Lesson 1 Architecture as an Art PDF

Lesson 1 Architecture as an Art - Architecture is more than just buildings constructed by engineers and architects. It can be considered an art form as it is a visual expression. But what defines it as art? According to Roger Scruton, architecture is both the art and technique of design and constru...

Lesson 1 Architecture as an Art - Architecture is more than just buildings constructed by engineers and architects. It can be considered an art form as it is a visual expression. But what defines it as art? According to Roger Scruton, architecture is both the art and technique of design and construction, distinct from mere construction skills. It fulfills practical and expressive purposes, serving both utilitarian and aesthetic goals. Beyond its definition, architecture has a specific function, ranging from basic shelter to complex urban infrastructure. Creating a building requires careful consideration of aesthetics and informed decisions. To delve deeper, let's examine the elements of architecture and their interplay. - Architecture comprises seven essential elements: materials, line, color, shape, mass, texture, and space. We will explore each in detail. - Materials - have evolved significantly with advancements in technology. As the foundation of any building, material selection is paramount in determining the final product's quality. Careful consideration and materials analysis are essential for ensuring the building's longevity. Materials serve as the backbone, influencing the design's structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. - Line - is a fundamental element present in all art forms. It is the building block for defining shape, form, and volume in architectural design. Lines create rhythm and flow within a composition. Horizontal lines evoke a sense of stability and groundedness, anchoring a structure to the earth. Conversely, vertical lines convey height and aspiration, reaching upward to balance the composition. - Color - is a strategic tool in architecture that enhances a building's character and identity. It can accentuate forms, materials, and spatial divisions within a design. Color choices must be carefully considered to achieve the desired effect. Value – transmits to the depth of hue contained, defined as light or dark. Hue – transmits to the pure state of color, its essence. Intensity – relates to the saturation of color: chroma. This characteristic defines the final color's purity relative to its original state. - Shape - in architecture, is the two-dimensional representation of a form. The building's outline or silhouette is its most easily recognizable shape. It's crucial to remember that shape evokes emotional responses in viewers, creating the initial impression of a structure. There are various types of shapes, including: Geometric shape - consists of the basic shapes – square, triangle, and circle. The natural shape - consists of designs replicating or imitating items in our natural environment. Abstract shape - This type utilizes the natural shape interpretation of form and then alters or abstracts it to diminish the shape to its apparent essence. Non-objective shape - breaks from the previous three types to create a shape unrelated to the natural or geometric world. - Mass. The mass of an architectural design solution is the three-dimensional aspect of the shapes. We have two types of mass, namely: Primary mass (a form of a structure; the bulk of the building) Secondary mass (smaller components: floor, walls, ceilings) - Texture - refers to the surface quality of a material. As a crucial element in architectural design, texture establishes a building's initial aesthetic appeal. It is perceived through both sight and Touch. - Space - is a fundamental concept in architecture. It involves transforming undefined areas into functional and usable spaces to meet specific needs. To effectively discuss space in architecture, we must first understand the distinction between these concepts. Claustrophobia - is a psychological condition brought on by the fear of enclosure – the absence of space. Agoraphobia - is a psychological condition caused by the lack of enclosure – the fear of exposure in open spaces. A designer should consider several factors when discussing a project with clients. These factors will inform the building's design. In architecture, space is categorized into two primary types: positive and negative. Positive space - presents the enclosure, the solid form. It contains a measured volume of visual and tangible enclosure and reflects light from the surfaces. Negative space - these are the voids enclosed by the form, and it allows light to pass through uninterrupted as there is no surface to reflect it. Lesson 2 Architectural Forms Edmund N. Bacon emphasized that "Architectural form is the point of contact between mass and space... Architectural forms, textures, materials, modulation of light and shade, and color combine to inject a quality or spirit that expresses space. The value of architecture hinges on the designer's skill." While form might not be the primary function of architecture, it's undeniably the most debated aspect. It encompasses more than a building's shape or layout, including points, lines, planes, and volumes. Consequently, it can involve various texts, textures, or images within a design. Let's explore different examples and their characteristics to understand architectural forms better. First, let's discuss regular forms.  - Regular forms - are typically characterized by evenly distributed design elements arranged in a logical order. This creates a precise and calm appearance. An example of a building with a regular form is depicted in the image below. - Irregular forms - are characterized by components or elements that vary significantly from one another. This creates a chaotic appearance for the viewer, contrasting sharply with regular forms. An example of an irregular form is shown in the image below. - Mix Forms - involve a series of manipulations that transform a building into a unique design. This form typically combines regular and irregular elements, resulting in a more visually appealing structure. Refer to the image below for an example. - Nature - Inspired Forms - draw inspiration from nature, demonstrating how simplicity can be transformed into innovative design solutions. This approach, also known as "Biomimetic Architecture," focuses on replicating natural forms and understanding the underlying principles that govern them. Rather than copying appearances, it seeks to emulate functions. For example, a bird's nest, with its protective sides enclosing eggs at the center, inspires stadium designs where the main event is central and surrounded by spectators. - Unusual Forms. Unlike regular, irregular, or nature-inspired forms, unusual forms are characterized by their unique and unexpected shapes. They often stem from experimentation with materials or the designer's imagination. An example of an unusual form is shown in the image below. Lesson 3 Architectural Style Architectural form primarily focuses on the shape of a structure. Dictated by function, it is less concerned with aesthetics. Architectural style, on the other hand, emphasizes aesthetic ideals and effects. It involves the design elements that make a building unique and recognizable. Style is concerned with appearance and aims to impress. Having established this distinction, let's delve into specific architectural styles. We will examine eight styles: Gothic, Romanesque, Beaux Art, Neoclassical, Rococo, Neo-Mudejar, East Asian, and Contemporary. Alongside these styles, we will explore examples of their buildings and their historical significance. Different Architectural Style Gothic architecture - is a European style characterized by height and intricate, delicate details. Initially termed "Opus Francigenum" or "French Work," it was later renamed "Gothic" in the 16th century. Influenced by Romanesque architecture, the Gothic style features exaggerated arches, expansive vaulting, large windows, and slender walls, often supported by flying buttresses. The Philippines boasts the Paoay Church, located in Ilocos Norte, as a prime example of a blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. Also known as St. Augustine Church, it was constructed by Augustinian friars, beginning in 1694 and completed in 1710 under the supervision of Fr. Antonio Estavillo. The church's exterior showcases Gothic influences, while its interior exhibits Baroque design elements. To withstand the destructive power of earthquakes, which damaged the church in 1885 and 1865, it was reinforced with 24 massive buttresses. Beyond its architectural significance, the church's belfry was crucial in Philippine history. It served as an observation post for the Katipuneros during the 1896 revolution against Spain and later for Filipino guerrillas during World War II. Romanesque architecture - flourished in Europe during the late medieval era (800-1200). Characterized by semicircular arches, thick walls, vaulted ceilings, and small stained glass windows, it evolved through three distinct periods: Pre-Romanesque (800-1000) Early Romanesque (11th Century) Mature Romanesque (1070-1170) The San Francisco de Asis Church, also known as the General Trias Church, is located in Town Square Plaza, General Trias, Cavite. Renowned for its Romanesque architectural style, the church has a rich history. Initially established by Franciscans in 1611, it was transferred to the Jesuits in 1624 before becoming an independent parish. Under the leadership of Doña Maria Josepha de Yrizzari y Ursula, the church was rebuilt in stone in 1769. The church convent holds historical significance as the rehearsal place for the San Francisco de Malabon band, who performed the Philippine National Anthem for the first time during the Declaration of Independence. Emilio Aguinaldo famously waved the Philippine flag as the band played, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history. Beaux-Arts style - is a prominent subset of Neoclassical and Greek Revival architectural styles. Predominant during the American Gilded Age (1885-1925), it emerged as part of the American Renaissance movement, which blended classical Greek and Roman architecture with Renaissance ideals. Characterized by grandeur and opulence, Beaux-Arts buildings often feature balustrades, balconies, columns, cornices, pilasters, triangular pediments, grand