WAKING UP THE PASSIVE ARCHITECT

Ar. Josefina Santos De Asis

I.

INTRODUCTION TO THE CONCEPT OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

DEFINING ARCHITECTURE
The first Architectural Design Course always begins with the question What is
Architecture? The question is given slightly to test how well the student understood
the field that he is entering into but mostly to dispel various misconceptions with
regards to the term and to prepare the student for what is waiting for him/her for
the next 5 years and beyond of his/her academic life.
As a subjective question, there is no absolute wrong or right answer. The search is
merely for the best or closest response to what was asked. The same holds true for
almost all aspects of architecture. But before we go to that, you must first answer
the question.
WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?

(EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER)

DEFINING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Most references define architecture as the art and science of building and
design. It is then, not merely the structure, but also the process that brings to life
these structures. Take note also, that the science component is not segregated
merely to the portion of building nor is the art component meant only for design.
This is because in the two phases of architecture (i.e. design and building), art and
science must work together to create a unified whole.
Many students enter the field of architecture because they are gifted with raw
natural talent for the arts (e.g. drafting, rendering, etc.). But this will not be enough
to make you excel in architecture unless you take the time to master the science
component as well.
Some students on the other hand, enter the field clueless or mediocre in terms of
artistic skills. As long as the dedication and the drive to learn and master
architecture is there, with constant practice, you may one day excel far beyond
those with natural talents.

Going back to architectural design, as stated earlier, architectural design is both a

science and an art science, because there is a process that must be followed; and
art because the end product must be aesthetically pleasing.
However, since a large number of students, in trying to fulfill the science
component, inadvertently forget the art component, we will introduce the science
component gradually in our design process for this course.
II.

PERSONALIZATION AND PERSONALIZD SPACE

In Theory of Architecture, the different levels of space, as defined by Edward T. Hall,

are discussed. One of these spaces is the Personal Space. This was defined as an
invisible boundary surrounding the persons body into which intruders may not
come. This is the distance that we maintain, especially in public places (e.g.
libraries, dining establishments, social hall, etc.)
Territory, on the other hand, is a delimited space that a person or group uses and
defends as an exclusive preserve. It is space that we call our own and guards and
defends from intrusion of others.
Personalized Space, loosely defined, is a space that has undergone personalization.
This includes (1) staking claim to the space or assuming ownership (may be actual
ownership through purchase or psychological ownership through mutual consent);
and (2) manifestation of desire for control and an expression of aesthetic tastes as
well as an effort to make environment fit the intended activity better. This
manifestation of desire for control is usually referred to as soft architecture
since these are designs/ alterations done on the space without damage or difficult
surgery. This includes color scheme, fabric type, furniture placement, etc.
EXERCISE # 1: A SLICE OF HEAVEN
Think of the place/ space where you feel most at home otherwise known as your
personalized space. On an A4 paper, sketch and render this personalized space.
Include callouts/ notes explaining how you personalized this space and the activities
that you usually do in this space.
Submit a photograph of your personalized space. Name should be written at the
back of the photo.
If you are given a 5m x 5m space to house the activities that you usually do in your
personalized space, how will you design this room/space? Placement of doors and
windows, as well as other architectural details, are left for you to decide. Include
callouts to explain your drawing. Render your drawing. Use A4 paper. To be
submitted on Friday, December 16, 2016.