Theory of Architecture 1:

Introduction to Architectural Theory

DEFINITION OD ARCHITECTURE
Originated from the Greek word “Architekton” Great Builder..
Archi means “great”; tekton means “builder”
Architecture in a text book is the art and science of building
Architecture in law; R.A 9266
Architecture is the conscious creation of utilitarian spaces with the deliberate use of material
Five (5) Basic building materials:
1. Wood
2. Steel
3. Glass
4. Concrete
5. Plastic
Architecture should be technically efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

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ELEMENTS OF ARCHITECTURE
Primary Elements of Architecture

Point-zero dimension: Indicates position in space, starting point in sketches

Line- 1D: point extended becomes a line. With properties of length, direction and position.
Straight Line- symbolizes rigidity and inflexibility
Plane-2D- line extended becomes a plane with properties of length, width, shape, surface, orientation, position.
Note: Architects never works in 2D but always in 3D so u need to know how to visualize.
Volume-3D: a plane extended becomes a volume with properties and length, width, depth, form, space, surface,
orientation, position.

Plane
1. Shape is the primary identifying characteristics of a plane.
2. Supplementary properties are surface, color, pattern, texture, affecting visual weight and stability
3. Plane serves to define the limits or boundaries of a volume.

Figure Ground Theory - refers to the tendency of the visual system to simplify a scene into the main object that
we are looking at (the figure) and everything else that forms the background (or ground).

Solid Void Theory - is the three-dimensional counterpart to figure-ground theory. It holds that the volumetric
spaces shaped or implied by the placement of solid objects are as important as, or more important than, the
objects themselves.
Elements of form defining space

In architecture, we manipulate three (3) generic types of planes:

• Overhead plane
-Ceiling plane
-Roof plane
(e.g. Munich Olympic Stadium)
• Wall plane
-Vital for enclosure of architecture space
-Active in our field of vision
(e.g. modern exterior)
• Base plane
-With ground plane, the building can merge, rest firmly or be elevated above it
(e.g. Precast construction house)

Vertical Linear Elements -define the edges of volume of space

- Single vertical plane
--articulates the space which it fronts
-L-shaped plane
--generates a volume of space from its center outward as a diagonal
-Parallel plane.
--define the volume of space in between that is oriented axially towards open end.
-U-shaped plane
--defines the volume that is primarily oriented towards the open end.
-Planes closure
--vertical plane on all sides
--Sides establish boundaries of an introverted and influence the field of space around enclosure

Horizontal plane
Base plane
1. Seems to be figured out when there is a perceptible change in color, texture
2. With edge definition
3. With surface articulation- e.g. carpet, lawn, paving etc.
Elevated Base Plane
1. Elevating creates a specific domain
2. If surface characteristics continues up across the elevated plane then the elevated one will appear part
of surrounding plane.
3. If edge conditions is articulated by a change in form, color, texture, then the field will become a distinct
plateau, that is separated from surroundings.
 Elevated plane
- It can be result from site conditions or constructed to elevate a building from surroundings to enhance its
image in landscape.
- Used to differentiate the sacred buildings or it defines any important typology.
- Elevated plane can define a transitional space between exterior and interior
- A section floor plane can be elevated to establish a zone of space with in the large space

Overhead Plane
• it is similar to the trees.
• It gives sense of enclosure.
• Overhead plane defines a field of space between itself and ground plane.
• Edges of the overhead plane define the boundaries of this field.
• Vertical linear elements, edges of overhead plane, elevated base plan and
depressed base plane aid in visually establishing the limits of the defined space
and reinforce the volume.
OVERHEAD PLANE

• Offers protection.
• Determines overall form Determined by the materials & structural form.
• The roof plane can visually express how the pattern of structural members can be the major space defining
element of the building and visually organizes a series of forms and spaces beneath the canopy.

(e.g University of phoenix , Arizona, Tensile Roof Indoor stadium. 10 D 30 Retractable roof.)

Roof Plane
• Can be hidden from view by wall or merge.
• Can be single of many C
• an extend outward as overhang
• Can be elevated to allow breeze to pass through
• Overall form can be endeavored with a distinctly planar quality by opening with vertical or horizontal
edges.
(e.g Dynamic Tower , UAE and Arena Zaqreb, Croatia)

Parapet Wall – is a distinct method of trying to hide the roofing system to come up with a simple façade for a
structure

Ceiling Plane
• Can reflect the form of the structural system.
• Can be detached from roof plane, suspended underside of overhead.
• Can be lowered/raised to articulate spaces.
• Can be manipulated to define and articulate spaces.
• Can be manipulated to define and articulate zone of spaces.
• Form, color, texture and pattern of the ceiling plane can be manipulated to improve the quality of
light/sound/directional quality.
• Form can be manipulated to control the quality of light, sound within a space.

