Chapter 4: Architectus Reloadus vs Architectus Oryzus

So, who needs architects anyways?


Here lies one of the most important roles in the software world the unstoppable Architectus Reloadus.
After reading the article, it reminded me of an image picturing 2 groups of people; each group having either a boss or a leader commanding them. While the boss was just instructing where to go and what to do, the leader was working with its group. This is the same analogy we get in the article with the 2 types of architects mentioned, the Architectus Reloadus and the Architectus Oryzus.

Architectus Reloadus is the architect that proclaims himself as the most important part of the project, as the design is made only by him, leaving the other developers to follow. While the Architectus Oryzus works within the team to improve the team’s level so they can approach harder and more complex issues. In other words, the Architectus Oruzys is a guide, skillful enough for being the anchor of the team, and clearly selfless, as he works at the same level as all his teammates.

While the article proposes removing the title “architect”, this lecture goes deeper than just the title, but the meaning of the architect itself. I think that many of us look at the architects as the ones laying the foundations of the project, however, they should do more than just plan the system, but help build it from the ground up until its ending. This is because they have the initial idea of what they want to see getting accomplished. This must be accompanied by a clear communication of goals to the whole team, and pursue working with them throughout the project, getting feedback and applying it, not just commanding what to do with it.

Finally, I don’t think the word “architect” must be removed, but re-defined. With the growing technology, we have experienced in the last years, as well as a more active role within the software industry, it’s important to be more active in the involvement of the project, no matter which role we have, it is important to keep being pro-active, as this feat is essential for getting a project done.

       
Fowler Martin (2003). Who Needs an Architect? Published in IEEE Software.

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