Introduction to Architecture Course Lesson 1
In its simplest form, architecture is design and creation. It should come as no surprise that people love to build since we were created by the Ultimate Designer and Creator—God, Maker of heaven and earth. He has instilled his qualities within his people. He has allowed us to imagine and given us the ability to create. Of course, our “creations” are much different than His. The things God created in the beginning came from nothing. The things we are able to create are made from those things God spoke into existence in the first place. The paper we draw our designs on comes from the trees, as do our pencils. The beams in our skyscrapers are made of various kinds of metals, which originated from minerals in the earth. Bricks, concrete, and glass can be broken down into elements we find in nature. The tools used to build and the nails and screws used to hold structures together come from parts of God’s creation. God has given each of us a gift that we should use to bring Him glory. Those who are able to imagine, design, and create are no exception.
This course will take a look at some amazing architecture, from ancient buildings to today’s skyscrapers that actually seem to scrape the sky. We will look at the ingenuity of the structures at the time they were created and learn about the people behind them. Architectural and scientific elements will be studied throughout, as well as history, geography, Bible, and art. While these lessons will not be broken down into individual days, there should be enough instruction and/or activities for a week’s worth of lessons. Feel free to break them down in a way that works for you and your children. If you feel there are too many activities, then pick and choose a few. I recommend high schoolers attempt to complete all of the activities in order to receive credit for the course.
Let’s start our study of architecture with God’s Word. We see elements of architecture in the very first book of the Bible. In Genesis 4:17b (NIV), we read, “Cain was then building a city,and he named it after his son Enoch.” This was the very first city! It is likely these homes and other buildings were made of mud, brick, stone, and wood. Cain would have used what was readily available.
In Genesis 4, verses 20 and 22,we read that Jabal “was the father of those who live in tents”and Tubal-Cain “forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron.”While you might not think a tent is architecture, I contend that it is. Somebody had to come up with the idea that there was a better way to exist than living in caves. (For the sake of argument, let’s say the idea was all Jabal’s.) It’s a bit difficult to be a nomadic people if you’re living in a cave. How would you take that cave with you if you needed to move to find food or be mobile because of your flocks? Man was supposed to inhabit the earth. How would he be able to fulfill that command if he was stuck in a cave? Jabal looked for a solution. He designed the tent so it could be taken down and carried away. It was a structure that was to give his family protection from the elements—wind, rain, scorching heat, etc. Of course, it was a simple design, but it was a design, nonetheless.
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