The idea is suppose to change the idea of concept of a very basic space
Single vertical plane

• A vertical plane has frontal qualities.

• It has two surfaces or faces which it fronts on and establish two distinct spatial fields
• They can differ in form, color or texture to articulate different spatial conditions.
• The height of the vertical plane relative to our body height and eye level is the critical factor that effects
the ability of the plane to visually describe spaces.

REMEMBER: Theory or design for that matter is supposed to create an elevation existence in the neighborhood
or society in general.

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 possesses the necessary material strength can perform structural functions.
• They can
o express movement across space.
o stand as column supports for entablature.
o come together to form a 3D framework for
o architectural space.

Linear elements
• A row of column supporting an entablature - a colonnade is
• often used to define the public face or façade of a building
• Advantages
o Being penetrated easily for entry.
o Offers a degree of shelter from the elements
o Forms a semitransparent screen the Colonnade in St. Peter's Square unifies individual building form
behind it.
o Columns can define the edges of an exterior space.
o Articulate the edges of building mass in space
o Trellis or pergola can provide a moderate degree of definition and enclosure for outdoor spaces.
o Allow light and breeze to penetrate.
Opening In Space Defining Elements
(Mostly misunderstood by the Architects.)
-Opening are there to manipulate the clients. Nakikita yung loob and nakikita yung labas.
-People are attracted to the open spaces at the entrance.
-Light and Sunlight is part of the manipulation of the appearance of the space.
-Opening is part of manipulation for people to understand what you are trying to convey in a structure. Also part
of architectural design, principle that you can use to make sure that people get the convenience of what you are
trying to say.
-Japanese is one of the better example in design because of very clear opening of exterior and interior.
-SECURITY is one of the issue to think about on creating an openings, especially in metro manila dahil possible na
manakawan.
• Openings are required for visual and spatial continuity.
• Openings determine patterns of movement
(doors and doorways)
• Openings allow light to penetrate the space (window) & illuminate the surface of the 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.

WEEK 5

Primary Solids
-not just basic shapes but has a symbolism, you must be sensitive by using these shapes.

• Sphere
•Sphere is body that consists of regular, continuous surface.
•It has no lines, edges or corners
•Neither horizontal or vertical emphasis
•It is a form which is closed within itself.
-emphasize fluidity in structure
-very introverted structure
USES:
Visual effect
•Pure convex form externally
•Presents impenetrable (prison), uninviting appearance.
•It displays visual quality of repulsion
•Has no points of interest to focus
•Defined by vague outline of circle, whole mass appears as immense dot.

Example:
◼ Sphere Building in Shanghai
◼ Floating Pavilion for Shanghai

Emotional effect
•Lack of concentration
•Restleness
•Diffuseness (filtering, sumasabog yung appearance)
•This diffuseness also characteristics the external space surrounding the sphere.
•Total effect on observer. Is lack of sense of orientation (the shape maybe a structure that helps occupants
minimize a sense of focus)

Inside the sphere

•There is a dramatic change inside.
•The bounding surface is continually concave.
•It opens to the observer.
•Invites attention.
•Attraction is from all sides
•This results in equilibrium of forces.
•Center of this equilibrium is center of sphere .the center is imaginary.

Derivatives of sphere-Hemisphere
•Cut horizontally in half.
•Cut portion forms an edge , circular in plan.
•The dome and the edge portion give the visual character
Example: Lucky Coin' Building , China

The World's Most Unusual Structure - A Cylindrical Coinshaped Building That Is Currently Being Constructed
On The Banks Of The Pearl River.

Al Dar Headquarters | MZ Architects Placed In Architecture

The Circular Shape In Architecture

• The Circle Symbolizes Unity, Stability, Rationality.
• It Is Also The Symbol Of Infinity, Without Beginning Or End, Perfection, The Ultimate Geometric Symbol.
• It Represents A Completeness Which Encompasses All Space And Time.

CIRCLE AND SPHERE ARE DIFFERENT!

Hemisphere
A sphere cut horizontally in half.
-edge is the emphasis
The cut portion forms an edge, circular in plan.
The dome and edge portion gives the visual character. Visual effect •Diffuse quality in the sphere, but
continuity is terminated at rim.

Emotional effect
•A sense of circular movement set up by the rim.
•While sphere leads to disorientation hemisphere leads to circular movement.

•Location: Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

Founded By: Maurya Emperor Ashoka
Founded In: 3rd century BC Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site

• It is a simple hemispherical brick structure, which has been built over the relics of
Lord Buddha. Surrounding the main Sanchi Stupa is a path, used for
circumambulation.

