Good architecture is difficult to define, and this question is the cause of much debate! One of the best, and arguably oldest definitions comes from the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius, who is famously quoted as saying:
“Well building hath three conditions: firmness, commodity, and delight.” *
In other words, successful architecture must be well built, meet the needs of the client and its users, and be attractive.
There are many different takes on what Vitruvius meant. At the end of the day, architects work for a client, and the client must be happy for a building to be successful. However, one of the professional responsibilities for an architect is that they must consider the needs of the wider society as well. Buildings do not exist only for those who pay for them; they define space itself, creating our public squares and street frontages, so that we experience them even without setting foot inside them. Most buildings are used by many people in addition to their owners – we live in them, travel through them, work in them, and are born and die in them. It is because architecture is everywhere, and affects everyone that it is so important. It is also why the practice of architecture it is so rewarding, and why it deserves to be taken seriously.
Because buildings last many decades, consideration must also be given to future users and the future society – issues of energy use and ‘sustainability’ are also crucial. Attractiveness is a very subjective matter, but what is most important is that a buildings appearance is considered and designed, rather than just being purely functional, or being a particular colour or shape just for the sake of it. Good architecture is well considered, and each design decision is taken for a good reason.
At its best architecture can lift the spirits – particularly those who use it, but also for those who merely pass it by and see it.