Roots of Architecture

Architecture is a product of the interaction between form, function, construction and symbolism. The relationships between the various elements are independent of the size or complexity of a construction project: they are essential for simple structures as they are for complex ones. At the same time, these basic principles, which are of fundamental importance to any architect, are not always clearly recognizable in the complex construction projects of more advanced stages of architectural development. This is where an exploration of the root forms of architecture – which fulfill the fundamental demands of construction in the most basic way – opens up new perspectives for a better and more immediate understanding of the relationship between form, construction, function and symbolism. This books considers the development of the basic building types and construction methods of the indigenous architectural traditions of Asia, Africa, America and Oceania with their respective technological and socio-cultural environments, to illustrate the essential principles of building for a holistic perspective.