Internally
•One concave surface and other flat
•Interior is circular in shape.
•The attention to the observer will be to the center, which can be visually identified.
•But the experiences a sense of movement is Associated with the edge.

Inverted hemisphere
•If the base is flattened it would be horizontal arena towards the which attention is focused.
•This would be idea for viewing a centrally activity such as sporting events.

EXAMPLE: Roman Arena

OPENINGS IN SPHERES

Example: OPENINGS Australian Academy of Science building in Canberra

•Interrupt continuity of the domical surface.

•Decrease the visual impact .
•Weakens rim.
•Separation of internal and external spaces is less.
•Center of interior visible form outside draws observers to the interior. •From the interior , outside catches
the attention.
•Hence the attention constantly fluctuates between inside and outside leading to mild visual excitement.
•Surface quality invites.
•Spatial quality repulses.
•Space is emotional uncomfortable.
•A space is suitable for a stage.
•Space for audience seating with attention towards screen.
•Frame or gateway emphasizing an axis.

The St. Louis Gateway Arch is Missouri 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.
 DERIVATION IS IMPORTANT!
-The sphere and the hemisphere or even the circle are all inter-related into the emphasis of continuity but
disorientation and influence in movement.

• Cone
•
• Cylinder
Similar to cuboid and sphere

• Rounded surface- In far distance it appears in outline as rectilinear and nearer it appear more like circular.

EXAMPLE: Nehru Centre, Mumbai BMW Headquarters, Munich

Curvature and circular movement continue alongside a strong vertical movement; the resultant is spiral. The spiral
ramp suits the space.

Transformation of forms

Dimensional transformation
•A form can be transformed by altering one or more of its dimensions and still remains its identity as a member
of family forms.
•A cube can be transformed into similar prismatic forms through discrete changes in height , width or length.
•It can be compressed into a planar form or be stretched out into a linear form.
Subtractive transformation
Form can be transformed by subtracting a portion of its volume. Depending on the extent of the subtractive
process , the form can retain its initial identity or be transformed into a form of another family.

Jakob + Macfarlane: Orange Cube

The fivestorey orthogonal cube plays off the fluid movement of the river Saône, exploring the effects of subtraction
and voids on the quality and generation of space.

Additive transformation

•A form can be transformed by the Addition of elements to its volume.

•The nature of the additive process & the number and relative sizes of the elements being
attached determine whether the identity of the initial form is altered or retained.

GWATHMEY RESIDENCE AND STUDIO , New York

structures are composed of primary, minimal geometric forms that appear to be carved from a solid volume rather
than constructed as an additive, planar assemblage. They are manipulated in response to site, orientation, program
and structure.
 ADDITIVE FORM – TYPES

• Pyramid
•Made up of tapering and inclined surface and gather together to form an apex , a corner where the whole
mass culminates.
•Eye will travel towards the corner.
•The directional quality is stronger than that of a rectilinear tower. •Pyramidal form shows the devotional
character.

SECTION OF THE PYRAMID

•Flat topped pyramid, reminiscent of Sumerians and Mayan forms. •Accumulation of force at the upper edge,
which encloses the square plateau above and hold it in a kind of visual field force.
•Any major activity taking place upon it will appear to possess a heightened importance to those below and
strongly attract their attention.

Derivatives of pyramid
•Fan shape helps of audio and cinema theater. One end helps for natural screen and expanded side for viewers.
• Acoustically good and helps for good viewing angle.
•Pitched roof for dwellings to throw of rain water

• Cube/ Cuboid
• Six equal square sides
• Angle between any two adjacent faces being right angle
• Cube is static form
• It is very stable unless it stands in corners.
• The cube remains a highly recognizable form.

VISUAL EFFECT
•The vertical blank square neither invites nor repulses. visually and physically impenetrable, uninviting
appearance.
•Because the directions are equally emphasized, the mass as a whole has no directional quality and neutral.
•Visual force is given by edges.

Inside Cube
•Space inside cube is bounded in plane surface, lines and corners.
•Corners won’t project towards the observer but recede away from him. •When it is treated little bit, it grasps
the attention than others
 Cuboid

◼ Altering the equal sides of the cube, cuboid is obtained.

◼ The volume is spread in particular direction either horizontal or vertical , irrespective of the surface.
◼ Each mass has a longer side and Shorter side. Surface lines are emphasized than corners.
◼ Horizontality – urban street. (because of the continuity one hesitates to stop unless opening is created )
◼ Verticality – high rise building (both physical and visual tension makes it dominating visual entity)

The horizontal internal space stimulates a horizontal movement, which is greater with increasing horizontality. So
space becomes transformed into a passage, a corridor and an internal street.

