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Architecture vs Design: The Difference Explained

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Architecture is a plan for the structure of something. Design is a plan to create something.
An easy way to think about the difference between architecture and design is to consider the architecture of an office building as compared with its interior design. The architecture provides structures such as rooms, stair cases and basic services such as water and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The interior design provides the interior materials, decorations & art, flooring, furniture and additional services such as coffee stations and kitchens.

Architecture vs Design

A design is a plan to build something. Architecture is essentially a type of design that deals only with structure.
Definitions: Architecture & Designs
Architecture
A plan for the structure of something.
Design
A plan to create something.

Logical Relationships

An architecture is typically intended to be used by multiple designs. The following logical relationships exist between the two.
Logic Relationships: Architecture & Designs
Is-a
Architecture is a type of design.
Support
Architecture supports design.
Alignment
Design aligns with architecture.
Uses
Design uses architecture.

Abstract vs Concrete

Architecture is focused on abstract structures such as rooms that support a wide range of designs. Design is more concrete with entities such as a meeting room designed for a particular organization.
Level of Abstraction
Architecture
Architecture focuses on abstractions that can be used by multiple designs.
Design
Design is a concrete plan to build something specific.

Examples

Both architecture and design are broad practices. The following are a few examples of each.
Examples
Architecture
Design

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