ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE
from the Latin word architectura (Greek arkhitekton meaning builder,
carpenter,mason)
It refers to both the process and product of planning, designing and construction,
usually of buildings and other physical structures.

Architectural structures are often perceived as cultural symbols and a works of art.

CONSIDERATIONS IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Site location of the building.
Materials availability and durability of materials influence the design of buildings.
Culture and Tradition of the Society
Restrictions awareness of loads and stresses that certain parts of the building must
bear.
Law designs in accordance with existing laws.
Environment consideration of the natural environment like climate and geology.
Maintenance awareness of how to take care of buildings.
Function purpose of the building which include physical security, religious purpose for
public or private use or used as homes or workplace.
Aesthetics/ beauty
TRENDS in ARCHITECTURE
Ancient Architecture

In De Architectura by Roman architect Vitruvius (1st century AD), a good building should
satisfy the three principles :
o Durability (firmitas) should stand robustly and remain in good condition
o

Utility (utilitas) should be useful and function well for the people using it

Beauty (venustas) should delight people and raise their spirits

Modern Architecture (1900-present)

Form follow function =the shape of a building or object should be primarily based upon
its intended function or purpose.
Environmental Sustainability = buildings should be constructed in a manner which is
environmentally friendly in terms of the production of its materials, its impact upon the
natural and built environment of its surrounding area and the demands that it makes
upon non-sustainable power sources for heating, cooling, water and waste management
and lighting.

ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY
Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural
achievements.
Architectural history studies the evolution and history of architecture across the world
through a consideration of various influences artistic, socio-cultural, political, economic
and technological.
Egyptian Architecture
Architectural structures : pyramids, temples, palaces

Greek Architecture
Architectural structures : temples, theaters
Orders in Greek Architecture Doric, Ionic and Corinthian elaboration of post and lintel
system.

Roman Architecture
Architectural structures : temples, arches, amphitheater (Colosseum), aquaducts,
Designed the system of arches, domes and vaults
The Romans used concrete in most of their construction.

Gothic Architecture
Gothic architectural style emphasizes verticality and features almost skeletal stone
structures with great expanses of glass, sharply pointed spires, cluster columns, flying
buttresses, ribbed vaults, pointed arches and inventive sculptural details.
Characteristics of Gothic architecture:
Rib vaults
Flying buttresses
Pointed arches
Stained glass windows
Contemporary Architecture: SKYSCRAPERS
A skyscraper is a very tall, slender multi-storey building that, typically, and either singly
or in groups, dominates the urban skyline, and towers above other buildings.