Vertical space stimulates vertical movement when filled with stair case, lift or ramp.

Water Cube, also known as the National Aquatics Center

The Water Cube's design was a Team Masterpiece: the Chinese partners felt a
square was more symbolic to Chinese culture and its relationship to the Bird's Nest
stadium, while the Sydney based partners came up with the idea of covering the
'cube' with bubbles, symbolizing water.

It should be noted that contextually the cube symbolizes earth whilst the circle
(represented by the stadium) represents heaven.

MORE SYMBOLIC OF CHINA IS USING CUBOID STRUCTURE.

The Zollverein School , Germany

• Organization of the openings, windows in three different sizes, create an unusual

interaction with the surroundings and the interior.

• The building has four floors with ceilings of varying height 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

It’s located in Dubai Sports City, has 27 floors and 561 luxury condos that will satisfy
even the pickiest tourists.
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SPATIAL ORGANIZATION
There are five types of spatial organization:
1.
•It is a stable & concentrated composition
•It consists of numerous secondary spaces that are clustered around a central, dominant & bigger space.
•It presents secondary spaces that are equal in terms of role, shape & form, which creates a distribution
package that is geometrically regular to two or more axes.
•Those central organizations whose forms are relatively compact & geometrically regular can be used to :- –
Establish "places" in space, – Be term of axial compositions, –finally act as a form-object inserted into a field
or an exactly defined spatial volume.

2. Linear Organization

•Consists essentially of a series of spaces.

•May be interconnected directly, or be linked through another
linear independent and distinct space.
•Those spaces that are important, functionally or symbolically
within this organization, can take place anywhere in the linear
sequence and show their relevance using their size and shape.
•The organization can solve linear different conditions at the site.
•It can be a straight, segmented or curve line and it can develop itself
horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
•The linear organization can relate itself with other forms of its
context connecting them, working as a barrier to separate things
and surrounding them to create a space field.

3. Radial Organization

It combines elements of both linear and centralized organizations.

It consists of a dominant central space, with many radial linear
organizations. While a centralized organization is an introverted
scheme that directs to the interior of its central space, a radial
organization is an extrovert scheme that escapes from its context.

The central space of a radial organization has a regular form, acts

as the hub of the linear arms and maintains the formal regularity of the whole organization.

•Extroverted in nature .
•Relate to or attach themselves to specific features of a site.
•Exposed to sun , wind , view.

4. Cluster Organization

This type of spatial organization is used to connect

spaces using proximity.

It can accommodate in its composition spaces with different sizes,

shapes and functions, as long as they relate themselves by proximity
and some visual element.

The connected spaces can be grouped gather around

a large area or a well defined spatial volume.

•interlock their volume and merge into a single form

having variety of faces.
•Contains spaces which have common properties
– shape , size, texture

5. GRID Organization

•It consists of forms and spaces whose position in space and

their interrelationships are regulated by a type of plot or a
three-dimensional field.
• It can be created by establishing a regular scheme of points
that define the intersections between two groups of parallel lines.
•Its capacity on organization is the result of its regularity and
continuity that includes the same elements that distributes.

Regular and irregular forms

-The concept of familiar dissimilarity (subtractive and additive trans..)

-Already transformed

•Regular forms refer to those whose parts are related to one another in a consistent and orderly manner.
They are generally stable in nature and symmetrical about one or more axes.
•The sphere, cylinder, cone, cube, and pyramid are examples of regular form.
•Forms can retain their regularity even when transformed dimensionally or by the addition or subtracted of
elements.
• From our experiences with similar forms, we can construct a mental model of the original whole even when
a fragment is missing or another par is added.

Known Architectural Works: Derived from Nature

Price Tower
Johnson Wax Administration Building
Falling Water
Taliesin Residence
 WEEK 6: UNDERSTANDING THEORY

-mas nangingibabaw ang symbolism of an object/ structure than the utilitarian. There is a strong reason why
people save the structure Metropolitan Theater in Intramuros, Manila is because of the symbolism rather
than its utilitarian (since hindi na masyado ginagamit).

Metropolitan Theater is one of the Major Pillars Architecture in the Philippines

Introduction to Architecture: A semiological Approach – Winand Klassen

The Human Condition is a given cultural situation.

