Structurizr is a collection of tooling that enables software architecture to be defined as code using the C4 model (Context, Containers, Components, and Code). Created by Simon Brown, Structurizr addresses the fundamental challenge of keeping architecture documentation synchronised with reality by treating diagrams and models as artefacts generated from a single source of truth.
In the Architecture as Code ecosystem, Structurizr serves as a practical implementation tool that allows teams to:
The FINOS Common Architecture Language Model (CALM), an open JSON-based specification with its own validation and visualisation tooling Source [1], offers a complementary example and is described in Chapter 22: Documentation as Code vs Architecture as Code. CALM demonstrates how DSL-driven approaches like Structurizr stay adaptable—teams can add validators, generators, or documentation exporters around the same architecture source of truth whilst tailoring outputs to their needs.
Primary topics explored
- Introduction
- The C4 Model Foundation
- Structurizr DSL: Core Concepts
- Workspace Configuration and Management
- Reference Workspace for Architecture Teams
- Integration with CI/CD Pipelines
About Architecture as Code
Infrastructure as Code represents a fundamental change in how we manage and develop IT infrastructure. This book provides organisations with practical guidance for implementing IaC principles whilst fulfilling local compliance requirements and optimising costs.
The book covers everything from fundamental principles and tools to advanced implementation strategies, security aspects, and organisational changes required for successful IaC adoption.
IT architects, DevOps teams, developers, and decision-makers within organisations.
Gunnar Nordqvist
Conceived, directed and published the books of The Transformed Architecture.
Continue with the full chapter
Chapter 6: Structurizr: Architecture Modelling as Code in Architecture as Code gives the detailed explanations, practical examples and implementation patterns behind this summary.
This whitepaper belongs to “Architecture Platform” and is one of 38 drawn from the manuscript.