notorious use of raw concrete and massive uncompromising forms. Specialist subclassifications of architecture Terms used to describe different architectural concerns, origins and objectives. Architecture parlante ("speaking architecture") – buildings or architectural elements that explain their own function or identity by means of an inscription or literal representation. Religious architecture – the design and construction of places of worship. Responsive architecture – designing buildings that measure their environmental conditions (via sensors) to adapt their form, shape, color or character responsively (via actuators). Sustainable architecture – environmentally conscious design techniques in the field of architecture. Vernacular architecture – traditional local building styles, typically not designed by professional architects although vernacular elements are adopted by many architects. Architectural theory Architectural design values – the various values that influence architects and designers in making design decisions. Mathematics and architecture – have always been close, because architecture relies upon mathematical precision, and because both fields share a search for order and beauty. Pattern language – a term coined by architect Christopher Alexander, a structured method of describing good design practices within a field of expertise. Proportion – the relationship between elements and the whole. Space syntax – a set of theories and techniques for the analysis of spatial configurations. Architecture criticism – published or broadcast critique, assessing the architect's success in meeting his own aims and objectives and those of others. Architectural terms Glossary of architecture Regional architecture Architecture of Africa Architecture of Africa Architecture of Algeria Architecture of Angola Ancient Egyptian architecture Architecture of Cape Verde Architecture of Ethiopia Architecture of Madagascar Architecture of Mali Architecture of Morocco Architecture of Casablanca Architecture of Fez Architecture of Marrakesh Architecture of Nigeria Architecture of Lagos Architecture of Somalia Architecture of South Africa Architecture of Johannesburg Cape Dutch architecture Architecture of Zimbabwe Architecture of Asia Architecture of Asia Architecture of Afghanistan Armenian architecture Architecture of Azerbaijan Architecture of Baku Architecture of Bahrain Architecture of Bangladesh Architecture of Bhutan Dzong architecture Architecture of Cambodia Architecture of China Architecture of Hong Kong Architecture of Cyprus Architecture of Georgia (country) Architecture of India Architecture of Bengal Architecture of Gujarat Architecture of Karnataka Architecture of Kerala Architecture of Maharashtra Architecture of Rajasthan Architecture of Tamil Nadu Architecture of Uttar Pradesh Architecture of Telangana Architecture of Indonesia Architecture of Sumatra Balinese architecture Architecture of Iran Architecture of Tehran Architecture of Israel Architecture of Japan Architecture of Tokyo Okinawan architecture Architecture of Jordan