architecture

The word “architecture” means the art and practice of designing and constructing buildings. In plain terms, building design, or (more broadly) how any complex system is structured.

“Architecture” is pronounced AH-kih-tehk-chuh (/ˈɑɹ.kɪˌtɛk.t͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “architecture” used in a sentence: “She studied architecture in Rome for five years.”

“Architecture” is a noun.

The word “architecture” comes from Latin. Borrowed via French from Latin architectura, from Greek arkhitekton — "arkhi-" (chief) plus "tekton" (builder).

“Architecture” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Architecture” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the art and practice of designing and constructing buildings.

Architecture and engineering overlap but focus on different things. Architecture is chiefly concerned with the design of buildings: their appearance, layout, function, and how people experience the space. Engineering focuses on making the structure sound and safe, calculating loads, materials, and systems. On most projects the two disciplines work closely together.

Architecture can be divided by purpose: residential, commercial, industrial, religious, and landscape architecture, among others. It's also grouped by historical style, such as Classical, Gothic, Baroque, Modernist, and Contemporary. Each style reflects the materials, technology, and values of its era, which is why buildings from different periods look so distinct.

Both. Architecture is often called the meeting point of art and science. It demands creative, artistic vision to shape beautiful, meaningful spaces, but also technical knowledge of materials, structure, safety, and building regulations. A successful building has to be as practical and durable as it is pleasing to look at.