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Definition of Architecture
Architecture is a passion, a vocation, a calling, as well as a

science and a business. It has been described as a social art and

also an artful science. Architecture provides, in the words of

Marcus Vitruvius, the great Roman architect and historian,

“firmness, commodity and delight”.

In addition, Architecture provides a sense of place and

support of all types of human activities. It helps the man-made fit in

harmony with the environment while promoting health and well-

being, enriching lives aesthetically and spiritually, providing

economic opportunities, and creating a legacy that reflects and

symbolizes culture and traditions.

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What is Practice of Architecture
The practice of architecture consists of the provision of

professional services in connection with town planning as well as

the design, construction, enlargement, conservation, restoration, or

alteration of a building or group of buildings. These professional

services include, but are not limited to: planning and land-use

planning; urban design; provision of preliminary studies, designs,

models, drawings, specifications, technical documentation,

monitoring of construction and project management.

Accordingly, it would be best to describe architects as

conductors who orchestrate and take the lead in reconciling all the

goals for a building or other structure. Architects do this by

providing solutions through the use of:

a. artistic imagination and creative vision,

b. practical and technical, and

c. interpersonal skills, psychological understanding and ethical

practice.

"Source: www.raic.org/architecture_architects/what_is_architecture/index_e.htm"

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Terms and Definitions
Passion: enthusiasm; desire.
Vocation: career, profession; capability, skill.
Firmness: stability; steadiness.
Commodity: goods, item that is bought and sold.
Delight: pleasure; happiness.
Harmony: pleasing balance; unity.
Aesthetically: the perception and appreciation of beauty.
Opportunities: favorable time to act; chances.
Legacy: something handed down from one's ancestors
Enlargement: expansion, increase in size.
Conservation: protection from decay and destruction.
Restoration: act of returning to a previous condition; rehabilitation.

Alteration: modification, change; correction.

Specifications: detailed and precise written requirements of
materials and dimensions and quality of work for
something that will be manufactured or installed
or built.
Conductor: manager.
Orchestrate: organize, manage.
Reconciling: restore to a state of harmony.

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 Vocation Commodity

Legacy Delight

Enlargement
Restoration

Conductor Reconciling

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Question1
According to Marcus Vitruvius, the great Roman architect and historian,
What does architecture provide?
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Question 2
Mention five acts carried out by the architect.
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Question 3
Match each word with its equivalent:
Expansion Career
Chances Conductor
Commodity Enlargement
Manager Happiness
Firmness Opportunities
Alteration Stability
Delight Modification
Vocation Goods

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