Aesthetics and architecture
Aesthetics is a branch of philosophic study that relates to the nature and expression of beauty and taste; in other words, the appearances of things. It is derived from the Greek word ‘aisthetikos’, which refers to sensory perception and understanding or sensuous knowledge. As aesthetics concerns an appreciation of beauty, it is influenced by the subjective taste of an individual.
Like painting and sculpture, architecture can be considered a visual art to which the philosophy of aesthetics can be applied. However, this application of aesthetics to buildings and architecture is complicated by the physical requirements of the brief, budget, structure, regulations, climate, weather, and so on, meaning that building design is driven by form and function as well as aesthetics.
When architects design buildings, they use a creative process to rationalise these different requirements to create a unified whole. For more information, see Concept architectural design.
Aesthetic considerations in architecture might include:
- Line.
- Shape.
- Size.
- Texture.
- Colour.
- Balance.
- Unity.
- Movement.
- Emphasis/contrast.
- Symmetry.
- Space.
- Alignment.
- Culture.
- Context.
For more information, see Design principles.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Aesthetic movement.
- Aesthetics and performance.
- Architectonics.
- Architectural history.
- Architectural styles.
- Building design.
- Concept architectural design.
- Context.
- Contextualism.
- Design intent.
- Design methodology for building projects.
- Design principles.
- Dwarf gallery.
- Ergonomics in construction.
- Form follows function.
- Gothic architecture.
- Monument and context.
- Perspective.
- Towards a radical eclecticism.
- Traditional building.
- Truth to materials.
Featured articles and news
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
ECA launches Welsh Election Manifesto
ECA calls on political parties at 100 day milestone to the Senedd elections.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.
Plastic, recycling and its symbol
Student competition winning, M.C.Esher inspired Möbius strip design symbolising continuity within a finite entity.
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
The Warm Homes Plan details released
What's new and what is not, with industry reactions.
Could AI and VR cause an increase the value of heritage?
The Orange book: 2026 Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018
ECA welcomes IET and BSI content sign off.