The natural process of how this universe came into existence is probably the most fascinating and beautiful event that has ever happened or could ever happen. This is no exaggeration, by any stretch of imagination. It turns out to be obvious if we are to analyze its structural organization.

The whole of this material creation can be split into finer and finer elementary particles, until they cannot be divided anymore. These elements are commonly referred to as the fundamental particles. (Arguably, these are indivisible - only until a finer particle is discovered by the scientific community). These particles combine to form sub-atomic particles (like the proton and neutron); in turn, they combine to form atoms; atoms into molecules. Further, molecules combine to form more complicated structures, complex enough to sustain and support life.

It is not the fundamental particle itself, but the combination of these in varying numbers that conjures up the magic of creation. It is the number of these subatomic particles that impart a set of properties to any given substance – for example, an atom containing an electron and a proton makes a Hydrogen atom while twelve of them make a Carbon atom; they have drastically different properties. Now, the magic is that you can combine these sub-atomic particles in varying permutations and combinations to conjure up such a vast variety of materials – wood, iron, water etc.

At a much higher level of complexity, esoteric combinations of these molecules result in amino acids, proteins, DNA, mitochondria, nucleus, and the cell. Cells are the simplest of life forms; and yet they are made of very complex molecules. So sublime is the divine design of this Nature. Clearly, these fundamental particles form the basic ingredients of the cosmic recipe – illustrating the heights of reusability.

Strikingly similar is our approach to design of systems – be it software systems or otherwise. No matter how big and complex a problem is human beings have mastered the art of dividing the problem in smaller problems until they become solvable, thereby creating reusable solutions. Finer the granularity of the division, more flexible is the design.

It is only likely that mankind has imbibed the knowledge of creating complex systems by combining simpler elements through observing nature. Given the variety and diversity of this creation, it is only obvious that such an ‘Atomic Architecture’ is the best possible design that can be successfully applied to any discipline.