--- In [email protected], "Rob Eamon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In [email protected], Jerry Zhu > <jerryyz@> wrote: > > > > > > --- Rob Eamon <reamon@> wrote: > > > > > > Architecture != high-level design > > > > > > Well, that's not all that it is but architecture is > > > design. "Architecture is the structure...". That > > > sounds very much like design. > > > > I think we talked about this long ago. > > > > Architecture is not designed but defined. > > Structure is designed. > > An architecture has structure. It seems hard to argue that the > architecture of a building, for example, does not include its > structure. A Cape Cod house has specific design elements and specific > structural features. That's what makes it a Cape Cod. > > > Architecture refers to identity or class and > > structture refers to individual or objects. > > This seems to be the hierarchical argument again. > > > We are the same as humans but differ in structure. > > > > All cars have the same architecture but differ in > > design. Boat and cars have different architecture. The > > fact that boat and car are different types because we > > define them. This definition is based on basic belief > > beyond which there is no appeal. If there is a > > argument then it is not architecture but design.
The difference between boats and cars is more fundamental than architecture. An example of the application of the concept of architecture to cars might be the difference between a Porsche 911 Turbo and the new Nissan GTR. The 911's architecture is identifiable to an engineer not so much because of its styling as the layout of its platform and principal mechanical components. The fact that it has its engine slung out behind its rear transaxle brings certain benefits (e.g. traction and cabin space) but also certain inherent disadvantages to do with weight distribution and high polar moment of inertia. The Nissan's more conventional layout combined with superb engineering features (design) is showing up the Porsche's age when it comes to a direct driving comparison. Notice I have not referred to styling or other aesthetic elements which are important to architectural styles applicable to buildings. But then how important are aesthetics to software architecture?? Gervas > > Architecture is not taxonomy. > > This is kind of weird because one doesn't typically think of cars or > boats as having an architecture at all. The creation of cars and > boats is predominantly an engineering exercise (as is the creation of > most buildings). > > I suppose a car or a boat can be "architected" in the same way a > building is architected. The incorporation of aesthetics into the > design is the essence of architecture. A sports car (a car with a > particular architectural style?) has particular design elements that > follow particular design principles that make it a sports car. > > -Rob >
