Every culture has its understanding of what is beautiful in architecture. Film-goers in the 20s might have loved the elaborate designs in "Citizen Kane," while current viewers are drawn to minimalistic productions like Stanley Kubrick’s "2001: A Space Odyssey." Have you ever wondered about what made these trends happen? Check out this article today to find out!

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons. Çatalhöyük is one of the first known human settlements.

How Architecture Can Be traced Back To Describe Civilizations Through Time

Throughout the centuries, Architecture has played a huge role in shaping our society. The point from where it all began is too long ago to know exactly, however, one of the first-ever human settlements that can be dated with certainty is Çatalhöyük. This rural habitation site was occupied from c.6000 BC and includes over 10,000 sq meters of space divided into 90 areas covered with a woven matting of branches or other sheeting materials.

Published in 1895, Frederick J. Dyer’s "Review of the Civil Engineering of Rome" provides descriptions related to how he observes that architecture changed throughout time.

"Particularly noteworthy is the roadway with tufa-supported vaulting overspreading the high-level branch against which, as a cautionary measure against destructive overflow, was an ancient wooden gutter, now decayed away". – Frederick

This is an example of Roman road construction. It is not completely known who developed this technology and how it was developed, however, it is widely accepted that the ancient Romans were likely the first to create a "concrete" of lime, sand, and water. An integral element to today’s day technology was the introduction of brick in Roman society. The technology for creating this material made its way throughout the Roman Empire to places, such as Egypt, Palestine, Greece, and North Africa. Their use of concrete led to the second architectural revolution in Rome during the 1st century B.C.

Whether it can be attributed to religious beliefs or secular culture, governments, wealth, etc., the fact of the matter is that architecture has long been the most expressive medium for humans. Two threads through each story are access to materials – what was available at the time – and how monumental or delicate the region was. Extending back through the pre-history of humankind is an amazing story of shifting styles and clever architectural invention with no end in sight.

Architectural Styles And The Society They Represent

Architecture shapes our social life. When architects design a new building, they first determine the budget and the client’s needs. They also research current architectural trends. With more people considering sustainability as an important feature of buildings nowadays, some buildings must be more environmentally friendly.

In ancient times—when most common people did not have access to education—architectures were grand edifices that had indications that some great power resided inside them. In today’s times, as more people can read, there is more focus on how clients want to feel about their requirements for accessibility and whether or not we respect their existing architecture and community identity.

I remember the movie "Gods of Egypt" where Set (Gerard Butler) puts very high regard on Urshu (Rufus Sewell) during the construction of his tower. This is a representation of how even the kings used to regard Architects as someone who was masters of their craft.

While going through Royale Impex’s conversation with Padmini Pandey, on being asked about her favorite project, she discusses "It would have to be Taj Aravali, Udaipur. The project is very close to my heart not just cause of its size but the entire journey that I had with it." and continues, "The entire project has a lot of landscaping as it’s based on the Aravali hills and in a city, which is known for traditional architecture, I decided to go contemporary with my design."

Introducing: Collective Memories

There are 7 types of collective memories that represent community identity. These are the super cultural memories, transpersonal memory, subcultural memory, subliminal memory, subliminal collectivity, cultural mask rites, and ritual objects. The first three were collectively built to shape who we are as a community because they represented our shared cultural skillsets.

Collective memories are those stories, thoughts, and emotions from two or more people that make us what we are. Collective memories cannot exist as a single memory because humans need an audience to communicate with to share emotions. In architecture, collective memories remain through the very life of a place.

One way this memory can live on is by using a color palette to bring back certain feelings. This is something that has been used in much of classical Chinese architecture for centuries. These types of colors embody specific feelings in the very literal sense. Blue is nature and red is safety, with yellow creating emotions of happiness.

"You need to respect the location of every project; it’s always good to incorporate the local technique, skills, and craftsmen of the location into your design." – Padmini Pandey

The design and materials we use in buildings and structures have been altered dramatically over the years. Fortunately, I think you now have a better idea about what these changes mean. You must explore for yourself to find out the answer.

The evolution of architecture led to the development and change in members of society. With this, we were better able to progress and make advances in technology and culture. Lately, this has all changed and we need to change again, look around, and find new ways for architecture to evolve within us.

Read the entire conversation of Padmini with Royale Impex here.