THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE

2010

THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE (PART 1 OF 2) I. INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE a. Definitions b. Difference of Architecture and Engineering c. Different Aspects of Architecture d. Architectural Terms 1 NEEDS OF MAN a. MASLOWS hierarchy of needs b. 4 fundamental desires of Man ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS a. Design Process b. Development of Architecture c. Architectural Program ELEMENTS OF ARCHITECTURE a. Horizontal Plan b. Visible Structure Elements i. Structural Elements ii. Protective Elements iii. Circulatory Elements iv. Decorative Elements 1. Mouldings 2. Ornament a. Classification b. Approach c. Elements in Organizing Decorative Forms d. Expressive Line Symbols PRINCIPLES OF FORM AND DESIGN a. Elements of Design i. Conceptual Elements ii. Visual elements iii. Relational Elements iv. Practical Elements b. Form and Structure i. Form and Conceptual elements ii. Interrelationship of Forms iii. Repetition of Forms c. Classification of Structure d. The Grid e. Similarity of Forms f. Similarity vs. Gradation g. Contrast of Visual and Relational Elements h. Form and Space i. Design and Form VI. ARCHITECTURE: FORM, SPACE AND ORDER a. Primary Elements of Form b. Form c. Form and Space: the Unity of Opposites d. Organization of Form and Space e. Circulation f. Proportion and Scale

II.

III.

IV.

V.

I.

Introduction to Architecture

ARCHITECTURE The art and science of designing and constructing buildings ART The conscience use of skill, craft, and creative imagination in the production of what is beautiful, appealing or of more than ordinary significance. SCIENCE A branch of knowledge dealing with a body of facts or truths obtained by direct observation, experimental investigation, and methodical study systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws. DIFFERENCE OF ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING ARCHITECTURE is.. ENGINEERING is.. ... Functional ... Functional Structurally sound ... Structurally sound Beautiful ... Economical DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF ARCHITECTURE ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN The ordering of the physical environment by means of architecture, engineering, construction, landscape architecture, urban design and city planning URBAN DESIGN The aspect of architecture and city planning that deals with the design of urban structures and spaces CITY PLANNING The activity or profession of determining the future physical arrangement and condition of a community, involving an appraisal of the current conditions, a forecast of future requirements, a plan for the fulfillment of these requirements, and proposal for legal, financial, and constructional programs to implement the plan. INTERIOR DESIGN The art, business, or profession of planning the design and supervising the execution of architectural interiors, including their color schemes, furnishings, fittings, finishes, and sometimes architectural features SPACE PLANNING The aspect of architecture and interior design that deals with the planning, layout, design and furnishing of spaces within a proposed or existing building ARCHITECTURAL TERMS 1 TECHNOLOGY Applied science: the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical methods and materials, and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment

TECHNICS The science of an art or the arts in general TECTONICS The science or art of shaping, ornamenting, or assembling materials in construction ARCHITECTONICS The unifying structure or concept of an artistic work ENGINEERING The art and science of applying scientific principles to practical ends in the design and construction of structures, equipment, and systems SOCIOLOGY The science of human social institutions and relationships: specifically the study of the origin, development, structure, functioning, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings.

II.

Needs of Man

4 FUNDAMENTAL DESIRES OF MAN A. PRESERVATION - Through houses, homes B. RECOGNITION - Desire for prestige through 1. Building of cathedrals 2. Public buildings C. RESPONSE TO A NEED D. SELF-EXPRESSION 1. Theater 2. Museums

MASLOWS HEIRARCHY OF NEEDS Public and Improvement of ones self Private settings Status Symbol; Expression of identity; Personalization and Affiliation Community Setting Defensible Space; Territoriality Building Shelter Components Source of pride, reflection of Economic standing

Selfactualization

Self-Esteem

Sense of Belonging: Opportunities of Interaction

Social Needs

Protection from violence/lawlessness

Safety

Protection from Natural Elements

Physiological Needs

III.

