Introduction to Architecture Concepts

Introduction to Architecture

• Identification of Place and Basic Elements of Architecture is the topic
• The presenter is Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA
• The lecture was presented at EARIST College, since 1989

Architecture as Identification of Place

• A dictionary definition of architecture is 'the design of buildings', but this is an inadequate definition
• Limiting architecture solely to the design of buildings diminishes its true meaning
• Architecture is about creating place, a concept that is fundamental to the identification of a place
• A simple prehistoric example, the setting of a campfire, demonstrates the concept of establishing a place

Architectural Actions and Dwelling Place

• Basic architectural actions of a prehistoric family can be replicated in a modern context
• The fire is the most important feature—it is the focus, cook place
• A windshield provides protection from the wind (privacy from outside forces)
• There is a designated storage space for fuel
• The rear of the place serves as a storage space for food
• These are the basic 'places' of a house, the initial stages of developing a house, even before walls and a roof

Place is to Architecture

• Place and architecture are related like meaning is to language, architecture is rooted in place, and different settings create different architecture
• Architecture changes and evolves as our understanding of place evolves
• Architecture is closely tied to human activity and the construction of places

Basic Elements of Architecture

• Places are identified by a range of basic elements such as ground, walls, platforms
• Columns, roofs, doors
• Includes the area of ground, or raised platform, or pit, or marker, or focus, or barrier, or roof/canopy, or posts/columns, or paths, or openings

Primary Elements of Architecture

• Physical terms of the primary elements include ground as the datum
• The space above ground as the medium that architecture molds
• Other factors like gravity, light, and time

Defined Area of Ground

• The definition of an area of ground forms the foundation of understanding most types of places.
• Its boundaries and size can vary widely.
• It can extend to the horizon and may be non-rectangular or uneven, blending into the environment

Raised or Lowered Areas

• Raised platforms, stages and terraces are examples of raised areas, providing a different level from the ground, for example a stage or terrace
• Pit or excavation of ground surfaces
• A pit can be used for various functions, such as graves, underground structures or even swimming pools.

Marker and Focus

• Markers are points that uniquely identify a location, and are part of the environment
• Landmarks, such as monuments or natural features, act as markers, making a place distinctive
• Focus is the point of concentration or attention in the space. It can be a fireplace, altar, art piece, or even a natural feature like a mountain

Barrier and Roof/Canopy

• A barrier defines a place by separating it from other places—like a fence or hedge or wall
• A roof or canopy shields a defined area from external elements such as sun and rain, and defines its boundaries
• The structural necessity of support for a roof is essential, this can be provided by walls, columns and posts

Posts/Columns and Paths

• Posts and columns often serve as supports for the roof or canopy
• Paths establish connections between different parts of a space or places, they can be straight, winding, or irregular paths
• They help in navigating and joining different places and spaces

Openings

• Openings like doorways and windows allow passage between places and connect people to their surroundings
• Historically, glass walls are a relatively recent architectural element that function as barriers but lack visual blockage

Combined Architectural Forms

• Basic elements combine to form more complex architectural forms
• Forms such as bridges, and enclosures frequently use combinations or have names of their own, like an aedicule
• The temple, a clear illustration of fundamental elements combined

Modifying Elements of Architecture

• Light, color, sounds, temperature, air movement, smells, quality of materials used, scale, effects, and personal experiences are important elements that alter the architecture of a place
• They modify the experience of place by affecting how it is perceived and used

Residential Architecture

• Villa Mairea by Alvar Aalto