and Buddhist architecture in particular took diverse local flavors. During the Middle Ages, pan-European styles of Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals and abbeys emerged while the Renaissance favored Classical forms implemented by architects known by name. Later, the roles of architects and engineers became separated.
Modern architecture began after World War I as an avant-garde movement that sought to develop a completely new style appropriate for a new post-war social and economic order focused on meeting the needs of the middle and working classes. Emphasis was put on modern techniques, materials, and simplified geometric forms, paving the way for high-rise superstructures. Many architects became disillusioned with modernism which they perceived as ahistorical and anti-aesthetic, and postmodern and contemporary architecture developed. Over the years, the field of architectural construction has branched out to include everything from ship design to interior decorating. (Full article...)
Isbjerget (Lit.: The Iceberg) is a residential building in the Aarhus Docklands neighborhood in Aarhus, Denmark. It is situated on the waterfront on Mariane Thomsens Gade and was finished in 2013 after three years of development. The building was designed by four architectural firms, the Danish CEBRA and JDS Architects, French Louis Paillard and Dutch SeARCH, and was funded by the Danish pension fund PensionDanmark.
Isbjerget was the first project to be completed on the former industrial port area, which is being developed into a new residential and commercial neighborhood after the Port of Aarhus was moved to new facilities to the south of the city center. The building complex consists of four buildings with 208 apartments between 55 m2 (590 sq ft) and 200 m2 (2,200 sq ft) both rented and owned. The apartments are either in two stories, double in height or with shifted floor plans, catering to different needs. (Full article...)Featured lists
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