Concepcion, Cherylyn B.

BS Architecture 2-3

October 10, 2015

College Physics 2

Application of Physics in Architecture

Architecture exists at the intersection of two elliptical orbits: one made by the
bright star of Science, the other by the dark star of Philosophy. [1] The greatest
obstacle an architect encounters everyday is to be creative while being scientific.
As early as possible, we are being taught how to plan and design properly.
Relying plainly on our ideas without scientific proof is an understatement. Someday
when we graduate, we will become responsible of the lives of our client.
We are required to study both architecture subjects and engineering math in order
to prove our design to be possible to build. College physics is one of the subjects we
need to learn.
Physics is the branch of science concerned with properties of matter and energy
and the relationships between them. It is based on mathematics and traditionally
includes mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism, acoustics, and heat. [2]
We are currently studying Physics 2. Our major subjects are History of
Architecture 2, Theory of Architecture 1, Visual Technique 3, Theory of Architecture 1,
Building Utilities 1, Building Technology 1 and Architectural Design 3. All of the said
subjects have physics on it.
History of architecture, by the word itself, is the study of what happened on the
past. All of the inventions, both art and mechanisms, and the people behind it are
what we are learning. From here, we have known Leonardo da Vinci as the one who
painted The Last Supper and Mona Lisa, at the same time invented and pulleys.
Both are beneficial in our field of study.
All the ideas of the great artists, inventors, architects, scientists and other
respected scholars are being taught in our Theory of Architecture 1. An example of
this is Leonardo da vincis desire of flight, that in the end he came up with
anemometer, an apparatus used for measuring the speed of the wind. Because he is
also an inventor, he invented a simple machine used for lifting heavy objects, a
pulley.

We are studying plumbing in Building Utilities 1. We are the one responsible for
what tubes we are going to use: if it is too small or big for fluid flow.
Materials are being tackled in Building Technology 1. From Variations of metals to
the smallest particle of sands, are the ones we are paying attention to. Most of the
materials used, excluding stones and sands, are alloys that may strengthen or
destroy other supplies. Others may be corrosive and may react to heat.
Lastly, all of the said subjects shall be reflected in all of the plans that we make
that is in our Architectural Design 3.
Physics serves as the bones of architecture. Without it, the buildings cannot
stand, let alone make it possible to exist. Physics is connected to everything, just like
humans being connected to nature. A building is similar to human, it is complicated
and full of different systems. Physics is like nature, you cannot escape it, but being
merged with it. Just like forests being the first temples of God and in forests men
grasped their first idea of architecture. [3]

References:

1. Dan Hoffman, Architecture Studio: Cranbrook Academy of Art, 1986-93

2. Farflex, The Free Dictionary, http://www.thefreedictionary.com/physics

3. James C. Snyder, Introduction to Architecture