Government has always been the most important patron of architecture in almost any country. As governments duties and responsibilities expand, so do their buildings need.
Government Buildings
Today all levels of government contribute to all aspects of our built environment. Government building include city halls, post offices, Capitol, Consulate, Courthouses, Embassies, Fire station, Police station, Prisons, schools, hospitals, military buildings, firehalls, market halls, factories, theaters, museums, recreational buildings and special housing which all are required for the varied functions of a "healthy" modern government.
Usually, the buildings most readily identified with government are those housing the central legislative and administrative portions of the political system such as the common house or the parliament of a country.
Design of government buildings varies according to the changing institutions and functions of the state as well as the changing architectural tastes. However, despite this diversity, common themes or characteristics can be identified regardless of the date of construction. Government buildings tend to be constructed of enduring good quality materials such as stone and brick. Theses kind of materials are usually chosen because they impart a sense of weight, permanence and stability.
Regarding scale, it varies according to function, but interestingly government buildings are designed to dominate their surroundings. They visually establish their central role strongly in the community.
When it comes to the style and look of governmental buildings, these type of buildings understandably conform to current tastes and style in design, but government architecture has traditionally incorporated symmetrical elevations and balanced compositions. These aesthetic qualities reinforce values of order, reason and balance considered appropriate to the state. However, government buildings are not generally noted for their architectural daring. It's crucial to understand that governments buildings are designed as a symbol of the established state and its political traditions. Government buildings are often contemporary and understandably reflects accepted standards.
* Capitol
* City hall
* Consulate
* Courthouse
* Embassy
* Fire station
* Palace
* Parliament
* Police station
* Post office
* Prison
