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There is only one conceivable constant in architecture and that is change. It is time that brings about this change which is inevitable, as we are an ever evolving existence. Before and during this change we must learn from our predecessors and peers. As we do this we pick up on their strong points and incorporate their ideas within our own. Thus, the cliche, the more things change the more they stay the same. It has long been said that all we can do is redesign the design we know, the design we have seen and experienced. As we learn our lessons and study the precedents set forth, we develop a style not wholly our own. This style may be creative, inventive, and appear new, however; it will always be compared and rooted in what has come prior to its realization.

I see architecture as the creating of buildings through the manipulation of forms. Forms that take the shape of such simple geometry as the square, the circle and the triangle. A joining of these elementary forms to create new and exciting forms. Where the forms planes are added to and subtracted from to create more complex forms. A manipulation through which the forms are stacked, twisted, clustered together, and penetrated.

It's the voids of space created by the above mentioned manipulation. Its the quality of spaces, the proportions, and shear volumes of space formed by voids and solids. Its the shades of coloring applied to those forms, the texturing we add that contrast, accent, and articulate the surfaces of those forms.

Before we can apply the knowledge we have learned previously, we must consider other factors we can not control such as nature. The sun, the wind, and rain are ever present and they are our main reason for searching for shelter in the first place. Natural lighting accentuates surfaces with shadows and is quite capable of defining space. Forms can be manipulated in such a way as to take advantage of the sun and the prevailing winds.

In addition to nature which is a part of the existing context, there may be other forms already existing. Building features that your design will have to address if it is to exist harmoniously on the site. There is most likely an existing society and cultural beliefs that will also help to prescribe vocabulary for designing.

This essential vocabulary of architecture consist of forms, spaces, volumes, light, and nature. We can choose our methods of construction and how we stack and articulate the buildings, but we must always be considerate of nature and build with it in mind for its assets, aesthetically speaking, far out weigh its debts Thus, architecture is an artistic expression applied through the manipulation of the constants and this is what constitutes building.

Through this process of creating forms and the art of building we have the distinct opportunity to create an environment. To change for the better and in some unfortunate cases for the worse these environments. This opportunity when taken full advantage of creates experiences through the manipulation, it creates not just the simple form, but creates excitement, drama, sadness, and any number of other feelings. In other words architecture in addition to being functional has meaning; it is not just blocks of volume in space. Architecture is time, change, culture, experience, and the simple definition architecture is the art of building is quite an understatement. It is so much more; so breath it, eat it, love it, and most importantly live it.

An architect is the person responsible for creating the architecture that I have just described. The soul duty of an architect is to serve the public, to meet and surpass, if possible, a client's needs. Through the manipulation of forms one attempts to meet these needs. An architect must perform several tasks including designer, artist, problem solver, project manager, and construction supervisor. In most cases he possess a creative mind which allows for inventive solutions to the problems at hand. An architect is responsible for the design of a structure and how it relates to the environment.

Eliezer