A letter
Adaptation
Modifying a place to suit the existing use or a proposed use. It contains an array of strategies and measures that are available and appropriate for addressing adaptation needs. They include a wide range of actions that can be categorised as structural, institutional, or social. It is a rearrangement to original use with technical and social improvements for better use, for prolongation its life or for changing applicability.
Adaptive reuse
Also called building reuse, refers to the repurposing of an existing structure or building for new use or new program. Adaptive reuse architecture introduces new programs into historic structures by converting them into something useful for the surrounding, like low-income housing, student housing, community centres, or mixed-use creative venues. That means that older place-making structures and facades are not torn down, but used and filled by necessary new programs.
Aesthetics
Experiencing, perceiving and feeling what is seen through a range of emotions - the body's response on an emotional level when perceiving what is seen. It considers what happens in our minds when we engage with aesthetic objects or environments such as viewing visual art, listening to music, reading poetry, experiencing a play, or exploring nature. The philosophy of architecture and art specifically studies how artists imagine, create, and perform works, as well as how people use it, feel, enjoy, and criticise it. Aesthetics considers why people like some works of art and not others, as well as how art can affect moods or even our beliefs.
Anastylosis
Anastylosis (from the Ancient Greek: αναστήλωσις, -εως; ανα, ana = "again", and στηλόω = "to erect [a stela or building]") is an archaeologicalArchaeological term for a reconstruction technique whereby a ruined building or monument is restored using the original architectural elements to the greatest degree possible, combined with modern materials if necessary, ensuring that the latter are unobtrusive while clearly recognizable as replacement materials.
Anthropometris
A comparative study of the measurements and capabilities of the human body. It derives from the Greek words 'anthropos' (meaning human), and 'metron' (meaning measure). Basically, each tool used in anthropometric studies serves as an identification tool. It is used to understand human physical variation, and in various attempts to relate physical to racial and psychological traits. In addition, anthropometry also involves a systematic measurement of the physical properties of the human body, especially the dimensions of the size and shape of the human body. The basic principle of anthropometrics is that building design must be adapted to fit the dimensions of the human body and human motion. Rather than people having to adapt to fit the design of the building. The importance of buildings that are in accordance with human needs, will produce ergonomic principles that are useful in daily activities.
Analysis
Separation of any material or abstract entity into its constituent elements (opposed to synthesis). Is a process as a method of studying the nature of something or of determining its essential features and their relations. Is the process of breaking a complex topic or substance into smaller parts in order to gain a better understanding of it. Is a process of studying the object by its primary elements in technical, social and meaning sense and the relations between them.
Ancient Egyptian architecture (3750 BC - 400 AD)
The Ancient Egyptians developed important architectural monuments, the most famous being the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx of Giza. Due to Egypt’s location, buildings and monuments were predominately constructed using hardened mud, bricks and limestone,as a result of there being a scarcity of wood. Many of the buildings were aligned astronomically and built by slaves.
Ancient Greek architecture (900 BC - 300 AD)
Ancient Greek architecture is best known from its temples, as well as developing civic, and religious ideals. It features diverse range of public buildings, ranging from open-air theatres and public squares to public monuments. Architectural design adopted highly formalised decorative and structural characteristics, with a clear evolution of architectural style through three defined orders: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian.
Architectural landscape
Limited area with similar architectural characteristics. It covers a spatial unit, which has because of the special geographical, weather, cultural, economical and other circumstances similar architectural characteristics and its recognizable identity, by elements with their relationship between them and influences on the whole, in both applicability and visual sense. >> Cultural landscape >> Landscape
Architecture
Design and construction of buildings, literal translation from Greek: 'firm stand'. It has evolved over human history in response to our changing needs, innovation in building technology design, and changes in the way we view the world around us. Part response to society’s functional needs and part creative expression, it offers the scope to shape our environment for either better or worse. The practice of architecture provides us with a built environment where buildings function as places of work, as homes and as public spaces.
Architectural conservation
From an architectural point of view it means all the processes of looking after a building or place to retain its architectural and cultural significance. In this are included processes (of use, construction and visibility) for retaining the original essence of a building, using original or other materials but with the notice, not to spoil the visual significance. >> Building conservation >> Conservation
Art Deco (around 1925)
Emerged in France in the 1920’s and quickly spread throughout the world. It was a glamorous, but eclectic movement that embraced modernism and traditionalism. It was characterised by using new materials, bold geometric form and a modern ‘machine age’ aesthetic, but at the same time it incorporated extensive and luxurious ornamentation.
Art nouveau (1890 to 1910)
Was symptomatic of a struggle between the old and the new. Whilst it rejected some of the revivalist styles of the 19th century, it did adopt some of the elements of Rococo, with organic forms and applied art typified by Hector Guimard’s Paris metro entrances. Notable exponents of art nouveau in architecture include Mackintosh and Gaudi. Art nouveau is known in different languages by different names: Jugendstil in German, Stile Liberty in Italian, Modernisme català in Catalan, etc. In English it is also known as the Modern Style.
Authenticity
Elements of the same origin, identity. All cultural properties must meet the fundamental condition of authenticity in order to demonstrate their Outstanding Universal Value. An authentic property expresses its cultural values in a truthful and credible way through a variety of attributes such as its form, materials, function, management system, location, spirit, etc.