What Is Architecture?

What Even Is Architecture?

After three decades or so of playing one sort of technology-related architect role or another, there came a point when I found myself confronted with some profound questions...

• What do architects do exactly?
• What even is architecture?
• Why do we need architecture to begin with?

While my intent in answering these questions was not necessarily to go on what would end up being an 18-month intellectual wander, I did take the time to explore the concept of architecture deeply - down to its most fundamental elements - and understand how it helps us to shape the world around us.

Architect Thinking

I am proud to introduce my thoughts and reflections on the concept of architecture, breaking it down to the most atomic level possible and building back up towards the thinking behind architecture and how it influences our lives as humans - shaping the spaces and structures where we live, work, learn, and play.

Whether physical, digital, or some other conceptual or logical type, learning how to think about architecture in terms of the design and implementation of structures and flows will help you make sense of the creative and technical elements underlying any architecture.

Learning how to think like an architect will help you develop a deeper understanding of the designs inherent in the systems, structures, and spaces that we interact with as humans.

With enough practice by way of practical application, architectural thinking provides a framework for approaching and solving complex challenges in a multi-disciplined and multi-perspective manner, combining the rigor of science and engineering with creativity, innovation, and aesthetic beauty.

Our Journey Together

This content will not be prescriptive in nature. There are no right or wrong answers. There won't be a test at the end.

In fact, you might find all of this to be a little abstract...

...and that's kinda the point.

I want to take you on a little journey into the mind of an achitect, taking a holistic view of architecture, with an emphasis on the importance of thoughtful design and implementation.

I will not be telling you how to be an architect, especially an architect in any specific domain - whether that's a building architect, a software architect, or anything beyond or in-between.

What I will do is show you the thinking involved in designing and implementing architecture, no matter what type of architecture we're talking about.

My objective with this series is to paint a comprehensive picture for you that introduces the fundamental principles and thought processes behind both the concept and discipline of architecture.

This series is designed to explore architecture in its broadest sense, encompassing physical, digital, and conceptual forms.

Whether you are an actual architect, or an aspiring one, or just someone interested in the abstract thinking involved in designing and implementing structures and flows, this series offers my insights into the art and science of architecture.

Series Structure

From a structure perspective, I've divided What Is Architecture? into 6 individual sections, with each one focusing on a different aspect of architecture.

What is Architecture?

Serving as both the opening and title track of the series, this is my attempt to provide a fundamental and foundational understanding of what architecture is, what architecture does, and how architecture impacts our daily lives.

What is Design?

This section uncovers the essence of design, examining its role in problem solving, communication, and balancing form and function.

We examine the iterative nature of design, as well as the design process itself, from ideation to final implementation of the design.

How is Design Implemented?

Here we analyze the practical aspects of bringing a design to life, including:

• Planning
• Modeling
• Simulation
• Development
• Engineering
• Testing
• Deployment
• Observation
• Monitoring
• Feedback
• Refinement
• Optimization

With each step ensuring the design is executed effectively, and meets its intended goals in a thoughtful and disciplined way.

What Are Structures?

In this section, we define structures and their importance in architecture.

We discuss various types of structures, the purposes they serve, and how they are designed and implemented to enable stable and functioning systems.

What Are Flows?

Here our focus is on the concept of flows, which are how elements within a system interact, to facilitate the movement of something through a system.

We examine the nature of flows, the various types of flows, the purposes flows serve, and how flows are integrated into architectural designs to enable consistency, stability, and reliable throughput.

How Are Structures and Flows Related?

Finally, we explore the relationship between structures and flows, highlighting their interconnected nature, how they influence each other, and how they work together to enable movement through a system.

We discuss designing structures and flows for optimization, and the impact of design on overall system performance.

Up Next

My hope is that by understanding the principles and process underlying architecture, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the complex, abstract, and creative thinking involved in architecture - regardless of its specific type or application.

Sound good? Ready to dive in?