Architecture parlante

Architecture parlante, meaning "talking architecture" in French, is a design approach where buildings visibly express their purpose or function through their form, structure, and decorative elements. It seeks to communicate the building’s use or significance directly to viewers without relying on signs or labels. For example, a courthouse might feature classical columns symbolizing justice, or a factory might have industrial-style design elements highlighting its manufacturing role. This approach aims to create buildings that not only serve their practical purpose but also tell a story or convey meaning through their visual language.