Architecture as a Response to Needs

Study Notes

The essentials of architectural structure are social conditions, human personality, and human interests.
These needs are categorized into physical, emotional, and intellectual needs.
Physical needs include basic necessities for survival, comfort, and convenience.
Emotional needs are manifested in decorative arts and influence architectural design for aesthetic expression.
Intellectual needs are categorized as tangible and intangible; tangible are material related to food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, while intangible needs are related to education, knowledge, and design. These needs influence the exchange of information and ideas.

Nature plays a crucial role in shaping architectural influences.
Climate, topography, and available building materials shape architectural styles and construction methods.

Basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter are the fundamental impulses driving architecture.
Emotional needs expressed through decorative arts result in the artistic manifestations of architecture.
Architecture as a result of combining basic needs and emotional desires is the expression of civilization.

Architecture is recognized as both art and science.
Architecture is considered art through its subjective nature, communication of universal truths, and focus on emotions and optimism.
Architecture is considered a science through its objective nature, processing of information, detection of patterns of order, and development of laws.

Architecture, as a structure, meets the following requirements: logical function, sound construction, and beautiful composition.
These three requirements are represented by the Latin terms, Venustas, Utilitas, and Firmitas, which translate to Beauty, Function, and Strength.
The architect Vitruvius emphasized these core elements of architecture.
Architectural theory is the process of thinking about, discussing about, and writing about architecture.
It sets the attitude for practice and asks questions.
Architectural practice involves making things and using actual building materials.

These needs can be categorized as physical, emotional, and intellectual.
Physical needs include shelter from the elements, sanitation, food, and sleep.
Early shelters had limited openings and were designed to protect from animals.
Modern shelters have evolved to provide for comfort, sanitation, circulation, and communication.
Emotional needs include basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter, as well as decorative art forms like sculpture, painting, music, and literature.
Architecture is a result of these emotional needs.
Tangible needs are related to material objects like food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.
Intangible needs include knowledge of law, medicine, and design.
Information and education are crucial for understanding these intangible needs.

Architecture is influenced by social conditions, human personality, human interests, and natural forces.
Modern society's needs, along with scientific advancements, shape the architecture of our time.
Natural forces, such as climate and geography, have historically influenced architectural styles.