Cultural Influences on Architecture

Architects and scholars of culture examine the interplay between the two domains. Their topics include the evolution of construction systems: cultural effects on traditional structures and their reflection on modern building construction, the human figure as a cultural mediator in architectural drawings, two unique protected sites with a modern heritage in Historical Peninsula in Istanbul, "bridges" and "gaps" on maps of multicultural cities: the story of the South Russian Agglomeration, and the fundamentals of social capital.

Cultural Influences on Architecture compiles expert research on how society, specifically culture, sways architectural design. Contributions were reviewed and selected by the editors with consultation from an advisory board. This volume is part of the series Advances in Media, Entertainment, and the Arts (AMEA) which assembles research in the areas of artistic and design methodologies in all creative spheres.
True to other titles in the series, the structure of this 351-page book is straightforward with brief introductory matter and a detailed table of contents which will provide students with a solid overview of each of 10 chapters. Chapters begin with preliminary research conversation that leads to deeper research information followed by areas such as “Further Research Directions” and “Conclusion”. Black-and-white visuals include: drawings, figures, photos, and tables. Chapters end with references and key terms and definitions; definitions such as “Integrating Structural Landscape” will provide clarity in studies. Occasionally, definitions are a bit redundant as is the case with social capital. Documentation at the conclusion of the book includes the “Compilation of References” (p 293) which will be a solid pathway to further investigation.
Architecture is uniquely influenced by society as evidenced by structure and space design around the globe. Societal self-expression and the value of art in different cultures effects architecture and this book examines those influences. Chapter one begins an examination on how religion is Cultural Indoctrination (CI) and the impact that has on countries including India, Japan, and Turkey; such religious structures as give further credence to society and architecture. The human factor is brought together with environmental, geographical, historical, and principles of engineering design in these studies. Integration of traditional and modern design plans are melded; for example, concepts of urban informatics are imperative for designing environments for city strolling in the contemporary world. Influences of culture on architecture are demonstrated in this research: from planning, to design, and production of architectural products with significant emphasis on nature.
Architectural design has come from the drafting board to graphic interface on computers such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and continues to evolve rapidly. Cultural Influences on Architecture entries support the current, critical observation that urban sociology and architecture are intimately entwined. This book is useful to cultural theorists, collegiate level students, researchers, and sociologists seeking connection between humans and design on a global scale.