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us,” said Sir Winston Churchill in his speech to the meeting in the
House of Lords, October 28, 1943, requesting that the House of Commons bombed out in May 1941 be rebuilt
exactly as before.
II) The Architectural Form is :
I) The experienced aspect of the architectural reality
II) The conveyor of meanings
III) The Architectural Reality can be interpreted as:
I)Work and Labour; Expressive (Frampton)
II) Interior and Exterior Spaces; (Zevi)
III)Nature, Shells and Networks (Doxiadis)
IV) The Architectural Meanings are the spiritual values and aspirations inherent in the Human Condition

Form-Composition-Visual Efficiency=Venustas
Function-Planning-Operational Efficency=Utilitas
Technic-Construction-Structural Efficiency=Firmitas

Architectural Design is the integration of solutions to formal, functional, and technical problems with regard
to the manmade environment.

Definition of Theory
• Theory is a mental construct of how and why things happen, which is often used to predict future events
or actions.
• A design theory is a way to direct design based on a system of beliefs or philosophy.
• Theory is not style.
Example: People cooking Adobo in a different variety.
Theory- People are the one who’s cooking
Elements- They are using main ingredients
Style- They add something base on their preference.
• Example: Southwestern is a style. The use of courtyards and enclosed outdoor spaces that act as a connection
between public and private spaces is based on a theory of public/private continuum in architecture. • Also,
the use of courtyards has a historic and cultural precedence.

HOW THEORY IS DEVELOPED

• Historic precedence: to base current design on ideas and styles of the past. ie: classical revival styles or art
nouveau style which is free flowing and connected to nature

• Environmental design: theories that focus on the interaction between humans and their environment. It is
based on scientific research. (examples: territoriality and personal space)
Evidence Based Design (EBD) bases design decisions on credible research that links one or more
environmental elements with desired outcomes. Often used in healthcare environments as well as
educational and office design to relate design to improved wellbeing, productivity, better test scores, etc.)

• Functionalism places emphasis on providing simple, rational solutions to design problems without
extraneous decoration. Architects such as Le Corbusier believed "a house is a machine for living in" reflecting
a modern theory of functionality without ornamentation. Louis Sullivan believed that "form should follow
function".

• Theories of perception deals with understanding how people perceive the world. By understanding these
theories, designers can better understand why some designs work and others do not work.

GESTALT PSYCHOLOGY

Gestalt psychology deals with human perception. It states that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
People try to group individual bits of stimuli into a larger whole rather than seeing things as separate entities.

• Grouping: similarity and proximity

• Closure – paggamit ng ibat ibang aspect ng concept, rationalizes the appearance of when we look at a complex
arrangement of visual elements, we tend to look for a single, recognizable pattern.
• Continuity – sunod sunod ng movement ng isang bahay
• Simplicity – simplify things easily and immediately
• Figure ground

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL INFLUENCES

• Political conditions: prevailing political attitudes and policy may affect design thinking (sustainable and
environmental movements)

• Economic conditions: the state of the economy is often reflected in architecture and interior design.
Prosperous times may promote lavish times while uncertain times will be less austere.

• Cultural attitudes: the prevailing cultural views of the family, shared values, religion, fashion, leisure pursuits,
sports, and the like may influence a design response. Current trends in fashion and consume r goods regarding
color, material use and industrial design often reach into the realms of interior design and architecture.

• Symbolism: the physical environment acts as a symbol to represent an idea of what they think it should
look like.
Ex: banks should be traditional

• Regionalism: design that reflects the local geographic area.

• Territoriality is a fundamental aspect of human behavior and refers to people's need to lay claim to the
space they occupy and the things they own.
• Proxemics was created by Edward T. Hall to describe the interrelated observations and theories about how
people use space as a specialized elaboration of culture. It deals with the issues of spacing between people,
territoriality, organization of space, and positioning of people in space, all relative to the culture of which
they are part.

• Personalization occurs when people arrange their environment to reflect their presence and uniqueness.
-Problem in Pilipino in impulse control. For example, jay-walking most of the time.

• Group interaction: the environment can either facilitate or hinder human interaction. In most behavior
settings, groups are predisposed to act in a particular way. If the setting is not conducive to the activities, the
people will try to modify the environment or modify their behavior to make the activity work. In really
extreme cases, stress, anger and other adverse reactions can occur.

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

• One of the most common ways to facilitate group interaction is through seating arrangements. Studies will
show that people will seat themselves at a table according to the nature of their relationships with others
around them.

• Round tables foster more cooperation and equality among those seated around them.

• Rectangular tables make corporation more difficult and establishes that the person on the end in a more
superior position.

• Individual study carrels in a library would be used more than rectangular tables.

STATUS
• Status refers to an individual’s position within the environment.
• A corner office has more status than an office with one exterior wall.
Mas maraming window mas mataas yung importance ng isang room space
• Use of windows vs. no windows
 • Higher quality furnishings and more furnishings
• Office size
• Status is important to address in a commercial program.

