theory of architectural design module 1

Theory 1 Theory of Architectural Design M. Ticao of 11

ARCHITECTURE & ARTS Greek words: ARCHI = first or original and TECT = the ability to put things together Sanskrit root : ARTS = everything in its right place THEORY IN GENERAL

• Analysis of a set of facts in relation to one another • Belief, policy or procedure proposed or followed as basis of action • An ideal or hypothetical set of facts, principles or circumstances of a body of fact on science

or art • A plausible or scientifically accepted general principle or body of principles offered to explain

phenomenon Forms/Types of Theory

• Descriptive: Explains phenomenon or events; neutral and do not lean towards any ideology • Prescriptive: Prescribes bases or guidelines • Critical: Challenges relationships between architecture & society

ARCHITECTURAL THEORY Essence and Composition

• A collection of thoughts, view, ideas • Organized by theme or topic • Evolution of thoughts • There is not a grand theory or unified theory of architecture; it is a combination of various

thoughts, speculations, concepts Form

• In a conceptual form • Needs to be translated • From concepts to reality • Discussed, tested, developed

ESSENCE OF ARCHITECTURE

• Architecture is the process that we instinctively recognize as the genius of growth and creation

• It gives form to the invisible pulses and rhythm of life • The physical manifestation of the power is a consequence of the desire for the invisible to be

made visible

ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS

The Architecture of Space Structure Enclosure

• Organizational pattern, relationships, hierarchy

• Qualities of shape, color, texture, scale, proportion

• Qualities of surfaces, edges and openings

Experienced through Movement in Space-Time • Approach and entry • Path configuration and access • Sequence of spaces • Light, view, touch, hearing and smell


Achieved by means of Technology • Structure and enclosure • Environmental protection and

comfort • Health, safety and welfare • Durability

Accommodating a Program • User requirements, needs, aspirations

• Socio-cultural factors • Economic factors • Legal restraints • Historical tradition & precedents

Compatible with its Context • Site and environment • Climate: sun, wind, temperature and

precipitation • Geography: soils, topography,

vegetation and water • Sensory and cultural characteristics

of the place

SPATIAL SYSTEM STRUCTURAL SYSTEM


ENCLOSURE SYSTEM CIRCULATION SYSTEM

CONTEXT


ARCHITECTURAL ORDERS

Architectural Orders Form and Space System and Organization of:

Physical • Solids &Voids • Interior & Exterior

• Space • Structure • Enclosure • Machines

Perceptual Sensory perception & recognition of the physical elements by experiencing them sequentially in time

• Approach & Departure • Entry & Egress • Movement through the

order of spaces • Functioning of activities

within spaces • Qualities of light, color,

texture, view & sound

Conceptual Comprehension of the ordered and disordered relationships among a building’s elements and systems and responding to the meanings they evoke

• Images • Patterns • Signs • Symbols • Context (space, form,

function, techniques)

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN Point

• The two ends of a line • The intersection of two lines • The meeting of lines at the corner of a plane or volume • The center of a field

Line A point extended becomes a line with properties of:

• Length • Direction • Position

Plane A line extended becomes a plane with properties of:

• Length and width • Shape • Surface • Orientation • Position

Volume A plane extended becomes a volume with properties of:

• Length, width, depth • Form and space • Surface • Orientation • Position


ARCHITECTURAL FORM is the point of contact between mass and space Form Properties of Form:

• Shape • Size • Color • Texture • Position • Orientation • Visual Inertia

Space Definition


FORM TRANSFORMTION Dimensional Transformation: a form can be transformed by altering one or more of its dimensions and still retain its identity as a member of a family of forms. A cube, for example, can be transformed into similar prismatic forms through discrete changes in height, length or width.

Subtractive Transformation: a form can be transformed by subtracting a portion of its volume. Depending on the extent of the subtractive process, the form can still retain its initial identity or be transformed into a form of another family.

Additive Transformation: a form can be transformed by the addition of elements to its volume. The nature of the additive process and the number and relative sizes of the elements being attached determine whether the identity of the initial form is altered or retained.

FORM AND SPACE Spatial Relationships

• Space within a Space • Interlocking Spaces • Adjacent Spaces • Spaces linked by a Common Space


Spatial Organization Centralized Organization: a number of secondary forms clustered about a dominant, central parent-form

Linear Organization: a series of forms arranged sequentially in a row


Radial Organization: a composition of linear forms extending outward from a central form in a radial manner

Clustered Organization: a collection of forms grouped together by proximity or the sharing of a common visual trait.


Grid Organization: a set of modular forms related and regulated by a three-dimensional grid

ELEMENTS OF CIRCULATION Approach: the distant view; the first phase of the circulation system during which we are prepared to see, experience and use the building

Entrance: from outside to inside; may be flushed, projected or recessed


Configuration of Path: the sequence of spaces ; can be linear, radial, spiral, grid, network or composite

SPATIAL THEORIES Anthropocentrism: the human being is the most important entity in the universe. The world is perceived according to the values and experiences of the human being. Anthropomorphism: human qualities are associated with non-human entities/events. Qualities such as form, values and emotions. Anthropometrics: study of measurements of the human body

Ergonomics: an applied science concerned with the characteristics of people that need to be considered in the design of devices and systems in order that people and things will interact effectively and safely.


Proxemics: The study of the symbolic and communicative role of the spatial separation individuals maintain in various social and interpersonal situations, and how the nature and degree of this spatial arrangement relates to environmental and cultural factors.

Spatial illusions through:

• Changes in levels • Bringing outside in • Borrowing views • Use of glass and light materials • Multiplicity of functions • Two-dimensional treatments • Use of color

theory of architectural design module 1

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