AR 130 Theories of Architecture

Module 2: Design, Designer and Architecture

We briefly discussed last time the reason why it is important to view Architecture through
certain theories that can help us designers and architects in predicting phenomenon
related to the use of space, in particular, the spaces we get to design.

Today, we will answer the questions:

• What do we do when we design for architecture?

• What are the elements of architecture and how are these organized?
• How are the visual elements represented as (geometric) ideas and how are
these articulated in architecture?

According to Francis DK Ching, an architect, writer and a professor, architecture is a

conceived idea which is then rationalized and materialized into a physical structure as
a response to a set of conditions. Conditions come in various kinds, such as:
• Cultural
• Technological (and material)
• Environmental or physical
• Social
• economic.

An example of environmental condition that

shaped architecture is the adaptation of the
stone Chinese pagoda into the wooden
Japanese pagoda that we know today. The
frequency of earthquakes in Japan made vertical
stone structures hazardous to life and property.
The abundance of Hinoki (Japanese cypress) and
the available carpentry technology and skills
gave rise to this iconic image of Japan. Figure 1. The Japanese pagoda is highly adapted
to Japan's situation of being on the Pacific ring of
fire.

On the other hand, an example of

Figure 2. Defensive architecture as an adaptation of
the socio-political climate of its period.
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socio-political condition that shaped
architecture is the frequency of army
invasion that occurred during the
ancient civilization and the feudal
societies of the middle age. Feudalism is
a political set-up that gave rise to the
 AR 130 Theories of Architecture

castle architecture. The frequent wars and invasion influenced the emergence of the
tower structures, battlement, crenellations, donjons and the like.

Conditions present as set of challenges, opportunities, threats and needs, which when
understood correctly can lead the designer to come up with an architecture which is
able to adopt and improve the original situation for the users of the designed
architecture. Hence, the design for a hospital should be such that the health workers
are able to efficiently perform their duties of treating and caring for the patients, while
the patients are placed in a position for faster mental and physical recovery.

Designer, Design and Users

Design, in essence is a problem-solving process, particularly one that helps improve

conditions for various human activities. It is a process of pre-figuring-out a set of
solutions to a given set of conditions that needs to be addressed.

Having enrolled yourself in the program of BS

Architecture means that you are about to
become a designer, someone who will provide
architectural solutions for varying conditions.

What then should be the capabilities of a

designer?

The designer, in order for her/him to have this

enhanced problem-solving ability must have:
1. depth and range of design vocabulary: Figure 3. A designer is a solution seeker.
2. ability to perceive and evaluate design
problems

The second capability basically requires you to be able to recognize problems or

anomalies, determine which aspects of a certain set of conditions need to be resolved,
and which of these can be resolved with architectural solutions. On the other hand,
the first capability will come from your training and experiences in architecture, with
your training and experiences in this course as among the significant part of it.

In what ways is an architectural design (that set of solutions you will be proposing as an
architect-designer) demonstrated?

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An architectural solution generally has the

following:
1. Beauty/aesthetics
2. Space flow
3. Adjacency
4. Area and space
5. Ease of use

All of the above manifestations of

architecture must always lead to the
promotion human activity, particularly that
of the users. Figure 4. Manifestations of
architecture

Figure 5. Gateway to a Hindu

shrine, Bali
Beauty

While the lasting impact of a building can only be

assured if its beauty is matched by its necessity and
usefulness, a structure must be endearing for its users
for them to place greater value on the structure and
for the society to consider it as something that adds
pride and character to the neighborhood.

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever”

- Pamela Lyndon Travers via Mary Poppins (fictional
character)

Space Flow
This is the experience of space through time and
movement of the building’s users. It may define the
experience of movement through the
building from going to either a public
space to an intimate place, from a less
secure area to a high security space,
from a place of high activity to a place
of relaxation, or from a semi-outdoor
area to a completely controlled
environment.

Adjacency
This is a factor that affects space flow
and shows the value of placing certain
Figure 6. Space flow and adjacencies on a ground
spaces near or far from each other. A floor of a residence

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room may be ideally located beside another room for the purposes of hygiene,
security, privacy or its specific function.

Area and Space

These are what we arrange in an order and as components of a particular space flow.
They require identification of its physical limits, the types of enclosure, the relevant
ambiance, necessary equipment and allowable occupancy. Area and spaces are
oftentimes defined by their function and users, and thus have a significant effect on
users’ activity within the building.

Figure 7. An airport terminal is generally a highly efficient piece of architecture

Ease of use
If beauty is what will catch the eye of building users, its function is what allows them to
better perform their activities within its premises. A hospital’s ease of use is what can
allow its doctors to better treat their patients. A school’s ease of use is what can allow
students to be better learners and doers. While a house’s ease of use is what can allow
a family to be a better support system for each of its members.

How do you think a bus terminal’s function should affect the activities of passengers,
terminal personnel, security personnel, utility personnel, bus drivers, bus mechanics, and
bus conductors/attendants?

Architectural Elements, Systems and Order

Architecture is a body of work with components (elements) and assemblies of
procedures that results to something (systems) which are arranged in a particular
structure (order) in order to provide a venue for enhanced human activities.
Architectural order must be such that the play of elements and systems reinforce each
other create a coherent/unified building and experience.

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Read on the Introduction chapter of Francis DK Ching’s “Form, Structure, Order” for a
broader understanding of this subject.