ARCHITECTURE
“derived from the Greek word “architekton” (in Latin “architecton”) which means “construction
master” Architecture is the art of designing structures.
Art and science of designing and constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures to satisfy
individual and communal needs. It is complex art inasmuch as the task of the architect is not only to create
the design of the exterior of the building or similar structure, but also to the design of its interior.
Buildings are works of art
Buildings possess artistic quality --they make our living space more livable.
They draw us to them rather than push us away or make us ignore
ORIGIN OF ARCHITECTURE
o Architecture is one of the oldest professions in human history
o It first evolved as the outcome of needs (like shelter, security, worship etc.) and means (like the
available building materials and skills)
o As human cultures progressed, building became a craft and later the formalized version of that craft,
which is practiced by educated professionals, is called ‘architecture’.
o Architecture is like the history and literature of one nation in built form.
o It is a nonverbal way of communication and it is the quiet record of the people who produced it.
KINDS OF ARCHITECTURAL CONSTRUCTION
1. Post and Lintel
The post and lintel consists of horizontal beam called lintel and two vertical posts to support
it. It is usually found in doors and entrances.
2. Cantilever
Similar to the post and lintel, the cantilever has two vertical posts for support and a horizontal beam
with one end more extended than the other. Oftentimes, steel is used for this type of architectural
construction because of its tensile strength. At times, wood is also used less frequently because of its
tendency to warp, sag, and rot.
3. Arch
The arch consists of several wedge-shaped blocks of stone called voussoirs held together by a
key stone. It serves to support other structures such as roofs and to be a symbolic gateway.
4. Dome
Large hemispherical roof or ceiling that looks like an inverted cup. It is an extension of the principle
of the arch capable of enclosing a wide area.
5. Vault
Arched structure of masonry usually forming a roof or ceiling. Similar to the dome, it is an extension
of the principle of the arch capable of enclosing a vast expanse of space. It has several types, namely:
barrel vault, groin vault, cross vault, welsh vault, and cloister vault.
6. Truss
The truss consists of a braced framework of beams or bars forming one or more triangles. An
assemblage of beams forming a rigid framework, it is usually used to support the roof.
SPACE AND ARCHITECTURE
o Architecture as opposed to mere engineering—is the creative conservation of space.
o Architects perceive the centers of space in nature, and build to preserve these centers and
make them more vital.
o Architects are the shepherds of space.
FOUR NECESSITIES OF ARCHITECTURE
o The architect’s professional life is perhaps more difficult than that of any other artist.
o Architecture is a peculiarly public art because buildings generally have a social function, and
many buildings require public funds.
o More than other artists, the architects must consider the public.
o Thus architects must be psychologists, sociologists, economists, business people, and
politicians.
o They must also be engineers, for they must be able to construct structurally stable buildings.
o Architects have to take into account four basic and closely interrelated necessities: technical
requirements, use, spatial relationships, and content.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
o Of the four necessities, the technical requirements of a building are the mostobvious.
o Buildings must stand(and withstand).Architects must know the material and their potentialities, how
to put the materials together, and how the materials will work on a particular site. So architects are
engineers.
o But they are something more as well -artists.
FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF ARCHITECTURE
o Architects must not only make their buildings stand but also usually stand them in such a way that
they reveal their function or use.
o Some believe that (form must follow function).
o If form follows function in the sense that the form stands “for” the function of its building, then
conventional forms or structures are often sufficient. No one is likely to mistake Cathedral for an
office building.
SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS OF ARCHITECTURE
A building that is technically awry with poor lighting or awkward passageways or cramped rooms will
distract from any artistic meaning, and so usually will a form that fails to reveal the function of its building,
or a form that fails to fit into its spatial context.
Content
o Essential values of contemporary society are a part of all artists’ subject matter; part of what they
must interpret in their work, and this--because of the public character of architecture--is especially
so with architects.
o The way architects (and artists generally) are influenced by the values of their society
THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTS
The Architect is to be concerned with the following:
1. Construction
2. Articulation
3. Aesthetics
Ernest Gardner. “The role of the architect is constantly evolving.”
THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE
“A good building should satisfy the principles of firmitas, utilitas,venustas.”
DURABILITY –it should stand up robustly and remain in good condition.
UTILITY –it should be useful; and function well for the people using it.
BEAUTY –it should delight people, and raise their spirits.
HISTORICAL INFLUENCES OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE OF MESOPOTAMIA
o Temples
o Royal Palace
o Homes
decorative motifs representing stylized plants and fantastic animals (lions or winged bulls with human
heads)
walls (in the palace halls) decorated with frizzes of large dimensions representing hunting scenes or
scenes of battle
ANCIENT EGYPT
o The tomb
o The temples
o The palaces
the use of some regular simple geometrical shapes (the
pyramid, the prism, the pyramid trunk)
the use of some rich decorations and some columns with
caps having vegetal or anthropomorphically motifs
the creation of some constructions of impressive
proportions, monumental and overwhelming for the human
stature.
ANCIENT GREEK ARCHITECTURE
o The Temples
o Public Constructions
o Entertainment Constructions
o The constructions used for physical exercising
o The homes
o Town constructions
ANCIENT GREECE ARCHITECTURE
The usage of “human scale” for building and
obtaining grandeur through simplicity and through
the arrangement of the elements composing the
constructions;
The repeated usage of column rows interconnected
with horizontal beams which by their alternation of
gaps and filled space accomplished impressive
light and shadow effects
ARCHITECTONIC ORDERS
ANCIENT ROME’S ARCHITECTURE
o Accommodations (individual and collective)
o Modest Housings
o Rich housings (palaces and villas had gardens and parks)
o The temple
o Thermae (public baths)
o Theatre
o Religious constructions
o Military constructions
o Funeral constructions (funeral monuments, community cinerarium)
o Memorial constructions (built for the glorification of the roman army successes)
The sumptuous exterior and interior decoration of buildings by the use of sculpture (frizzes, bas-
reliefs, decorative panels, inscriptions, etc.) or paintings (monumental wall-paintings
The utilization of some expensive materials for decorating the buildings: rare marble, mosaics, etc.,
THE RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE
o The villa
o The city halls
o Educational buildings
o Charity establishments (hospitals and orphanages)
o Religious programs
o Charity establishments
The use of some various decorative elements: -stone and
marble inlays with colored drawings, enameled ceramic
elements, figurative sculptural motifs, painted panels surrounded by moldings
BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE
Excessive decoration of interior spaces and the realization of a
strong expressive force of these spaces by using multicolored
structures, golden bronze, marble, colored sculptures and frescos, all
exploiting light effects and generating a festive and scenic setting.
MODERN ARCHITECTURE
o Homes
o Collective homes (apartment blocks)
o Production programs
o Logistic Programs
o Educational programs
o Cultural programs
o Sport programs
o Tourism
o Commerce
o Multifunctional ensemble constructions
The utilization of new construction materials with
superior physic characteristics (steel, glass, plastic material, aluminum,etc.)
The utilization of some advanced techniques and technologies of building, like: -the execution of
multileveled constructions made from concrete by lifting, by sliding or by integral prefabrication
elements.
TYPES OF ARCHITECTURE BASED ON FUNCTION
DOMESTIC HOUSES
RECREATIONAL
COMMERCIAL
RELIGIOUS
MILITARY OR DEFENSE
FACTORIES