Architectural Design Process

Design Process A purposeful activity aimed at devising a plan for changing an existing situation into a future preferred state, especially the cyclical, iterative process comprising the following phases:

Initiation

Identifying a problem and its social economic and physical context

Preparation
Collecting and analyzing relevant information and establishing goals and criteria for an acceptable solution

Synthesis

Discovering constraints and opportunities and hypothesizing possible alternative solution

Hypothesis

Formulating a tentative assumption in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences

Alternative

One of the propositions or courses of action to be chosen from a set of two or more mutually exclusive possibilities - develop - modify

- refine - inflection (bend, angle or similar change in the shape of a configuration by means of which a change of relationship to some context.) - transformation (process of changing in form or structure)

Draft

A preliminary version of a plan

Evaluation Action

Simulating testing and modifying acceptable alternatives according to specified goals and criteria Selecting and implementing the most suitable solution

Implement

To ensure the fulfillment of by means of a definite plan or procedure

Re-evaluation
If Failed

Assessing how well an implemented solution in use satisfies the specified goals and criteria

synthesis

hypothesis.

Re-evaluation

DEVELOPMENT OF ARCHITECTURE ARCHAIC PERIOD experimental stage Saw the grouping of the untried hands in an attempt to master new problems and new media, and an effect to find an expression for new material MASTERY PERIOD learning stage The building or art produced during this time show that the designer or artist has discovered how to control his medium and is sure of his technique. This is the height of development. DECADENCE PERIOD complex stage Marked with the artist becoming too sure of himself and begins to take liberties with his materials. His designs were less structural and were too ornate. It heralds the beginning of the end. ARCHITECTURAL PROGRAM A. Pre-design B. Schematic Design C. Design Development D. Construction Documentation E. Construction Administration F. Post-design a. Post-occupancy b. Evaluation c. Users manual

DESIGN ANALYSIS DESIGN OBJECTIVES In congruence with the background of the project and the project objectives*, the design objectives are developed. Tradeoffs and balancing of the various needs of the project requires development hierarchy of the design objectives. The designer should be able to transform objective palatable to design. The designer with a vision to be creative in his endeavor should take this opportunity of viewing the project objectives into non-traditional innovative design solution. Of course, this transformation should have essential relevance to the project objectives. Due to the designers limitations to satisfy all identified and unidentified or subconscious objectives, an order of hierarchy is called for. For the purpose of academic exercise, three (3) major design objectives are enough challenge. The rest of the identified and subconscious design objectives are relegated to be minor or basic. The order of hierarchy will assist the designer in the decision making in the design development stages. Of course, the objective of the designer is to satisfy all the design objectives, but realities due to the complexities of this exercise will not allow such an ideal. Therefore, the designer after exhausting all his capabilities should prove that some would be sacrificed to give way to the major design objectives. It is discredit to his design if it can be proven otherwise. *Project Objective Non-architectural; comes from clients DESIGN CONSIDERATION Design considerations are influencing factors relative to the project, acquired through experience or exposure and/or through formal studies of a given field of art or science. These knowledge will influence and will give emphasis in satisfying are identified, which has essential relevance for the effective satisfaction of the design objectives. These are classified as major fields of studies. Usually three (3) are in order, while the rest are relegated to be minor. The minor considerations are lesser influencing factors that will compliment or supplement the major considerations. Below are some examples of fields of studies. A. AESTHETIC CONSIDERATIONS 1. Form 1.1 Volume/Mass (Volumetric) 1.2 Surface/Area (Planar) 1.2.1 Texture 1.2.2 Tone 1.2.3 Color 2. Composition 2.1 Contrast 2.2 Proportion 2.3 Scale 2.4 Balance 2.5 Rhythm/ Movement/ Motion 2.6 Unity/ Hierarchy/ Harmony 2.7 Character B. ENVIRONMENTAL (NATURAL) CONSIDERATION 1. Natural landmark and vegetation 2. Topography (land Pattern)