WEEK 7.1 : Environmental Psychology (from recorded video)

The Built Environment

- Directly influences our lives from not only providing the basics (shelter and safety) but it can also affect
our behavior and health.
- In other words, we shape our environment and then they shape us…
What role does our home play in our lives?
- Shelters and protects us from physical harm
- Shapes our behavior and productivity
- Enhances self-Image
- Insulates us from the stress of the outside world
- Provides a feeling of control over at least a small segment of our environment
- Contributes to our health and psychological well-being.
- Provides a setting for social interaction
- Serves as an outlet for our need for creative self-expression.

OUR HOME IS A CENTRAL SATISFACTION OF THE HIERARCHY OF HUMAN NEEDS FIRST PROPOSED BY
ABRAHAM MASLOW

Maslow’s Hierarchy

A psychological theory developed by Abraham Maslow in 1943. Needs at the lower level must be met to some
extent before higher needs begin to manifest themselves.

Maslow’s theory is important to understand when relating personal needs to the built environment.

Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering

- Ergonomists study the relationship between humans and their work environment.
◼ Seating (back strain, RSI)
◼ Lighting (eye strain, glare)
◼ Computer Equipment
◼ Furniture (worksurface heights)

ERGONOMISTS- Eye Strain

◼ Monitor Distance should be 18-26 inches from user (approximately an arm’s length)
◼ Neither monitor nor user should face a window
 ◼ Monitor should be placed at a right angle to windows or between rows of fluorescent lighting rather
than directly under them.

ERGONOMISTS- Chairs
◼ Hight should be adjustable (in the range of 15-21 inches for most users)
◼ The seat pan should have a depth of 17-20 inches
◼ The front edge of the seat should be rounded with a slight downward slope to prevent loss of
circulation in the thighs. (waterfall front)
◼ The backrest should support the lumbar region
◼ Armrests are optional. They should be adjustable. Do not use while typing.
◼ Tilt-tension and locking mechanism

WORKSURFACE HEIGHT
◼ Typing height is from 26’’- 28’’
◼ Writing is 29 -30’’
◼ Use keyboard tray with negative tilt
◼ Using a wrist rest can be problematic
◼ Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
◼ Carpal tunnel Syndrome
◼ Tendonitis

ANTHROPOMETRIC
◼ The study of human body measurements including height, weight, and reach ranges
◼ Human Physiology
◼ Information is used by designers to create functional_____

You must know your population..

- Varies by age, gender, and ethnicity

- The anthropometric range will be much different if we are designing products for male, professional
basketball players than we are designing foe the general public.

ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
◼ The study of the interaction between people and the built environment. This is a relatively new area
of study, beginning in the 1950’s with a campaign to improve mental hospitals.
◼ Environmental psychology is interdisciplinary combining research of many scientific disciplines along
with design practitioners to contribute to the body of knowledge.

What disciplines contribute to the Research?

• Psychologists
• Anthropologists
• Sociologists
• Urban Planners
 • Health Care Professionals
• Interior Designers
• Architects
• Ergonomists

Areas of Research in Environmental Psychology

• Health Care Design
• Special Needs (Alzheimer’s Disease)
• Child care centers
• Alternative Work Environment
• Stress in the workplace
• Crowding
• Prisons
• Low Cost Housing
• Schools and Classrooms

A few questions that environmental psychologists work with.

- Why are some spaces comfortable and others threatening?
- How can we enhance our environments to reduce stress, create more efficiency, and minimize accidents?

ISSUES:
• PRUITT-IGOE
o St. Louis Missouri Housing Project, 1956-1972
o 33ea 11-story high rise buildings consisting of 2,870 apartments.
o Total failure of design.
o The structure did not “fit” the users who live there.
o In 15 years, the buildings were totally run down.
o This disaster made people start to look at user data and behavioral attitudes.

PERSONAL SPACE
- Personal Space is an area around a person that expands of contracts due to individual needs and social
circumstance. Will vary with personality type. (introvert, extrovert)

Idea regards on personal space by:

- Irwin Altman
◼ A pioneer in the field of environment research
◼ A social psychologist who studied how people use the environment to shape social interaction in
terms of 4 behavioral concepts
◼ Privacy
◼ Territoriality
◼ Crowding
◼ Personal Space
PRIVACY- a process by which a person makes him or herself more or less accessible to others

Can you think of some examples?

- Door
- Walls Window treatments
- Porch Locations
- Changing Rooms

TERRITORIALITY: A primal instinct, it is the concept of making space with “ownership” either real
(your home) or perceived (your desk area). We feel safe and in control in our own territories.

