Complex sentence: As is apparent, architecture has always tried to achieve certain ends apart from mere function--cosmological, aesthetic, philosophical, etc.,--and in many a case, the means has been the beauty and structure of mathematics.
Split into simpler sentences: As is apparent, architecture has always tried to achieve ends that not only relate to function, but also to aesthetics, philosophy and meaning. And in many a case, the means has been the beauty and structure of mathematics.