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

2.1 Contours and Slopes 2.2 Geological outgrowths 2.3 Soil dynamics Climatological conditions Meteorological (weather) conditions Hydrographic profile depression from sea level , (-) value Solar orientation Wind direction / pattern Natural lighting and ventilation Thermal insulation Temperature and humidity Thermosiphoning Wildlife and its habitat Botanical / zoological life

C. ENVIRONMENTAL (MAN-MADE) CONSIDERATIONS 1. Zoning and transportation pattern 2. Off-site Pedestrian / Vehicular Traffic 3. On-site Vehicular / Pedestrian Traffic 4. Site Ingress / Egress 5. Building / Premises enclosure 6. Landscaping D. SPATIAL ORGANIZATION 1. Functional grouping and zoning 2. Accessibility 3. Proxemics approximate 4. Space Interrelationship 5. Security System (Architectural) 6. Hierarchy of Space E. HUMAN DETERMINANTS 1. Anthropometry 2. Ergonomics 3. Morphology 4. Socio-cultural Patterns 5. Psychology of Human Behavior 6. Psychological Perception 7. Recreational Patterns 8. Biometry 9. Value aspiration and Culture 10. Spiritual / Religious Beliefs F. UTILITY SYSTEMS / BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 1. Lighting and illuminator System 2. Building Material 2.1 Indigenous 3. Building Economics 4. Acoustics

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Passive and Active Solar Power Power Generation Water Supply System Electronics and Communication System Mechanical Electrical Systems Mechanical Structural Integration Structural Systems

G. LOCAL REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS 1. Land Use and Zoning 2. Building Occupancy and Use 3. Pertinent Codes and Ordinances 4. Applicable Laws and Acts Note: The foregoing is a partial list of considerations vital to the formulation of solutions in design DESIGN CRITERIA Design criteria are the immediate tools for design derived from in-depth studies of design considerations. The exposures and/or formal studies will enable the designer to evaluate, enumerate and make effective the use of these tools. It includes the negative and positive rules for the mechanics of design. With these rules, the designer can undergo effective self-evaluation of these design alternatives. A design conscience will emerge the ability to distinguish the acceptable from the unacceptable unit solutions, inclusive also of the total solution. FLOW CHART The chart indicates the interrelationship of the various building requirements in terms of time, space, form and function in an abstract form which relates to the design parameters. This phase will include site analysis which will undergo similar endeavor with the site with its influencing parameters being considered. The initial abstract layout of the building: also in relation to the site may develop from the format of the chart. TECHNICAL SPACE ANALYSIS An outline of the physical attributes and space requirements in terms of areas and volume, and other technical matters relative to the site and to each building requirements are done. These values are derived from the basic parameters of space analysis which are ergonometrics, anthropometrics and the man-made physical constraint within given space to be analyzed. These parameters can be further expressed in terms of occupancy, furniture and the like, and function with the corresponding circulation within the space. The product of this analysis will be in terms of square meters, or cubic meters, devoid of any definitive form. The value of this technical space will be used in the initial quantification of the project magnitude, with certain allowance. It will also be used as primers for the architectural spaces to be developed in the latter stages of this process.

IV.

Elements of Architecture

Horizontal Plan Nature of the Plan A. The plan in an architectural composition is the graphic projection of the volume of the building. B. It is the pattern, dictated on the requirement of the building of which the elements of the elevation and section emerges. Qualities of the Plan A. The arrangement of the units according to practical requirements determined by size, shape and use of rooms. B. Arrangement according to the rules of abstract design. Visible Structure Elements A. Structural Elements a. Wall any various upright constructions presenting a continuous surface a serving of enclose, divide or protect an area. b. Columns a rigid, relatively slender structural member designed primarily to support axial, compressive load applied at the member ends. c. Beams a rigid structural member designed to carry and transfer transverse loads across space to supporting elements. B. Protective Elements a. Roof any various upright constructions presenting a continuous surface and serving to enclose, divide or protect an area i. Different types 1. Gable 2. Hip 3. Flat 4. Butterfly 5. Truncated 6. Gambrel 7. Mansard 8. Conical

