The 11 branches of Architecture (and what each one studies)

In order to achieve the different purposes, architecture has been divided into different specialties or branches, depending on whether the space to be worked with is interior or exterior, if the building to be built is designed as living or as a place of sale or exchange of services, if the climatic characteristics of the area are taken into account or if an attempt is made to affect the environment as little as possible environment.

The need for sound transmission, the use of elements of nature to integrate them into buildings, will also be taken into account. the constructions with industrial purpose that must have very concrete and functional designs the organization and design of cities, of the different zones. Thus, it will be essential that architects who are dedicated to the different branches work together and collaborate with each other and with other construction professionals.

In this article we will mention what we understand by architecture, as well as what are some of the branches that form it, explaining what are the distinctive characteristics of each of them.

• We recommend you read: "The 15 most beautiful places in the world to visit"

What is architecture?

Architecture is the discipline, art and science that allows modifying and changing the human habitat or landscape both interior and exterior, using planning, designs and constructions, which are made keeping in mind the aesthetics, the available space or what will be their purpose or utility.

In this way, the three fundamental principles or elements of architecture will be beauty, utility and firmness of his constructions, that is to say, he must seek the balance of the three in the constitution of his works.

Thus, architecture is divided into different branches according to aesthetics, required functionality or techniques used, thus presenting itself as a very complete discipline and linking at the same time with other professions to complement its job.

The different specialties and branches that make up Architecture

As we have already mentioned, architecture is made up of different branches depending on the purpose or required purpose, the space, whether or not you want to respect the environment or if you work more or less scale.

1. Residential architecture

Residential architecture is the branch of architecture that has the purpose of building houses, livable places for people. In this way, residential architects must know the construction regulations and restrictions of the area, what are the permits necessary and the conditions of the land, in order to meet the demands of the client or construction company in the best possible way, always taking into account that it is a building or functional space, with an aesthetic that the client wants or seeks and trying to adjust the budget.

In other words, this type of architecture allows a greater degree of creativity to adapt to a greater extent to the client's tastes, making it more personal.

2. Commercial architecture

Commercial architecture is the branch of architecture that, unlike the type of architecture raised above, since it focuses on the construction of non-residential buildings, such as shops, shopping centers, museums, hotels, sports centers or hospitals, it is say all kinds of constructions that people do not use in order to be a home or living place.

Therefore the architects dedicated to this branch will seek to design and create buildings that are large, that can accommodate a large number of people and that above all are functional, practical and profitable, in other words that facilitate the exchange of services and optimize the space that admits the largest number of individuals. Although they will also keep in mind in their construction that they are distinctive places and that they attract attention.

3. Acoustic architecture

Acoustic architecture is one of the most specific types of architecture, that is, it is aimed at a specific function, which as we can deduce from its name will be related to acoustics, to the sound. In this way, take care that the design of the building or space is suitable for a correct flow of soundTaking into account the function sought by that construction, for example if it is an auditorium, it will be necessary for the sound of the stage to reach different distances and areas of the room.

In the same way, you must consider both the adequate conduction and dispersion of sound throughout the room, as well as we have already pointed out, such as insulation and soundproofing with other parts of the construction or other buildings. To carry out his task correctly, he will use different materials, as well as play with different shapes and dimensions.

4. Bioclimatic architecture

Bioclimatic architecture is the branch of architecture that designs or carries out its constructions taking into account the conditions of the environment, that is, the environmental or climate resources that you can take advantage of to make the building more efficient.

In this way, it will take into account variables such as sunlight, precipitation such as rain or snow or the wind, in order to be able to use them to obtain energy and also adapt the characteristics of the construction to they. Thus, construction will be made more sustainable, trying to reduce pollution, environmental impact and the consumption of non-renewable energy.

5. Vernacular architecture

Vernacular architecture is one of the oldest branches of architecture that seeks to carry out construction within the earth, in other words, introduce elements of nature into the building or construction, such as designing a home using the space of a cave.

For this reason, given the purpose of this construction, they are mainly located in rural areas where you can find more nature and also generating, in the same way as bioclimatic architecture, a more sustainable type of architecture and less affecting the environment.

6. School architecture

School architecture is also easy to figure out what its function will be, thus focusing on the construction of buildings dedicated especially to education and training. In this way, its main purpose will be to facilitate the transmission of knowledge and make spaces comfortable and safe. Thus, it will be in charge of the design of schools, nurseries, universities or libraries, places oriented to the exchange and acquisition of education.

7. Industrial architecture

Industrial architecture is the branch of architecture aimed at the construction of buildings dedicated to industry or to the production of resources, such as power plants, production plants, warehouses or factories.

For this reason, taking into account how useful the buildings are to be used, it is essential that the designs are functional or efficient for the intended purpose. Also note that the designs in these cases must be especially rigorous and precise given the materials and functions that are carried out in industrial constructions.

8. Sustainable architecture

Sustainable or ecological architecture aims to produce constructions that respect the environment, producing the least amount of waste possible. Therefore, we will try to use materials that are not polluting or that harm the least possible to the environment and if they come from nearby areas, they are local and the workforce is qualified.

9. Landscape architecture

Landscape architecture is the type of architecture centered on the production and design of outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens or walks that can be both private and public.

It will be essential that they have knowledge of gardening, of the most suitable vegetation according to the climate or the construction area. It is also common that sometimes work together with ecological or sustainable architects, before cited, since it is a way of adapting buildings, internal spaces, to the natural environment or space Exterior.

10. Interior architecture

Interior architecture is the specialization of architecture that has the purpose of creating and building internal spaces, this means that it will be in charge of the construction of the interior structure, also having, like the architects of the other branches, knowledge about construction and building methods.

In this way its function will go beyond simply dealing with the design or styling of the space, it will also incorporate work with construction materials and as we have said will deal with the design or structural changes of the inside.

11. Architecture or urban design

The urban designer works on a larger scale than those raised above, in this way he will not be responsible for the design of buildings or specific exterior spaces, but rather will have the function of designing or planning cities, that is, assesses which is the best distribution and organization of the different buildings, for For example, where to put residential buildings, industrial buildings, shops, services public ...

Therefore, it will focus on the layout and planning of the different areas, where each installation should go and how they should organize the streets, working both with projects that start creating from scratch and with cities that need to be redesigned.