How do people mark their territory?

 - Fences
- Closed doors
- Signs: No trespassing, do not enter
- Nameplates
- Personal items (plants, pictures)

CROWDING
• Leads to psychological discomfort.
• Varies by culture and personality type.
• We can tolerate crowding on a temporary basis as in an elevator or crowded dance floor, but
will become stressed and even panic if confined for a long period.
Example: Dr’s office, movie theaters, shopping, behavior, minimal design vs. nick-knacks

- Edward T. Hall
• An anthropologist that further researched personal space and developed the research area of
proxemics.
◼ Proxemics- is the study of our personal and cultural spatial needs and the behavioral and social
impact of our interaction with surrounding space.
◼ THE HIDDEN DIMENSION, 1966

4 Interpersonal distances- Space Bubbles

1. Innate Distance (0-18’’)- Usually a private occasion

2. Personal Distance (18’’-48’’)- at hands length, shaking hands
3. Social Distance (4’-12’)- impersonal business, casual social gatherings, seating arrangements.
4. Public Distance (12’-25’)- won’t feel obligated to stop and talk, little personal interaction.

- Robert Sommer
◼ A psychologist who believed that an environment should contribute to the comfort of the individual
and the efficiency of the task within a given space.
◼ He describes a personal space as “an area with invisible boundaries surrounding a person’s body
into which intruders may not come”
◼ He studied seating behavior in classrooms and other institutions and declared there to be a type of
nonverbal communication connected to where people sit in a classroom. He found that the best
students sit in the 2nd and 3rd row subconsciously.

August Kinzel
- Maximum, medium, and minimum security.
 - Look at the body buffer zones (personal space bubbles) of prisoners. He found that violent criminals had
zones 4 times larger than normal and that they had a much larger back zone. They changed the seating
arrangements in the eating area which resulted in fewer fights between inmates during meal times.

IN SUMMARY,
Environmental/ behavioral research focuses on several key points:
-The build environment impacts behavior- we have personal perspectives. This inherent your character and
should be taken against you.
-Behavioral responses are primal and thus, humans’ basic situational responses are deemed predictable.
Example: there are always
- Proper planning can support intended behavioral outcomes

TO RECAP.
-There are several concepts and theories why individuals appreciate one form over others.
- It is the Architects competency to use these concepts and theories so that their work becomes appreciated by
the majority rather than a handful of individuals.
- Familiarity of the concept of “Familiar Dissimilarity” together with behavior and psychology is a one of the
strongest influences in liking or disliking an object.

WEEK 7.2: DESIGN THEORY: Environment and Behavior (uploaded pdf)

Introduction to Architecture: A semiological Approach – Winand Klassen

The Human Condition is a given cultural situation.

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us,” said Sir Winston Churchill in his speech to the meeting in the
House of Lords, October 28, 1943, requesting that the House of Commons bombed out in May 1941 be rebuilt
exactly as before.
II) The Architectural Form is :
I) The experienced aspect of the architectural reality
II) The conveyor of meanings
III) The Architectural Reality can be interpreted as:
I)Work and Labour; Expressive (Frampton)
II) Interior and Exterior Spaces; (Zevi)
III)Nature, Shells and Networks (Doxiadis)
IV) The Architectural Meanings are the spiritual values and aspirations inherent in the Human Condition

Form-Composition-Visual Efficiency=Venustas
Function-Planning-Operational Efficency=Utilitas
Technic-Construction-Structural Efficiency=Firmitas
 Architectural Design is the integration of solutions to formal, functional, and technical problems with regard
to the manmade environment.

THEORIES TO BE DISCUSSED
• GESTALT THEORY
• MASLOW HIERARCHY
• ALTMAN
• SOMMER
• HALL
• KINZEL

GESTALT THEORY
• Gestalt theory originated in Austria and Germany toward the end of the 19th century. Since then, Gestalt
theory has become fundamental to several related disciplines, including art, graphic design, web design and
interior design.
• Gestalt theory focuses on the mind’s perceptive processes
• The word "Gestalt" has no direct translation in English, but refers to "a way a thing has been gestellt ; i.e.,
‘placed,’ or ‘put together’";
• common translations include "form" and "shape"
• Gestalt theorists followed the basic principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
• In viewing the "whole," a cognitive process takes place – the mind makes a leap from comprehending the
parts to realizing the whole.

