An Understanding of Architecture

Architecture as an Art Form

It was much easier to understand architecture if you really saw the grand structures in person rather than just in books or portfolios. I came to that conclusion after a recent trip to London. It was such a lovely experience for me to visit the Leighton House Museum for the first time. It is very different from actually experiencing architecture to have studied it. We were questioned about our views on architecture at the beginning of this class. I was so technical back then. It is the art of building design, I used to say. But after seeing stunning buildings up close, I have to agree that architecture is an art form in and of itself. It is the actual structure, which an architect expertly created as his own work of art. His canvass is the blank space that was there before.

Intriguing Elements of the Leighton House Museum

I was particularly interested by the elements of the building. I was mesmerized by the ceiling, wall, pool, the different heights of the rooms, and especially the Egyptian window on the middle-east part of the Leighton House Museum. Again, all these pieces made me rethink my views on architecture. If I used to think that the blank space is the canvas, now I think that the building itself is a canvas, with all the details and the intricate design waiting to be skillfully placed by an architect.

Architecture as a Reflection of Culture

Architecture is about making and building. At the same time, it is also about showing the culture of a place on a specific time frame. The output of a work in progress does not only depend on the skills and taste of the architect, but also reflects the character of the one who commissioned the work. After reflection and roaming around London, these are the things that were stuck in my mind while appreciating all those beautiful views.