Lecture Week 2-3 Theory of Architecture PDF

# Theory of Achitecture: Introduction to Architectural Theory ## Linear Elements * Vertical linear elements have been used to commemorate significant events or establish particular points in space or to organize spaces around it. * Vertical linear elements can also define a transparent volume of s...

# Theory of Achitecture: Introduction to Architectural Theory ## Linear Elements * Vertical linear elements have been used to commemorate significant events or establish particular points in space or to organize spaces around it. * Vertical linear elements can also define a transparent volume of spaces, marks the corners and edges of spaces. * Linear members that possess the necessary material strength can perform structural functions. * They can: * express movement across space. * stand as column supports for entablature. * come together to form a 3D framework for architectural space. ### Examples of Linear Elements * Hagia Sophia, Istanbul * Parthenon, Greece * Domino House, Le Corbusier * Obelisks in Vatican * Column of Marcus Aurelius, Rome ### Advantages of Linear Elements * A row of columns supporting an entablature - a colonnade is often used to define the public face or facade of a building * They can easily be penetrated for entry. * They offer a degree of shelter from the elements. * They form a semi transparent screen that unifies individual building form behind it * They define the edges of an exterior space * They articulate the edges of building mass in space * Trellis or pergola provides a moderate degree of definition and enclosure for outdoor spaces. * They allow light and breeze to penetrate. ## Openings in Space Defining Elements * Openings are required for visual and spatial continuity. * Openings determine patterns of movement (doors and doorways). * Openings allow light to penetrate the space (window) and illuminate the surface of a room. * They offer views from the room/interior to exterior. * They establish visual relationship between rooms and adjacent spaces. * They provide natural ventilation. * Depending on size, number and location, they can weaken the enclosure. ## Primary Solids * Sphere * Cone * Pyramid * Cube * Cylinder ### Sphere * Sphere is body that consists of regular, continuous surface. * It has no lines, edges or corners. * It is neither horizontal nor vertical emphasis. * It is a form that is closed within itself. #### Sphere: Visual Effects * It is a pure convex externally * It presents an impenetrable, uninviting appearance * It displays a visual quality of repulsion. * It has no points of interest to focus. * It is defined by a vague outline of a circle, where the whole mass appears as an immense dot. #### Sphere: Emotional Effects * It causes a lack of concentration. * It induces restlessness. * It creates a sense of diffuseness. * The diffuseness also characterizes the external space surrounding the sphere. * The total effect on the observer is a lack of sense of orientation. #### Inside the Sphere * There is a dramatic change inside. * The bounding surface is continually concave. * It opens to the observer. * It invites attention. * Attraction is from all sides. * This results in equilibrium of forces. * The center of this equilibrium is the center of the sphere. * The center is imaginary. #### Sphere: Emotional Effects - Inside * It arouses sensations of concentration, repose and orientation. ### Hemisphere * A hemisphere is a sphere that is cut horizontally in half. * The cut portion forms an edge that is circular in plan. * The dome and the edge portion give the visual character. #### Hemisphere: Visual Effects * It has a diffuse quality like the sphere, but the continuity is terminated at the rim. #### Hemisphere: Emotional Effects * A sense of circular movement is set up by the rim. * While a sphere leads to disorientation, a hemisphere leads to circular movement. ### Derivatives of Sphere-Hemisphere * Cut horizontally in half. * The cut portion forms an edge, circular in plan. * The dome and the edge portion give the visual character. ### Examples of Hemisphere Buildings * Sanchi Stupa, India * Roman Arena #### Sanchi Stupa * Location: Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India. * Founded By: Maurya Emperor Ashoka. * Founded In: 3rd century BC. * Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site. * It is a simple hemispherical brick structure that was built over the relics of Lord Buddha. * There is a path used for circumambulation, that surrounds the main Sanchi Stupa. #### Hemisphere: Internally * The interior has one concave surface and the other one is flat. * The interior is circular in shape. * The attention of the observer will be to the center, which can be visually identified. * But the observer experiences a sense of movement that is associated with the edge. #### Inverted Hemisphere * If the base is flattened, it can be used for a horizontal area towards which attention is focused. * This is ideal for viewing a centrally located activity, for example, sporting events. #### Hemisphere: Openings * Openings interrupt the continuity of the domical surface. * Openings decrease the visual impact. * Openings weaken the rim. * Openings create a separation of internal and external spaces. * The center of interior is visible from outside, which draws observers to the interior. * From the interior, the outside catches the attention. * Hence, the attention constantly fluctuates between the interior and exterior, leading to mild visual excitement. #### Hemisphere: Emotional Effects * The surface quality invites viewers. * The spatial quality repels viewers. * The emotional effect of a hemisphere makes it an uncomfortable space. * A hemisphere space is suitable for a stage. * A hemisphere space can be used for audience seating, with the focus on the screen. * A frame or gateway can be used to emphasize an axis. ### Cube * Six equal square sides. * The angle between any two adjacent faces is a right angle. * The cube is a static form. * It is very stable, except when it stands on a corner. * It is a highly recognizable form. #### Cube: Visual Effects * The vertical blank square does not invite nor repulse. It is visually and physically impenetrable, making the appearance uninviting. * Because the directions are equally emphasized, the mass as a whole has no directional quality, making it neutral. * The visual force is given by the edges. #### Inside Cube * Space inside a cube is bounded in plane surfaces, lines and corners. * Corners won't project towards the observer, but recede away from him. * When treated little it grasps the attention. ### Cuboid * Cuboids are obtained by altering the equal sides of a cube. * The volume of a cuboid is spread in a particular direction, either horizontal or vertical, irrespective of the surface. * Each cuboid mass has a longer side and a shorter side. * Surface lines are emphasized than corners. * The horizontality of a cuboid is comparable to an urban street. * Because of the continuity, one hesitates to stop unless an opening is created. * The verticality of a cuboid is comparable to a high rise building. * Both the physical and visual tension of the cuboid makes it a dominating visual entity. #### Examples of a Cuboid * Street in Dublin * Apartment in Las Vegas #### Movement and Space in Cuboids * The horizontal internal space stimulates horizontal movement, which is greater with increasing horizontality. * This makes the space transform into a passage, a corridor and an internal street. * Vertical space stimulates vertical movement, especially when it is filled with a stair case, lift or ramp. ### Examples of Cube Buildings * The "Water Cube" - National Aquatics Center, Beijing * The "Zollverein" School, Germany * The "Cube Condo" Hotel, Dubai #### The Water Cube * The "Water Cube" was a team masterpiece. * The Chinese partners felt that a square was more symbolic to Chinese culture than a circle, and it represents a close relationship to the Bird's Nest stadium, which is circular. * The Sydney based partners came up with the idea of covering the cube with bubbles, symbolizing water. #### The Water Cube: Contextual Meaning * The cube symbolizes earth, while the circle, which is represented by the stadium, represents heaven. #### The Zollverein School, Germany * The openings, which are windows in three different sizes, create an unusual interaction with the surroundings and the interior. * The Zollverein School has four floors, with ceilings of varying heights, as well as a roof garden. * The idea of stacking open floor plans was developed in compliance with the demands made by the various functions. #### The Cube Condo Hotel, Dubai * The "Cube Condo" Hotel is located in Dubai Sports City. * It has 27 floors and 561 luxury condos that will satisfy even the pickiest tourists. #### The St. Louis Gateway Arch * The St. Louis Gateway Arch is one of Missouri's oldest public memorials and the tallest monument of its kind in the United States. * The Gateway Arch is 630 feet tall and 630 feet wide at its widest point.