Fish/Duck/Lizard 1948 M.C. Esher

FIGURE GROUND SEGREGATION

• When you look at the environment, you look at it as a whole picture, not separate parts.
• There are images in the environment that people are aware, this would be the figure.
• Images people are not aware of make up the ground.
• The figure is what a person is concentrating on;
• The ground would be everything else in that environment;
• Some properties of figure ground:
• Figures hold more memorable association than the ground.
• Figures are seen as being in front of the ground.
• The ground is seen as uniformed material and seems to extend behind the figure.
• The contour separating the figure from the ground appears to belong to the figure

Reversible figure/ground

• There are no correct interpretations to what the figure is and what the ground is; it is the individual’s choice.
• People have different memories and experiences that influence their perception of images.
• We have seen that meaningfulness can help determine which area we see as figure.
• If something has meaning to someone, it normally "jumps out" at them, and is more noticeable
Gestalt Laws of Organization
1. proximity - elements tend to be grouped together according to their nearness
2. similarity - items similar in some respect tend to be grouped together
3. closure - items are grouped together if they tend to complete some entity
4. Continuation – the eye is compelled to move through one object and continue to another object

Law of Proximity
• The Gestalt law of proximity states that "objects or shapes that are close to one another appear to form groups
“
• Even if the shapes, sizes, and objects are radically different, they will appear as a group if they are close together.

Law of Similarity
• Similarity occurs when objects look similar to one another. People often perceive them as a group or pattern.
• Our mind groups similar elements to an entity.
• The similarity depends on form, color, size and brightness of the elements.

Law of Closure
• Gestalt theory seeks completeness; when shapes aren’t closed, we tend to add the missing elements to complete
the image
• Although the panda is not complete, enough is present for the eye to complete the shape.
• When the viewer's perception completes a shape, closure occurs.

Law of Good Continuation

• Continuation occurs when the eye is compelled to move through one object and continue to another object.
• "tend to continue shapes beyond their ending points"

WEEK 8: Principles of Compositions

-These are the rules in spaces and elements

-Come up with a visual aid / org. for client and design
-Drawing is a medium to deliver good structure

◼ Unity
o Principle of unity is concerned with VISUAL COMPOSITION in design.
o Visual composition produced by relationship between visual elements.
o Unity creates a feeling of wholeness; Unity is usually achieved when the parts complement each other
in a way where they have something in common. Unity can be achieved by use of the same color, or
different tints of it, or using a similar graphic style for illustrations.
ASPECTS OF UNITY (based on book of Francis D.K Ching? Theory of Architecture) and these are also the
beginning foundation which are:
- Dominance or self-unity
- Harmony
- Vitality
 - Balance

Elements of composition to be considered:

1. Texture
2. Color hue and tone
3. Direction
4. Proportion
5. Solid and void
6. Form and shape

Self-Unity
• Sphere or egg has self-unity. Fish and birds have simplicity of forms. This gives an effect of self-unity.
Simple buildings produce such an effect.
• The detailed requirements of function and stability in buildings in a number of visual elements.
• Roofs, walls, windows and doors provide colors, tones, texture, direction, solid and void.
• As the number pf visual elements increases the competition increases.
• So, the need is felt for visual dominant to avoid dualities or competition of equal interest.

◼ Harmony
• Fitting together all parts to form a connected
• whole.
• In architecture, harmony can be described as
• the pleasing interaction or appropriate orderly
• combination of the elements in a composition.

Harmony can be of: color, tone, direction,

proportion, form, repetition of forms or shapes
can be used to produce rhythm and harmony, and texture.

Harmony in Greek temple by: Balance inherent

In bilateral symmetrical plan. Unity achieved by
Tension between vertical column and horizontal
entablature.

◼ Dominance
- The element given the most visual weight, the element of primary emphasis. The dominant element will
advance into the foreground in a composition. One of the aspects of dominance is emphasis and vitality.

◼ Vitality are the lively using color

- It is provided mainly by contrast.
- Contrast can be of color, tone, texture, direction, proportion, solid, void.
- But to many contrasting elements or too much of contrast
- Will impair harmony and tend to produce a multiplicity of equal interests.
- This tends to reduce dominance and weakens unity
- Vitality should not be sought at the expense of harmony
 Examples:

- The façade of the building consists

of two elements that make it
contrast to the city with organic
approach

- Radial in nature, the building responds

to the delicate surrounding
environment.

◼ Emphasis
- Stress, Accent or Prominence
- A forcible or impressive expression
- An insistent or vigorous way of attributing
- importance or enforcing attention.
- Horizontal or vertical dominance by the
- composition of forms.
- By surface articulation, linear pattern of windows
- Vertical projecting columns, Fins on the surface, bands
- Roof projections like canopy
- Textures etc.

◼ Fluidity
- Fluidity in architecture can be achieved in the composition as well as spaces.
- As an impression of flow, of movement that is smooth and graceful