Website Architecture

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Definition of Website Architecture

We define website architecture as “the art and science of creating good websites”.

“Website Architecture” describes a broad approach to the planning and design of websites. We call it “architecture” because, like physical architecture, it embraces the engineering, aesthetic, and usability aspects of web design. The content of this website is provided by staff and students from the University of Greenwich MA Web Design & Content Planning.

Web design history

The world’s first websites were designed by scientists and engineers (see W3 A little history of the World Wide Web) – and they were text only. When it became possible to include graphics in websites, graphic designers rushed to join the party.

Web design courses

The early courses in website design were provided by either computing departments or graphic departments. During the Dotcom Boom, from 1995 to March 2000, they were joined by business departments. These remain the three main educational approaches to web design. But, we believe, it is necessary to strike a balance between the three approaches – which we describe as website architecture.

Websites and architecture

For a modern organisation the architecture of its website is more important than the architecture of its headquarters building: it is the place which keeps the employees happy, the place which supports efficient work and the public face of the organisation. This is equally true for clubs, small businesses, public bodies and international conglomerates.

The analogy between websites and architecture can be taken further by saying that, just as location, location and location are the key factors in planning a building, so it is vital to have a good geographical location for a website. Web content must be planned with an eye for search engine optimisation (SEO), also known as search engine marketing. This requires an eye for the web landscape.