History of Architecture
ArchWeekly: Tracing the changes in architecture history
Overview
Results announced.
Winner: Working is (back) home by Joep Wijnen
Honorable Mention: Modernizing History and Identity by John Ombrog
Participants can still submit their entries for this theme till 31st January 2022. Check Schedule for more details.
‘History of Architecture’ is a theme that is part of the contest series ArchWeekly, a new brand of journal competitions inviting participants to engage in critical conversations on selected themes from several disciplines of architecture and design.
Discover the other themes and take part in multiple contests to experience the joy of writing over a range of subjects. Check out the schedule to find reward incentives and key deadlines!

History of Architecture
The History of Architecture is about as long as the history of humanity itself, and almost as complex. It is the story of change in architecture across many different landscapes over time. Architecture has evolved with the dynamic social, economic and cultural aspects of the society. Having a strong understanding of how the architecture of the past had manifested helps us develop an appreciation of how architecture is being cast to benefit the civilization of today.
Advancement technology has often made us question the bygone events and stature of historic landmarks. The study of the roots of these structures in history can inform us of pivotal elements of the past, accept the design mindset of the present and even envision what the built fabric of the future would look like.
The contest calls for an in-depth exploration of the history of architecture and its continuing influence on contemporary society.
Questions
- What is the History of Architecture?
In the context of the 21st Century? While history is often appreciated in theory, in today’s times, historic landmarks are constantly being demolished and reconstructed, leaving very few buildings to make history in the first place. (Ex. Hall of Nations). What is History of architecture to you? How are the learnings from history relevant?
- What are some known/unknown books of History of Architecture you are familiar with?
Books, articles and research can enlighten our grasp of any field. List some books? What can you learn from the content? How has it altered/enhanced our vision today?
- How does architectural history affect us?
Every incident in the history of human civilization has led us to where we are today. We now design for the present with an awareness of the past. How has the history of architecture influenced the society and culture? Can knowledge of the past create empathy in the present?
- What are the different movements seen in architecture?
How layers of architecture grow from historic moments? How have the trials and errors of the past led us to the present state of the architectural discipline?
- Describe the history of architecture in your country?
Architecture has evolved over a course of time depending upon social, cultural and economic circumstances in different countries. What is the traditional architecture of your country? (Ex. Indian traditional architecture)
- Why is studying the history of architecture important?
Why is it important to connect the dots of the history of architecture to the present? How is the history of architecture useful when working as a contemporary architect?
Deliverables
Participants shall deliver a written article of about 1000 - 1500 words with no more than 3 images, in a cohesive piece that answers the above questions or arguments presented. A cover of size [2000px x 1000px] must also be uploaded with the writing submission.
The images must be copyright free or the participant must own the rights of the images used.
How to submit?
Read all the challenge rules and details from the sidebar, and hit register. You can pay the entry fee and book your registration right away. Once you are ready with your essay - begin uploading via your journal tab – and add images and text in the sequence you are asked in. Once done, go to the competitions tab and link this journal.
Check the full tutorial below on how to make the submission:
You can also watch it fullscreen here: Upload Tutorial

