Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures.

It is both
the process and product of planning, designing and constructing space that reflects functional,
social, and aesthetic considerations.

The european citizen has come to use architecture in many purposes such as political
issues( meaning they mostly build monuments and such to impress the masses and succeed in their
political campaigns),building homes or just to imortalize or bring honour to a critical moment or
important person in their history.

It requires the manipulation and coordination of material, technology, light, and

shadow.Architectural works are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of
art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements.

Architecture evolved out of the dynamic needs(shelter,security) and means(available building

materials and skills).

In many civilizations architecture reflected people’s cultures and civilizations(the Greek

architecture evolved from civic and religious ideals,Roman architecture evolved from empirical
ideals)and new building types emerged.

In the 1st century,the Roman architect Vitruvius said that a good building should satisfy three
principles:durability(it should stand up and remain in good condition),utility(it should be useful
and function well for the people using it) and beauty(it should delight people and raise their
spirits).

In the 20th century a new concept was added to those included in structure and function:the
consideration of sustainability(a building should be constructed in a manner which is
environmentally friendly in terms of the production of its materials,its impact upon the natural
and built environment of its surrounding area and the demands that it makes upon non-sustainable
power sources(for heating,cooling,water and lighting).

Gothic architecture is a style of architecture which flourished during the high and late medieval
period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture.
Originating in 12th century France and lasting into the 16th century, Gothic architecture was
known during the period as "the French Style" (Opus Francigenum), with the term Gothic first
appearing during the latter part of the Renaissance.

Its characteristic features include the pointed arch, the ribbed vault and the flying buttress.
Gothic architecture is most familiar as the architecture of many of the great cathedrals, abbeys
and parish churches of Europe. It is also the architecture of many castles, palaces, town halls,
guild halls, universities and to a less prominent extent, private dwellings.

It is in the great churches and cathedrals and in a number of civic buildings that the Gothic style
was expressed most powerfully, its characteristics lending themselves to appeal to the emotions.
A great number of ecclesiastical buildings remain from this period, of which even the smallest are
often structures of architectural distinction while many of the larger churches are considered
priceless works of art and are listed with UNESCO as World Heritage Sites