Social Dimensions of Architecture

Abstract

        Architecture is a reflection of social interactions. Architectural configurations which are defined by forms, spaces, façade and functions have continually evolved under the influence of everchanging social conditions. History shows that the world has experienced several shifts in social paradigms. Each resulted in a profound transformation of society in nearly all aspects. And for each, architecture always transformed itself, despite taking some time, by leaving its old conventions to meet new requirements of the new dominant paradigm. Accordingly, a deep understanding of how architecture works and develops through time, in other words the historical account of architecture, requires an insight into the interrelation between social environment and built environment. The paper outlines the changing social context from pre-modern era to present days, then puts architectural movement into such context, and clarifies how they are related.