b. Dome a vaulted structure having a circular plan and usually the form of a position of a sphere, so constructed as to exert an equal thrust in all directions. i. Different types 1. Segmental 2. Spherical 3. Saucer shape 4. Pointed 5. Onion shape

c. Ceiling the overhead interior surface or lining of a room, often concealing the underside of the floor or roof above. i. Different types 1. Plain 2. Coffered ceiling one of a number of recessed, usually square or octagonal panels in ceiling, soffit or vault; also known as caisson, lacunar. 3. Beam ceiling the underside of a floor showing the supporting beams and finished to form a ceiling. d. Vaults an arched structure of stone, brick or reinforced concrete, forming a ceiling or roof over a hall, room or other wholly or partially enclosed space (Romanesque, gothic.)

C. Circulatory Elements a. Openings doors and windows b. Corridors c. Stairs connotes vertical movement i. Direct stairway ii. 2-way stairway iii. 3-way stairway iv. Curved stairway 30 35 - angle of stairs Threads 10 13 Riser 6 7 D. Decorative Elements A. Mouldings a. Classificaton i. Terminate the ones which crown a group of moldings or a cornice. Direction is usually horizontal. e.g. oyma recta, cavetto, corona ii. Support

 moldings which are made sturdy in character. The e direction is vector e.g. ovolo, cyna reversa iii. Separate these concave, convex and flat surfaces which give interest to a composition by reasons of introducing a change of direction between 2 or more important elements. e.g. torus, scotia, astragal, fillet iv. Translate usually have outward and downward directions to their contours. They are used at the back of a column or wall and help to translate the weight above to the broader plinth below. e.g. cyma recta, corona, ovolo B. Ornament a. Classification i. Abstract No reference to any particular subject or any familiar easily recognized object. It consists of a pleasing arrangement of geometrical forms to produce a pattern or composition. ii. Pictorial It usually hides less connection with architecture than with some other forms of expression. It feels a story. 1. Naturalistic the pictorial decorations why biblical or secular history which are sometimes depicted in the sculpture of the church. 2. Conventional consists of the simplification of the design and its reduction to a basic structural pattern which will express the character of the materials to be used. iii. Non-pictorial b. Alternative Approach to Decoration i. The FORM which DECORATION assumes 1. 2-Dimensional painted decorations, mural, frescos, mosaics, tiles, marbles, inlays of metals, woods. 2. 3- Dimensional carved, cast or hammered in low or high reliefs sculptures (low relief, in the round, free standing) c. Elements in Organizing Decorative Forms i. Origin-line 1. Straight line sturdy, masculine and belongs to architecture with a determined mission to fulfill however, it has its moods. 2. Curved line more subtle than the straight line. It is more graceful and sensitive. It is feminine and represents that architecture which caters to the emotional rather than the physical.

ii. Composition 1. Within a border 2. Within an area 3. All over pattern d. Expressive Line Symbols i. Bending Upright Line sadness, wearing, grief ii. Upwards Swirls aspiration, spiritual intensity iii. Rhythmic Horizontals laziness, sleepiness, joyous, calm iv. Upward Sprays growth, realism, spontaneity v. Diminishing Perspective distance, limited, expanse, nostalgia vi. Inverted Perspective infinite, expanse, expanding space, unhampered freedom vii. Waterfall gravity, rhythmic, descent viii. Concentric Curves upward expansion, flowering, movement, buoyancy ix. Horizontal Line tranquility, mobility x. Vertical Line stability, austerity, dignity xi. Rounded Arches straight, heavy austerity xii. Diagonals instability, mobility xiii. Pyramid stability, dignity, massive strength xiv. Gothic Arch spiritual uplift, faith, religious hope xv. Rhythmic Curves grace, joyousness, youth xvi. Spiral Line genesis, generative forces xvii. Expanding Spheres good spirits xviii. Conducting diagonals war, conflict, hate, confusion xix. Zigzag Lines excitement, jagged animation xx. Radiation explosion, sudden outburst