Objectives
• You will understand that
architectural design is
composed of elements.
• You will know the definitions
of these elements.
• You will be able to identify
structures that illustrate these
elements.
Elements of Architecture:
The Basics of Beautiful Design
What elements and principles of architecture do
architects include in the design of structures?
The Basics of Architecture
Structure
Anything that is built or
constructed and has a
plan.
Seagram Bldg NYC
The Basics of Architecture:
Basic Structures
Post and Lintel
Method of construction
in which vertical posts
support horizontal
lintel, beam.
Stonehenge
The Basics of Architecture:
Basic Structures
Parthenon
Columns
Vertical, round pillar
that supports an
arch or entablature
Three types of Greek Columns
Doric
-simple capital
Ionic
-scrolled capital
Corinthian
-fancy capital
Doric
Ionic
Corinthian
Corinthian Column Capital
The Basics of Architecture:
Basic Structures
Colonnade
Parthenon
St. Peter’s Square
Line of arches or columns
bearing a horizontal
entablature.
Entablature
• The parts of an
order between the
column capital and
the roof or pediment.
• It is divided into
three parts:
architrave, frieze,
and cornice.
The Basics of Architecture:
Basic Structures
Arch
Vaulted wall opening
that can span large
spaces.
Coliseum
Pont du Gard
St. Paul’s
Cathedral
Types of Arches
The Basics of Architecture:
Basic Structures
• Dome
• a large hemispherical
roof or ceiling
• arches are jointed at
the top and legs form a
circle
• creates more
expansive space
inside a structure
• base can be circular or
angled
Hagia Sophia – square base
Dome of the Rock
Circular Base
The Basics of Architecture:
Basic Structures
Spire
a tapering roof or
pyramidal
construction
surmounting a tower
Salisbury Cathedral - England
The Basics of Architecture:
Basic Structures
Cantilever
Horizontally
projecting beam or
part of a structure
supported only at
one end.
Falling Water
Cantilever
The Basics of Architecture:
Basic Structures
• Buttress
• A projecting structure
for support to give
stability to a loadbearing wall.
• Counteracts lateral
thrust.
The Basics of Architecture:
Basic Structures
• Flying Buttress
• Arch commonly
seen on the
exterior of Gothic
cathedrals
• Used to support
high stone walls by
transmitting force
to an exterior
support.
• Counteracts lateral
thrust.
Notre Dame – Paris France
Buttress
Flying Buttress
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Media or Materials
-what the structure is
made from
Function
-purpose for which the
building was originally
designed
• The function of a
building may change
over time but the
original purpose still
dominates the design.
Context
• Physical
• The area on
which the building
is constructed.
• When considering
the context of a
building, you
must also look at
the environment.
Japanese School
• Physical Context
• Construction of the tower
occurred in three stages
across 344 years
• The tower's tilt began
during construction,
caused by an inadequate
foundation on ground too
soft on one side to
properly support the
structure's weight.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Context
• Todaji
Buddhist Temple
Nara, Japan
All wood construction
• Historical/Cultural
• The time, place, and
culture that influenced
the creation of the
building.
The Elements of Architecture
• Line
• Where two parts
come together
Great Pyramid
The Elements of Architecture
• Color
• Colors used on the
interior or exterior of
the building.
Dome of the Rock
The Elements of Architecture
• Shape/Form
• The outline of the
building if viewed
from the air AND from
the ground.
St. Paul’s Cathedral - aerial view
Shape/Form
The Elements of Architecture
• Texture
• How the building feels
or looks
• Can be the interior or
exterior
Guggenheim
The Principles of Architecture
• Space
• The area in and
around a building
Louvre
The Principles of Architecture
• Balance
• Distribution of weight
Eiffel Towel
The Principles of Architecture
• Rhythm/Repetition/
Pattern
• Repeated use of an
element
Raphael’s Loggia
The Principles of Architecture
• Emphasis
• Calling attention to
one part
• This is achieved by
using the elements
and principles of
architecture
Dome of the Rock
The Principles of Architecture
• Variety/Contrast
• the use of
differing
elements
Villa rotunda
The Principles of Architecture
• Proportion
• comparison of
size of parts and
size of the whole
The Principles of Architecture
• Scale
• Scale-sized
compared to
people
Pantheon - Rome
The Principles of Architecture
• Unity
• Use of similar
elements to tie the
work together
Leaning Tower of Pisa