When Did Architecture Start?

Architecture is in every part of our lives. It impacts the homes we live in, the places we work, everywhere we visit. There’s a wide range of architectural styles, and throughout history, architecture has been shaped through necessity, through collaboration, through force. But when did architecture start? Humans didn’t always live in civilized communities as we do now. All over the world, people roamed. When did architecture start, then? Was it simply when people decided to start putting down roots and through trial and error, they invented architecture?

Let’s look into the history of architecture so that we can better understand the question of: when did architecture start?

The Origin Of Architecture

As you may expect, the history of architecture is about as long as the history of humanity, as a whole. People have always needed shelter and wanted a place to call home, after all. The exact origin of architecture can be placed back in the Neolithic period, about 10,000 B.C., as this is about when humans stopped living in caves. 

Back before recorded history, humans made structures that confound people to this day, such as Stonehenge. In the Americas, there are structures built into cliffs, and throughout the world, you can find remnants of prehistoric architecture, like megaliths and earthen mounds and the like.

We don’t know the exact answer to the question of when did architecture start. We don’t know when prehistoric humans started making architectural designs or buildings. We have only the remnants of time before recorded history to make guesses from. We do know that the circle was prominent in many prehistoric structures, which when you ask when did architecture start, you may also wonder what drew prehistoric people to that shape. 

What Is Architecture?

Some would argue that merely making any structure that is not naturally of the earth is considered architecture. If you’re going to ask when did architecture start, you may wish to refine that into what you consider architecture to be. Are primitive structures the birth of architecture? 

Architecture is defined as the art or science of building. Specifically, it means building structures, and even more specifically, ones that can be used for living, in some way. By that definition, wouldn’t any dwelling modified from nature count as architecture?

As you can see, there’s no definitive answer to “when did architecture start?” because it predates history. Modern architecture, though? Or architectural styles? Those, you can find specific answers to. Since “when did architecture start” is a question that no one can answer unless they figure out a way to time-travel, 

Architecture As We Know It Today

In the modern day, there are many different types of architecture that formed from predominant cultures and historical events leading to the need for different buildings or for different buildings to have different elements. Places that get a lot of snow have learned that A-line roofs are best for preventing roof damages, as the snow can slide right off instead of building. Now, people weigh the pros and cons of materials to achieve their desired result at the desired cost. Now, there are many different architects who can specialize in different kinds of designs, so you can be more picky when it comes to selecting an architectural style.

We still draw from ancient cultures and are constantly learning. People will ask for a Grecian feel modeled after ancient Greek temples. People will travel to marvel at the colosseum, at Stonehenge. There are many cities, especially in older countries, where old and new architecture blend, and you can have an ancient cathedral or temple on one corner and a hip modern coffee shop on another.

When did architecture start? Perhaps it would be better to ask: when did Baroque architecture start? When did neoclassicism start? When did gothic architecture start? When did art deco start? What are the differences between the architectures of different cultures or time periods, or how did it develop into what we know it as today?

Modern Architecture And Your Architectural Needs

Now, architecture is an essential part of our daily lives, and architects are responsible for designing every structure in our lives. As architecture can impact human behavior, this is a massive responsibility, and when you hire an architect for your project, you want to ensure that you’re choosing the right person to bring your vision into reality.

BGW Architects has professional architects who value communication and ensuring that you are informed every step of the way. We’ve designed schools, churches, entertainment buildings, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our architectural process and how we can help you with your architectural needs.