Presentation on

Unfolding Architecture: Understanding form and space in precedents

Arch 204
Design Studio IV
July 2021
Introduction:
The process of learning architectural design
implies studying existing precedents as a source
of knowledge. The analysis of exemplary
buildings leads a designer to better understand
the comprehensive idea towards architectural
design which includes the perception of built
form, context and climate. This projects aims to
perceive the basic concept of architectural form,
function and structure through analyzing
architectural drawings as an organizational
system. This exercise involves the analysis of
architectural precedents to achieve a deep
understanding of the formal and geometrical
properties. In this project, using analytic
diagrams, the students will analyze each
precedent from many perspectives, trying to find
out the essential architectural principles and
orders that describe the main attributes of the
building. In order to address and represent the
relationship among these attributes, students
will develop an interpretative virtual model by
using a computer software and will express their
understanding through presentations.
In this project, students will analyze architectural
projects based on a methodological framework
defined by Roger Clark and Michael Pause in their
book “Precedents in Architecture”. The analysis
will be executed under following aspects/design
criteria:
1. Structural Aspects:
2. Formal Aspects:
VIA 57 West
Bjarke Ingels Group [BIG]
Olympic Velodrome, Athens, Greece,
2004 (renovation of original 1991
structure), Santiago Calatrava
 Without Form Architecture do not exist
Without Architecture Civilization do not exist
3. Functional Aspects:
Circulation
Approach
Circulation
Entrance
Circulation
 Circulation
Path- Space Relationship
 Circulation
Form of Circulation
Served/ Service Space

Esherick house, Philadelphia

Kitchen, bathroom, stairs, dressing and shower are Service / servant spaces.
Living room, dining, lobby and bedroom are served spaces.
Public/ Semi public / Private Space
Outdoor/ Semi outdoor / Indoor Space
Outdoor/ Semi outdoor / Indoor Space
Methodology
 Methodology

1. Students will work in a group of two. Each group will be assigned with an
architectural project that will be analyzed using the methodological frame
work of Clark and Pause’s “Precedents in Architecture”.

2. This methodology establishes a set of design principles that can be

represented using simple schematics diagrams.

3. Students will analyze the given project considering all the design aspects
explained in the introduction.

4. Each group will generate their own 3D model (preferably Sketch Up) to
understand and synthesize the project.

5. They will convey their understanding and findings through presentation in

a specific format using diagram, annotations and brief explanation.
 You can analyze it by:

1 2 3

 Studying visual material:  Reading about it  Visiting the building

i) Technical Drawings (Plan, Section, i) Reading book, articles, documents i) Virtually through Google
Elevations, Axonometric Views) Map Street View

ii) Perspectives (Exterior and Interior)

ii) Reading ebook, specific website ii) 3D /360 Degree Interior
contents Tour of the building

iii) Via photos, videos

 Approach :
i. You base your analysis on the physical aspects of the building

ii. You study the drawings sequentially

iii. You start your explorative analysis according to the methods

iv. You make the synthesis of all the parts (Defragmnetation and connection )

v. You know something from the architect’s position and want to know how some aspects are expressed
in his designs

vi. You study the drawings of other projects designed by the architect
 Architect: Robert G. Boughey
BOYS HOSTEL BUET

Source: Noufel Sharif Sojol Source: RGB’s Personal Archive

BOYS HOSTEL BUET

Typical Floor Plan

Structure/Grid

Circulation to used space

Served and Service Space

BOYS HOSTEL BUET

Geometric Reference

Solid Void Reference

 BOYS HOSTEL BUET

Unit to whole

Visual Composition and Material Distribution

BOYS HOSTEL BUET

Indoor-Outdoor Relationship

Natural Light and Ventilation

BOYS HOSTEL BUET

Shade from sun and rain

BOYS HOSTEL BUET
 KAMALAPUR RAILWAY STATION

Unit to whole

Ground Floor Plan

Thank you