What is architecture?

Architecture is the art of planning, creating, designing, and erecting buildings or other structures. Originating from the Latin word "architectura", which derives from the Ancient Greek ἀρχιτέκτωv (arkhitéktōn) 'architect'; this compound word is made up of ἀρχι- (arkhi-) 'chief' and τέκτων (téktōn) 'maker'. When architectural works take the physical form of buildings, they are frequently regarded as both artistic and cultural icons, moreover, the architectural achievements that have survived over time are frequently used to identify historical civilizations. 

"Architecture is an untapped source of magnificent stories waiting to be imagined, visualized, and built." - Matthew Hoffman in "Blank Space Launches Architecture Storytelling Competition".

 "Architecture is a small piece of this human equation, but for those of us who practice it, we believe in its potential to make a difference, to enlighten and to enrich the human experience, to penetrate the barriers of misunderstanding and provide a beautiful context for life's drama." - Frank Gehry in his 1989 Pritzker Prize Ceremony Speech.