A language can be defined as a system of communication, organised in a structured and conventional way. In this sense, architecture can surely be considered a language. It follows its own rules and standards, while still allowing unique variations and experimentation, like we do when we use language. I had never considered architecture a language before, but I have always known that it does convey "messages"and ideas. The passage gave me a much clearer idea of how exactly architects communicate via their architectural designs and how much thought and work goes behind one architectural form.
Architects want to express and state something with their designs. And they do so, by choosing a certain image for their building to communicate. This is not at all an easy task and is only achieved using certain approaches. These are the building program, building type, site, architect's style, behavioural and environmental studies and building technologies. These are all important issues that the architect should address in the design process, however in certain designs, the architect regards some as having the out-most importance, while others coming in second.
After, choosing the right image for the building to communicate, the architect must then choose the appropriate techniques for the design to successfully convey this image. These are the visual-ordering techniques, and they include proximity diagramming, signs and symbols, gestalts, vignettes, archetypes and patterns. Again, the architect uses these techniques based on their importance and appropriateness. These techniques are called visual techniques, because even though we perceive architecture with the combination of all our senses, our visual perception is the one primarily addressed. However there are other modes that architects use, that relate to our other senses.
It is very important that during the whole design process, the architect is highly critical and a judge of his design. In this way he can avoid errors that will affect his final solution, but also come up with the most favorable design.
A good architect can mesh all these together, and create architecture that conveys the right message appropriately, while still making it enjoyable and elegant.
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