Philosophy of architecture is a branch of philosophy of art, dealing with the aesthetic value of architecture, its semantics and relations with the development of culture.

Architecture is an art. But at its very foundation, architecture must be based on a core philosophy upon which options must be reviewed and decisions selected. Vitruvius believed in Firmitas, Utilitas, and Venustas. Mies Van der Rohe believed in “Less is more” advocating for minimalism.

Philosophy is a part of the design, and architecture can evolve into space for the philosopher to develop thinking. The intellectual initiatives, which a thinker brings to architects clarify the concepts by locating the architect in the broader architectural thought framework.

Architects often develop their design philosophies based on their experiential knowledge and priorities when it comes to designing a structure. These philosophies go on to define the skyline of a city or the style of an era and become essential milestones in the development of Architecture.