Share This Article
Cultural influences in architecture significantly contribute to the identity and integrity of a particular society. Throughout history and evolution, architectural elements such as engravings, columns, facades, entrances, etc., are all moulded by different cultures through time.
The essence of architecture extends beyond aesthetics and functionality. It incorporates the fascinating interplay of societal beliefs, values, and traditions in its built forms, serving as a powerful symbol of a place’s architectural heritage and culture.
Architectural styles have expanded and surpassed cultural borders, spread across countries, but the architectural design of a space remains immediately recognizable. Some built structures strongly represent the city’s culture and are even landmarks today.
Feng Shui, Hindu Vastu, or Muslim Mihrab orientations convey religious beliefs with distinctive features that dominate the layout or interior of the architecture. With spirituality and religion intertwining with architecture, sacred spaces like temples, churches, or mosques reference symbolic meaning behind their construction. Even Buddhist temples integrate traditional and futuristic designs reflecting impermanence.
Enduring Legacy & Symbolism
The Egyptian Pyramids of Giza, known for their monumental scale, are evidence of ancient Egyptian architecture as structures for religious purposes. The core was made of yellow limestone blocks and blocks of granite in the interior chamber, these pyramids were stone cut as parts and later transported and assembled. The outer smooth sloping sides were made of light-coloured limestone and symbolized the sun’s rays reaching heaven.
This cultural symbolism in architecture is a tall-standing testament to the Egyptians even today. Continuing to draw tourist attraction despite the modern challenges of today, Egypt stands to support the local communities, balancing preservation and tourism.
The Roman Colosseum, commonly known as the Flavian amphitheatre, was initially used as a quarry and later served as a centre for gladiatorial combats, animal hunts, and theatrical performances. The stairs of this structure were multi-functional as they served as a means of movement as well as structural support for the level above. The Doric, Tuscan, and Corinthian columns present in this structure represent Greek architecture. Today, it stands as a historical landmark reflecting the Roman society and its values.
St. Basils Cathedral, Russia is an embodiment of cultural architecture. Its eight-pointed star-shaped plan symbolizes a guiding star of life to heavenly Jerusalem. The colours of this cathedral are dictated by the Book of Revelations – Kingdom of Heaven, since the 17th century. The onion-shaped domes are similar to the candle’s flame in form and represent the flame of faith reaching the heavens.
Moulded by a city’s/country’s distinctive climate, local materials, skilful labour, and culture, various traditional architectural styles evolved. Greek architecture is featured by its simplicity in structure with grand columns, African architecture with mud-brick homes, Japanese architecture featuring its pagodas and shoji – sliding paper walls, European colonial architecture with its proportions, symmetry, and grand entrances, etc. These styles led to the phase of architectural evolution, yet having their distinctive characteristics to identify them from one other.?
A cultural meeting
The Taj Mahal is an exquisite example of the blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architecture while reflecting the legacy of the Mughal Empire. Made of marble with intricate Islamic calligraphy, this mausoleum has a symmetric inner layout and is crowned with a central dome representing Shah Jahan’s love for his wife. Aligned in the north-south direction, the sun can be seen rising and setting on the solstices, making it a symbolic horizon. The presence of Allah is represented in the design and the swimming pool’s reflection of the sky. The Taj Mahal is built of white marble representative of its spirituality and enlightenment whereas the red sandstone minarets were meant for worldly markets.
As a platform for cross-cultural exchange, architecture recognizes cultural and design differences and then embraces a fusion of the same concepts to create a unique cultural identity. Culture doesn’t exist in isolation, but is used to create a rich design.
The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata was constructed considering the Indo-Saracenic revival with influential Venetian, Egyptian, Deccan, and Islamic architecture. This structure reflects the features of the Taj Mahal, mainly with its marble, dome, and pillars.
Qanat Quartier is often called Qatars ‘Little Venice’ owing to its charming blend of Venetian and Islamic architecture with its pastel palette of row houses with a touch of its Islamic culture and lifestyle. Located within The Pearl Qatar, this luxurious artificial island provides a delightful retail therapy and leisure experience.
This cross-cultural architectural exchange isn’t just about aesthetics, but also fosters a sense of belonging and community integration, enhancing the overall user experience.
Societal & Political interplay
Socio-political factors also affect cultural architecture through its concepts of power and social status. The earlier Indian houses were categorized according to the caste system. The architecture of a place is recognized through cultural identity, heritage preservation, and infrastructure. Community needs along with advancing technology and innovation shape the urban environment and built structures today.
Government buildings like the Vidhana Soudha or Parliamentary buildings are vast structures with imposing and strong facades indicating the power they hold. Socio-political factors also cater to environmental factors. Sustainability and environmental awareness incorporate eco-friendly and energy-efficient materials and designs influencing the architecture.
Cultural imprints
The Hagia Sophia beautifully demonstrates the blending of Christianity and Islamic traditions, while the Golden Temple is a marvellous example of Sikh architecture depicting the spiritual faith of the people and Gurus, with the surrounding water symbolizing purity.
The Great Wall of China and the medieval castles of Europe reflect defensive and massive fortifications made of thick walls and strategically positioned. Social hierarchy is specifically depicted in the architecture of the Palace of Versailles, France, showcasing the strong power of the French monarchy through its elaborate size, spread gardens, and emphasis on symmetry.
Reflecting social hierarchy, luxury, innovation, and power, stand tall in the Burj Khalifa and high-rise buildings of Dubai. Its futuristic design represents ambition as it embraces its power and global status. Contrasting this is the communal dwellings of South Africa and China, empowering social interaction, sustainability, and affordability. They showcase the adaptation and use of local materials along with compact living spaces, shared resources, and central plazas.?
Cultural architecture involves various religious, spiritual, and cultural beliefs with socio-economic, political, and environmental community needs. Each structure holds a story of its cultural evolution and societal progress. Cultural adaptation in architectural design not only ensures functionality and aesthetics but also harmonizes the connection between the people, community and the built environment.