The definition of architecture tends to depend on the context on what is being described. However, the dictionary definition of architecture is “the art or science of designing and building buildings, structures, objects, and outdoor spaces.” Architecture, as well as many other aspects of human design and art is very hard to come up with an exact definition. Because of this, definitions must be broad in order to include the very large varieties of style. For example, by using definition alone, it can be hard to differentiate between architecture and some styles of visual art such as statues and sculptures. To some people, they might even consider statues and sculptures a subcategory of architecture. A definition can greatly help narrow down what architecture can be, but the fine lines of what is architecture and what isn’t ultimately comes down to the thoughts of the viewer. Whenever someone mentions architecture, most people will tend to think of buildings, and usually ones that are elaborate and/or well known such as the Pyramids of Egypt or the White House. However, architecture certainly is not only limited to buildings. The Great Wall of China, for example, is obviously not a building but it definitely is a wonderful piece of architecture. When it comes down to it, to some people even a cup could be considered a piece of architecture when they think about everything that went into making it such as all the different variations of cups and the science that goes into it.
Sources:
http://wsu.edu/~dee/ARCHI/BASELINE.HTM
http://vimeo.com/3248803
