DECEMBER 23, 2019 NFC- Institute of Engineering and Technology

Department of Architecture

PROJECT TITLE: GRAVITY

Architectural Studio - I(Arch-101|1 T H SEMESTER|B.ARCH. (SESSION 2019-2024)

Studio Faculty: Ar. M Israr Ali Mirza (ar.israr66@gmail.com)

Ar. Mohsin Iqbal Deo (mohsin.deo@gmail.com)
Miss Nazish Huma Khan (nhumakhan88@gmail.com)

Gravity is the phenomenon by which bodies are attracted to each other with a force proportional to their
mass, responsible for keeping the heavenly bodies in orbit. Mass on Earth has a pull proportional to the
mass of the Earth. This gravity is responsible for the apple falling from the tree (Newton’s theory). The
apple is accelerated, since its velocity changes from zero to a positive number as it moves towards the
ground from the tree. Thus, by Newton’s 2nd Law there must be a force that acts on the apple to cause this
acceleration. We call this force “gravity”, and the associated acceleration the “acceleration due to gravity
or gravitational acceleration”, denoted by “g”, and its value at the Earth’s surface is approximately
expressed as the standard average;
g = 9.81 m/s2.

Gravity And Architecture:

Does the Gravity offer challenges to the creativity of an Architects & Engineers?
Does the Gravity affect design decisions of an Architects?
Is the Gravity blessing or curse?

Gravity the relentless rain

Ever present force awaiting contestation
Nemesis versus agent of innovation
(an opponent that cannot be beaten or overcome/ a source of harm or ruin)
Calculus of Morphology or How Form Transform
(all built structures have to deal with forces i.e compression, tension, shear,bending, etc.)

Project Brief:

PROJECT 3 1sT SEMESTER DESIGN

 The project aims to develop an understanding of the Force of Earth’s Gravity, and to use it for
our advantage. You are required to use material efficiently and effectively to achieve specific target.
Think about Laws of Physics i.e; Equilibrium, Lever principle, moment, moment arm, etc.
You are to construct using the given material a construction that responds to gravity positively.
Consider the various challenges caused by gravity. Think of Forces and their reactions!
Consider the articulation and expression of various points coalescing in space through joinery.
Think of the pin, roller and fixed support.
You are to choose a site within the department premises.

Challenges:

1. Cantilever
A horizontal projection or member supported at one end with one or more points but not at both
ends.
2. Span
A construction between two supports.
3. Diagonal
A construction that is sloped at an angle.
2. Vertical / Tower
A construction that rises to significant vertical height.

Educational Objectives:
 To understand role of gravity in Architecture.
 To understand the nature of forces within structures.
 To understand material capacity, strength and weakness.
 To understand joinery as more than just joining/ attaching/ gluing two or more elements together.

Materials
 12 pcs 30 inches long, 3/4” x 3/4" Cross Section
 4 pcs 30 inches long, 3/4” Diameter Round Cross Section
 32 pcs 36 inches long, 1/2” x 3/4" Cross Section
 Hammer, Nails, Screws, Screw-drivers.
 White Glue, Thread, Fish wire, Paper Cutter, Steel Scale

PROJECT 3 1st SEMESTER DESIGN

  Baking powder, Elfy, Plier, etc
While using Elfy+Baking Powder be very careful, It is advised to keep your face away from fumes and cover your
face.

PLEASE GO THROUGH YOUR HANDOUT OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND SEE IF YOUR
CONSTRUCTION FULFILLS THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT.

NOTE:
 100% Attendance is Mandatory in all studio sessions.
 It is the student’s responsibility to bring material and all previous studio work every studio day.
No special reminders will be sent and no excuses of unavailability or lack of awareness will be
tolerated!
 Written application will be accepted only on Medical basis with valid Medical Certificate.
 In case of Late arrival in studio and/or leave studio without permission, students will be marked
absent.

PROJECT 3 1st SEMESTER DESIGN