Theories & Approaches
Our beliefs shape the way we build. The resources on this page explore a variety of philosophical approaches to building design. From ancient Eastern philosophies like Feng Shui to modernism and Bauhaus, these ideas offer much insight into the world's great architecture. Compiled by Jackie Craven.
Dream Houses
Do the houses we imagine reflect who we are? Psychologists have theories about the relationship between the self and architecture.
Do the houses we imagine reflect who we are? Psychologists have theories about the relationship between the self and architecture.
What is Modernism in Architecture?
Modernist architects attempt to apply scientific, analytical methods to design. Use these resources to learn more about modernism in architecture.
Modernist architects attempt to apply scientific, analytical methods to design. Use these resources to learn more about modernism in architecture.
What is Bauhaus? What is the International Style?
Flat roofs, smooth façades and cubic shapes characterize the Bauhaus style. Here's an easy introduction to the Bauhaus movement and the International Style, with links and photos.
Flat roofs, smooth façades and cubic shapes characterize the Bauhaus style. Here's an easy introduction to the Bauhaus movement and the International Style, with links and photos.
What is Structuralism in Architecture?
Structuralist architects view design as a process of searching for basic, underlying structures. Here's an easy introduction with photo and links.
Structuralist architects view design as a process of searching for basic, underlying structures. Here's an easy introduction with photo and links.
What is Deconstructivism in Architecture?
Deconstructivist buildings may seem to have no visual logic. Use this quick reference to learn more about deconstructivism in architecture.
Deconstructivist buildings may seem to have no visual logic. Use this quick reference to learn more about deconstructivism in architecture.
What is Formalism in Architecture?
Formalism in building design emphasizes highly structured visual relationships. Here's a photo and easy definition.
Formalism in building design emphasizes highly structured visual relationships. Here's a photo and easy definition.
What is Postmodernism in Architecture?
Postmodernist architects use familiar shapes and details in unexpected, and sometimes amusing, ways. This page is your introduction to the postmodern movement, with photos, links, and resources.
Postmodernist architects use familiar shapes and details in unexpected, and sometimes amusing, ways. This page is your introduction to the postmodern movement, with photos, links, and resources.
Sacred Geometry And Architecture
From the pyramids in Egypt to the new World Trade Center tower in New York, architecture uses the same essential building blocks as your body. Believers say that when we recognize and build upon these archetypal patterns, we create dwellings that comfort and inspire.
From the pyramids in Egypt to the new World Trade Center tower in New York, architecture uses the same essential building blocks as your body. Believers say that when we recognize and build upon these archetypal patterns, we create dwellings that comfort and inspire.
Top Ten Trends in Home Design
Tomorrow's homes are on the drawing board and they are nothing like the places you may recall from your childhood. Watch for these important trends in home design.
Tomorrow's homes are on the drawing board and they are nothing like the places you may recall from your childhood. Watch for these important trends in home design.
Books on Architecture Ideas and Theory
Books that explore ideas and philosophies in architecture, from Jungian psychology to the role of sex in design.
Books that explore ideas and philosophies in architecture, from Jungian psychology to the role of sex in design.
Books on School Design
Recommended texts and guidelines for planning and designing school buildings.
Recommended texts and guidelines for planning and designing school buildings.
Is a Bonfire Architecture?
After the death of twelve students in the 1999 bonfire accident at Texas A & M, authorities questioned what regulations should apply to temporary structures. Should a bonfire be governed by the same laws as an office building or a bridge? What is "architecture"?
After the death of twelve students in the 1999 bonfire accident at Texas A & M, authorities questioned what regulations should apply to temporary structures. Should a bonfire be governed by the same laws as an office building or a bridge? What is "architecture"?