Evolution of ideas about architecture in philosophy: Plato, Schopenhauer, Gadamer

In this paper reveals the evolution of the views of prominent European philosophers architecture from antiquity to the twentieth century. The architecture has a dual nature : on the one hand - this is a form of art, on the other hand - a purely utilitarian purpose. In this regard, in classical philosophy, the “philosophy of life” architecture is considered as an art form, standing on the lowest level among all of its forms (Plato, Schopenhauer ). It was only in the 20th century formed the aesthetic installation, according to which architecture, as well as other forms of art, it is not only an expression of the spirit of the time, but due time, moreover, it becomes especially important for an understanding of man, his values and culture (Gadamer). Thus, the main conclusion of the article is that changes in the architecture - it’s not just a change of building styles and engineering designs, but “the embodiment of the spirit”, conveying the era, a visible philosophy era.