Architecture or architecture (Dutch: architectuur) is the process and product of the planning, design and construction of buildings or other structures. Architectural works, in the form of buildings or structures, are considered as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are sometimes identified by their surviving architectural achievements.

The practice, which began in prehistoric times, was used as a way of expressing the culture of every civilization on all continents. For this reason, architecture is considered as an art form.

Texts on architecture have been written since ancient times. The oldest text on architectural theory is the 1st century treatise De architectura by the Roman architect Vitruvius.

According to him, a good building must have firmitas (strength), utility (usability), and venustas (beauty). In the 19th century, Louis Sullivan made the statement "form follows function" which means "form follows function".

This statement is often associated as a modern concept of architecture. The element of "function" here includes not only usability but also aesthetic, psychological, and cultural dimensions. The idea of sustainable architecture was introduced at the end of the 20th century.