THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE - 01 Introduction to Theory and Architecture What is theory? Theory -Is an Abstract thought or speculation resulting in a system of assumption or principles used in analyzing, explaining, or predicting phenomena, and proposed or followed as a basis of action. TYPES OF THEORY ▪ Descriptive: simply explains events or phenomena. ▪ Prescriptive: prescribes guidelines. What is Architecture? Architecture - The art and science of designing and constructing buildings. Art - The conscious 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. Architectural Systems and Orders The architecture of space, structure, and enclosure ▪ Organizational pattern, relationships, hierarchy ▪ Qualities of shape, color, texture, scale, proportion ▪ Qualities of surfaces, edges, and openings Architectural systems Experienced through ▪ Approach and entry movement in ▪ Path configuration space and time and access ▪ Sequence of spaces ▪ Light, view, touch, hearing, and smell Architectural systems Achieved by means of ▪ Structure and technology enclosure ▪ Environmental protection and comfort ▪ Health, safety, and welfare ▪ Durability Architectural Systems Accommodating a program ▪ User requirements, needs, aspirations ▪ Socio-cultural factors ▪ Economic factors ▪ Legal restraints ▪ Historical tradition and precedents Architectural Systems ▪ Site and environment ▪ Climate: sun, wind, Compatible with its temperature, and context precipitation ▪ Geography: soils, topography, vegetation, and water ▪ Sensory and cultural characteristics of the place Spatial System The three-dimensional integration of program elements and spaces accommodates the multiple functions and relationships of a house. Structural System A grid of columns support horizontal beams and slabs. The cantilever acknowledges the direction of approach along the longitudinal axis. Enclosure System Four exterior wall planes define a rectangular volume that contains the program elements and spaces. Circulation System The stair and ramp penetrate and link the three levels, and heighten the viewer’s perception of forms in space and light. The curved form of the entrance foyer reflects the movement of the automobile. Context A simple exterior form wraps around a complex interior organization of forms and spaces. Elevating the main floor provides a better view and avoids the humidity of the ground. A garden terrace distributes sunlight to the spaces gathered around it. Architectural orders Architectural Orders Physical ▪ Solids and voids ▪ Interior and exterior ▪ Space ▪ Structure ▪ Enclosure ▪ Machines Architectural Orders Perceptual Sensory perception and recognition of the physical elements by experiencing them sequentially in time ▪ Approach and Departure ▪ Entry and Egress ▪ Movement through the order of spaces ▪ Functioning of and activities within spaces ▪ Qualities of light, color, texture, view, and sound. Architectural Orders 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 Processes in Architectural Design Design process A purposeful activity aimed at devising a plan for changing an existing situation into a future preferred state. Design phases 1. Initiation 2. Preparation 3. Synthesis 4. Evaluation 5. Action 6. Reevaluation 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 solutions. Evaluation Simulating, testing, and modifying acceptable alternatives according to specified goals and criteria. Action Selecting and implementing the most suitable solution. Reevaluation Assessing how well an implemented solution in use satisfies the specified goals and criteria .
