Architecture has been around for centuries, but it seems to be more popular than ever. There are plenty of amateur architecture lovers who pursue knowledge in the field just as ardently as their professional counterparts. Instead of being content to study the greats of architectural history, many architecture buffs are more interested in keeping track of what’s going on in the world of architectural design today. If you’re one of the many architecture lovers around today, be certain to check out these websites that offer social media and other information and collaboration to lovers of this interesting area of art and function.

Designer Pages – This site is devoted to giving architects and architecture lovers a place to find news, products and a group of like minded individuals. This is the closest thing to a true social media site out there for architects and architecture lovers.

UrbArAmA – A worldwide site for all architecture lovers. You can browse projects based on location, designer or function. You can read blogs by other architecture lovers or write your own blog and show pictures of your designs.

ColourLovers – This site bills itself as a color and design community for creative inspiration. The site has a large number of members, most of whom are professional designers, graphic artists and architects. The goal of the site is designers sharing their ideas and designs with others to provide inspiration to all. The focus of the site is on color, but it gives great information about the use of color to influence architectural style.

About Architecture Forum – This site is, as its name implies, a forum for the discussion of architecture. Members can post pictures of their designs, ask for critiques or inspiration or just discuss important pieces of architecture. This forum has a large following of both professional architects and amateur architecture enthusiasts.

Residential Design and Build – This site offers inspiration, news, job listings and general information about architecture. Though the site is primarily designed for professional architects, anyone with a love of design will find the articles interesting. There is also a print magazine by this same name. It is one of the foremost architectural trade/interest magazines.

Architectural Digest – The website that goes with the magazine of the same name offers additional resources that complement the magazine. The website is a great place to find resources for purchasing design products.

In addition to these sites dedicated to architecture enthusiasts, you’ll also find great architecture groups on sites like Facebook, About.com and even Yahoo has an architecture forum with discussions exclusively about architecture.

The love of architecture has always been around, but has certainly seen resurgence in the last few years. Whether you’re a professional architect, looking to build your own custom home or just someone with a great appreciation for the aesthetics of architecture, you’re sure to find these websites inspirational and enjoyable. They can be used for professional inspiration, as an educational tool to learn more about the great architects of our time or just as a way to meet other like minded individuals.

Mary E. Ward writes about how to get an online construction degree.

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