stairways, and lavish ballrooms. El Hogar Filipino, located at the intersection of Juan Luna Street and Muelle de la Industria in Manila's Binondo District, is a prime example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Designed by Ramon Irureta-Goyena and Francisco Perez-Muñoz, the building was constructed in 1914 as a gift to Doña Margarita Zobel de Ayala and Spanish businessman Don Antonio Melian Pavia. The building is a testament to Beaux-Arts grandeur, featuring two garden courtyards, a balcony offering a view of the Pasig River, and a distinctive sculpted mythical griffin staircase. Originally serving as the office of the financing cooperative Sociedad El Hogar Filipino, the building stands as a historic landmark. Neoclassical architecture - is a revival of classical architectural styles that flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries. Inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, Neoclassical buildings often feature clean lines and a predominantly white color palette. While originating in Italy, the style gained prominence in France. Characterized by large-scale structures supported by columns, Neoclassical architecture incorporates three primary column types: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Additionally, these buildings often feature enlarged Renaissance-style domes and colonnades, rotundas, and porticoes for their entrances. Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church in Dumaguete is a prime example of Neoclassical architecture. Renowned as Negros Island's oldest stone church, it serves as the main Roman Catholic cathedral for Central Visayas and the Diocese of Dumaguete. Construction began in 1754 and was completed in 1776, with subsequent reconstruction in 1885. The church's façade was extended in 1936 to accommodate St. Peter and St. Paul statues. Additionally, statues of St. Matthew, Mark, John, and Luke adorn the four pillars supporting the main entrance. Rococo architecture - emerged in France during the mid-1700s as an evolution of the Baroque style, often referred to as "Late Baroque." Known for its elaborate ornamentation, Rococo is characterized by intricate curves, scrolls, shell-like motifs, and plant-inspired details. This style favors light, pastel colors, and gold accents, contrasting basically with the Neoclassical preference for clean lines and simplicity. The Iglesia de Sta. Monica in Angat, Bulacan, is renowned for its Rococo interior. Founded by an Augustinian priest in 1693, the church boasts painted ceilings that reflect Filipino culture, notably depicting scenes from Simbang Gabi and Flores de Mayo. Inspired by Michelangelo's work on the Sistine Chapel, the ceiling paintings were initiated by Rene Robles in 1998 and completed by his son, Jess Robles, in 2000. The accompanying image showcases the church's interior and exterior architecture. Neo-Mudejar - is a revival of the Mudejar architectural style, which emerged in the 14th century as a fusion of Arab and Christian elements. The term "Neo-Mudejar" signifies this 20th-century resurgence. Characterized by the interplay of lines, intersections, and arches, Neo-Mudejar architecture incorporates calligraphy merged with symbolic or mythological motifs, resulting in a distinctive aesthetic that diverges from traditional Christian and Islamic expressions. The Iglesia de Sta. Catalina in Carcar, Cebu, is a prime example of Neo-Mudejar style. Constructed between 1860 and 1875 under the supervision of Fr. Antonio Manglano and Fr. Manuel Fernandez Rubio, respectively, the church is renowned for its life-size statues of the twelve Apostles and angels. Its interior is further adorned with painted ceilings. East Asian Style - also known as Tenjiku (meaning "Indian Style" in Japanese), was a dominant architectural style in Japanese Buddhist architecture during the Kamakura period (1192-1333). Interestingly, it emerged as an unintended consequence of the Nara Buddhism revival. This style is characterized by its extensive use of wood, intricate beam bracketing, tiled roofs, and blocks positioned beneath eaves. Rectangular halls are also a defining feature. The Cebu Taoist Temple, an exemplar of East Asian architecture, is situated in Beverly Hills Subdivision, Lahug. The temple complex comprises two distinct structures constructed in 1972 by Cebu's Chinese community. The Phu Sian Temple is closed to the public, while the Main Temple, elevated 270 meters above sea level, welcomes worshippers and visitors alike. Replicating a section of the Great Wall of China, the temple's entrance leads to a complex featuring a chapel, library, wishing well, souvenir shop, and a spacious balcony. Contemporary design - is a broad architectural style encompassing a wide range of influences. It often incorporates eco-friendly features and utilizes the latest technology and materials. Characterized by expressive forms, an emphasis on aesthetics, and versatile use of concrete, glass, aluminum, and asymmetrical facades, contemporary design can also feature color-shifting elements influenced by sunlight. Iconic examples of this style include the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Shanghai Tower in China, and the Sydney Opera House.