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Classical Architecture
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There are many ways of viewing the history of architecture, i.e. the view of classical western architecture as opposed to eastern architecture. The progress of cities in the east such as those in China and Japan are not included in this account, but they involved a progress in natural sciences and technologies that were highly advanced and sophisticated. To this day, the major urban centres of all of the countries in the world form part of a global trade route that interconnects these diverse cultures. The historical path of many of the world's cultures are linked to both natural and classical architecture.
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In the rural surrounds and in cultural hubs of these city centres exist various architectures that demonstrate the belief systems and views of the natural world. These examples of natural architecture have paved their own course of existence to this day. Despite the view that there is a more recent resurgence in natural architecture or that it forms part of the pluralism of postmodernism, natural architecture stands out as a cultural theory defined by the enduring partnership between man and nature.
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In contrast to the path of natural architecture, the path of classical, modernist and postmodernist theories, is laced with milestones and events that helped shape changes in thinking, design and construction. Some of the periods and influences are noted on the model - providing a simplified view.
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Egypt provides us with archaeological evidence of two converging worlds. Urbanisation and rural nomadic life played a significant role in the development of architecture. Technologies in construction, visual languages and belief systems are among the features of this period. The emergence of the Greeks as a world power allowed their culture to flourish. The Greeks are credited with having built more than just monumental structures. Their way of thinking is acknowledged to have built the foundations of western civilisation. An important feature of Greek and Italian architecture is the change and advancement in mathematics and geometry. From the Roman Empire through to the Victorian Era there were advances in design and construction, as well as a series of periods with emphasis on decoration.
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It important to understand how Classical architecture contributed to the development of modernist thinking. The Industrial Revolution provided a major turning point leading to modernism. Modernism held many ideals and provided the foundation for structured thinking in Information Technology.
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