العربية
Culture is an essential element of the people-based architectural process,
as architect Alvar Aalto stated that:
“The ultimate goal of the architect… is to create paradise.
Every house, every architectural product… should be the fruit of our quest to build an earthly paradise for people.
This is why culture is an essential element in the architectural process.
Since the days of the Greek Parthenon and the Colosseum of Rome,
architectural design has contributed to cultures around the world.
Modern civilization has united the world beyond cultural ties more than ever before.
Which led to blurring of lines in the architectural field.
However, architecture and culture remain intertwined even in the most modern countries.
The historical influence of culture on architecture
Before travel between different countries becomes too easy and the architectural gaps between cultures begin to disappear,
Counties around the world had very unique architectural styles that represented their cultures.
Given the traditional design of buildings from the culture’s history,
it would be impossible to confuse one with the other.
We know that those strong and sturdy columns belong to Greece or Rome.
The pagoda makes us think of China and the other Asian countries it influenced.
Federal-style architecture is an unmistakably American look.
While architectural styles have often expanded across countries and transcended cultural boundaries,
Architectural design has always been an instantly recognizable staple of culture.
Some of them are so strongly associated with culture that they have become landmarks.
The unique designs of different cultures have become distinctive attractions and a must-see for tourists in these countries.
This includes antiquities from Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Aztecs,
which take us back to ancient cultures and imagine the lives they lived.
From the beautiful, casual view of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, and the stunning Taj Mahal in India,
The traditional Westminster Abbey in England,
the famous French Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the historic Cordoba Mosque in Spain,
And the very colorful and instantly recognizable St. Peter’s Church.
From St. Basil’s Cathedral in Russia, to the iconic American building,
the White House, architectural designs have long demonstrated their importance as part of culture.
Current global architectural trends
As globalization has brought massive changes around the world, individual cultures have created a lesser impression of architecture.
Instead, a more contemporary look is the goal in new designs around the world,
giving rise to uniformity in architecture around the world.
The BMW Welt in Germany, the Guangzhou Opera House in China,
and the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain are all very impressive,
But they also all seem to be of the same architectural style,
despite being in different countries with widely different cultures.
Starting in the 20th century, we see much less variation between building design around the world.
The new contemporary style does not hamper the site,
but rather leaves its mark in the designs of different countries.
As a result, buildings are no longer unique to their individual countries.
Cultural inspiration in contemporary designs
Current design trends are not enough to prevent culture from playing its role in architecture design.
When it is important enough, aspects of a country’s culture are showcased in unique architectural designs.
Examples of the continuing influence of culture can be found throughout the world.
In Italy and Norway, we find references to the same sites.
Buildings in Mexico and Japan are noted for their historic buildings and ancient architectural styles.
In China and Russia, specific icons of cultural significance are used as designs.
The continuing influence of culture on architectural design
Culture has always played a role in architectural design.
Although modern day designs may seem homogeneous,
the influence of culture can still be found throughout the world.
Contemporary buildings may take inspiration from the architecture of the past,
showcase a unique aspect of the site, or reference specific iconography of cultural significance.
However, it appears in current architecture, and culture will continue to have its influence on designs.
