Architects on Architecture

 Before planning and design considerations in architecture, it is interesting to study different views of architects and architecture. To the French architect Aguste Perret, "An architect is a poet who thinks and speaks in terms of construction".  

According to the American architect Louis Sullivan. "The true work of the architect is to organize, integrate and glorify utility. Then and then only he is truly a master of work." Further he defines design as "The architect's graphical solution of a project or a program economically, structurally and aesthetically". 

Vitruvius, the first century Roman writer in his De Architecture Libri Decem (Ten Books on Architecture) has stated the first principles and requirements of design: "Utilitas, Firmitas, Venustas", i.e., utility (good planning for usefulness of area and space), sound construction, and pleasing appearance are the principles of good architecture. As these principles can never be rejected entirely, revolutionary architecture was based on notions added to the above three principles. To this trinity, the idea of space as a positive architectural quality was added. 

Le Corbusier in France, Behrens and Gropius in Germany, Oud and Dudock in Holland, Mackintosh in Scotland and Frank Lloyd Wright in USA were responsible for changing the concepts of architecture, and they can be called the founders of modern architecture. 

Frank Lloyd Wright defined modern architecture as "power" that is to say, material resources directly applied to purpose. 

Le Corbusier defined architecture not in Vitruvian terms, but in terms of the sculptured effects of light and shade, "Architecture," he wrote, "is the masterly correct and magnificent play of masses brought together in light. This cubes, cones, spheres, cylinders or pyramids are the great primary forms which light reveals to advantage; they are not only beautiful forms." He also stated that the so called architecture does not exist, only functions exist. Modern architecture consists of functionalism and simplicity using new methods of construction for new materials. 

J N L Durand an architect of the nineteenth century, said ornament had nothing to do with architectural beauty. Since a building is only beautiful when it satisfies a need, whether we consult our reason or examine ancient monuments, it is evident that the primary purpose of architecture has never been to please, nor has architectonic decoration been its object. Public and private usefulness, and the happiness and preservation of mankind are the aims of architecture. He explains functionalism by saying, "Does not one building automatically differ from another building if it is planned in a manner suited to its destined usage? And do not the different parts of the buildings, by being destined for different usages, necessarily differ from one another? Thus one should not strive to make a building pleasing, since if one concerns oneself solely with the fulfilment of practical requirements, it is impossible that it should not be pleasing. Architects should concern themselves with planning and with nothing else!". 

Durand goes on to say, "There are only two problems in architecture, first the problem of private buildings which was how to provide the optimum accommodation for the smallest sums of money; and second, the problem of public buildings which was how to provide the maximum accommodation for a given sum". 

Architect V S Parmar has stated, " The overall design purpose of any building is determined by its aesthetics/function ratio, this ratio being a product of cultural value placed upon that building. The aesthetic component of that ratio may be motivated either by symbolism or emotional interest".