architecture
('a:kitektju¶(r)). sb. [a. F. architecture (? or It. architettura), ad. L. architectura, f. architect-us: see ARCHITECT sb. and -URE.]
1. The art or science of building or constructing edifices of any kind for human use. Regarded in this wide application, architecture is divided into civil, ecclesiastical, naval, military, which deal respectively with houses and other buildings (such as bridges) of ordinary utility, churches, ships, fortification. But architecture is sometimes regarded solely as a fine art, and then has the narrower meaning explained in quots. 1849, 1879 below.
1563 SHUTE (title) The first and chief Grounds of Architecture vsed in all the auncient and famous monyments. 1581 W. STAFFORD Exam. Compl. i. (1876)24 Architecture, that is to say, the scyence of building. 1756 BURKE Subl. & B. Wks. I. 292 The management of light is a matter of importance in architecture. 1800 J. CHARNOCK (title) History of Marine Architecture. 1849 RUSKIN Sev. Lamps i. §1. 7 Architecture is the art which so disposes and adorns the edifices raised by man . . that the sight of them contributes to his mental health, power, and pleasure. 1879 G. SCOTT Lect. Archit. II. 292 Architecture as distinguished from mere building, is the decoration of construction.
(exerpt from Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition 1989)
Design is not an added expense . . . . . . It is an added Value.
Design makes the difference between a place that simply exists and a place that can thrive for many years to come . . . .
. . . . . . . . most sustainable result of all.
~ Richard Rogers, Architect