Ever wondered how the ancient architecture in the temples has changed to creating realistic 3D buildings on the screen? Years ago, the field of architecture involved only rough sketches, stones, glass, etc. Fast forwarding to today, architects are learning to code to simplify and optimize their design flow, making everything digital.
So, how did it go from hand drawings to screens? This write-up will help you understand this evolution of architecture.
Evolution of Software Architecture
Temples and Sacred Places
Thousands of years ago, humans figured out that they needed much more than just shelter where they could represent their beliefs and bring their people together. They built temples and sacred places. Think of the Egyptian pyramids or the ancient temples of India, they weren’t just a place to worship. They carved their beliefs on these places to pass on their legacy to the future generation.
Thanjai Periya Kovil still stands tall by speaking about the achievements and the life of Cholas laying a strong foundation for the evolution of temple architecture in India.
Castles & Cathedrals
In Medieval times, people needed a strong place to protect themselves and a secure place to live in. That’s when castles and fortresses came into play. High walls, thick stone, and even moats, these structures were built to keep invaders out.
While fortresses were booming, there was also a rise in cathedrals. Ever heard of Gothic cathedrals? They are religious buildings, particularly notable for their tall structures, intricate designs, and glass buildings. We have to say that architecture in those days was both about beauty and defense.
Renaissance
Renaissance architecture is a European architectural style where architects focus mainly on symmetry, proportion, and geometry of buildings. St. Peter’s Basilica, Italy is one of the best examples to explain this architectural style.
Indian architects took inspiration from this style but added their own twists in making the iconic buildings of our country in those days. This makes a significant chapter in the evolution of Indian architecture, where buildings weren’t just functional but they were with lots of attention to detail.
Imagine walking into the Old Secretariat Building, Chennai. This iconic building exhibits a blend of Indo-Saracenic and Gothic Revival styles, containing elements like arches, domes, and intricate carvings.
The 90’s Era or the Modern Times
In the 19th & 20th centuries, architects started to say goodbye to excessive decorations and welcomed minimalism. This is where minimalism started to bloom. Architects had their clear ideas, open spaces, and minimal decoration. Do you believe steel became popular in the mid-90s making skyscrapers pop up worldwide? Yes, materials like steel and concrete made architects build skyscrapers.
Welcome to the Digital World!
Currently, we are in a digital era where making anything is possible. The evolution of Software Architecture began here. Wait, we understand your puzzle on what software has to do with the buildings. When everything is turning digital, architects also make their design process easier through software.
The drawings that they scribbled on paper have now taken a turn on screens, making it easier for architects to organize and optimize their designs. AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch up, etc are some of the most commonly used software by architects for drawing and even 3D modeling.
Bridging Physical and Digital Worlds
Physical and digital architecture are more interlaced than ever in today’s world. Technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality let architects create and verify their designs before they are even built. Thus, the percentage of error is reduced and customer satisfaction is doubled. With smart building technology, architects instill buildings with sensors and automation where things like lighting and temperature are adjusted automatically based on real-time data.
Fascinating right? Imagine walking into a building that automatically senses the number of people inside and adjusts the air conditioning accordingly making everyone comfortable. It’s like science fiction, yet it’s occurring right now.
The Future – Smart Cities and AI in Architecture
From the intricate ancient temples to minimalistic designs to virtual reality, the architectural evolution is huge. Now, what’s next? We will be moving towards smart cities where buildings and transportation systems get connected. Tired of standing in signals? No worries. Our future technologies will have traffic lights that adjust to prevent jams and spaces will be designed to make life easier for everyone.
Artificial Intelligence is almost dominant in every other sector. And in architecture, AI will do pretty amazing things. As AI continues to grow, we will see more buildings that are responsive, sustainable, and super smart.
Wrapping Up
Architecture is all about meeting the people’s needs, whether creating a place to worship or a smart building to make life easier. The materials, methods, and designs might have changed but the underlying principles like purpose, structure, and stability stay the same.
Technology continues to evolve, and so is the field of architecture. By understanding the past and embracing the future, we can create innovative and sustainable solutions that will benefit both the people and our planet.
