Culture and Architecture: Pre-Greeks and Now
John Lautner would argue that the purpose of architecture is to “Improve human life. To create timeless, free, joyous, spaces for all activities in life...” (Lautner). Others may add that architecture is a product of the culture that it was designed for, and that architects seek to design spaces for the times and people who will use them (“Architecture Reflects Culture”). One may see this philosophy of architecture within the pre-Greek civilization (Minoans, Mycenaeans, and Athenians) which effortlessly displays the connection between a society’s culture and its buildings. These civilizations created the foundation of classical architecture which has dominated the western world for centuries and continues to influence modern architecture today. Therefore, the purpose of this essay is to explore how the architecture of the ancient Greeks reflects the culture of their civilization, and how they compare with modern governmental buildings in Washington D.C. Palace ...