Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements.
Architects and engineers are among the most fortunate of men since they build their own monuments with public consent, public approval and often public money.
Harnessing the Sun's unlimited (for all practical purposes) energy supply is one of the most promising alternatives to combustion of fossil fuels. Improved characterisation of coatings for concentrating solar power (CSP) systems will speed development.