DE LA CRUZ, VRELIANT JAMES G.

BS IN ARCHITECTURE 1-B
THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
In the past, walls served as load-bearing structures with considerable thickness,
supporting the weight of floors and roofs while also providing protection against extreme
temperatures and potential threats. However, in contemporary times, the purpose of constructing
buildings has shifted. Modern individuals build structures to safeguard their investments from
depreciation and maintain privacy from inquisitive neighbors. Unlike traditional load-bearing
walls, contemporary walls no longer bear heavy loads, thanks to advancements in insulation
technology that effectively regulate temperature.
Structural elements play a crucial role in modern construction, serving as components
that offer support and stability to a building. These elements can function as ceiling components,
wall elements, or as integral parts of the load-bearing structure. Various materials, including
glass, plastic, concrete, and steel, are used to create these structural elements. They may feature
multiple layers or shells, each with its own reinforcements, such as facing shells and supporting
shells. Connecting bodies, such as three-dimensional textile mesh structures, are employed to
link different parts of the structural element. Some structural elements take the form of self-
supporting sandwich elements with glass covering layers defining the interior. In certain
instances, a structural element may incorporate a rigid, elongated tubular member with a fluid
under pressure in its core.
Throughout history, different periods of architectural development have produced
structures such as temples, cathedrals, factories, and bungalows. These buildings, designed to
accommodate various human activities, collectively fall under the umbrella term of architecture.
The act of creating shelter involves enclosing space with materials provided by nature and
refined through the ingenuity of civilized societies. While space itself is intangible and limitless,
enclosing it with stone and steel according to accepted compositional rules defines architecture.
Notably, buildings consist of visible and invisible structures—the exterior is more apparent to
observers than the arrangement of rooms, known as the plan. Thus, buildings exhibit both an
invisible plan pattern and a visible apparent volume.

2 KINDS OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

1. The invisible structure
The plan is the beginning of a building. It is the foundation upon which the scheme of the
structure rests. It relates the various units to each other. It is the most important element of
volume and should receive early consideration. whenever the solution of a problem is attempted.
"We should proceed from within to without" from a satisfactory arrangement of the plan units to
the enclosing of these units by the shell which is called the exterior.
 2. The visible structure
By enclosing space, volume or mass is created. If this space has. no relation to the
activities of man, there exist only the simple geometric forms of the cube, the pyramid or the
sphere. If the surfaces of these volumes and the enclosed interiors are treated so that the
forms are related to human needs, then they may be regarded as architecture. Visible
structure is composed of form and surface as follows:

a. FORM
MASS or volume or evidence of the 3 dimensions
• direction -vertical or horizontal axis of the mass
• shape- geometric qualities
b. SURFACE
AREA - surface with two dimensions as in a facade of a building
• texture- surface treatment identified with materials whether rough or smooth
• tone - light and shade caused by openings, projections
• color- inherent or applied color caused by spectrum hues
SOME EXAMPLES OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS INCLUDE:

1. Columns: Vertical load-bearing elements that support the

weight of the structure and transfer it to the foundation.
Columns come in various shapes and materials.
 2. Beams: Horizontal or inclined structural elements that
support the load from the structure above and transfer it to
the columns. They are crucial for distributing forces and
maintaining structural integrity.

3. Walls: Load-bearing walls provide lateral support and

help distribute vertical loads. They also contribute to the
overall stability of the building.

4. Foundations: The lowest part of a building that transmits

loads to the ground. Foundations can be shallow (spread
footing) or deep (pile or pier foundations), depending on
soil conditions and the structure's requirements.

5. Roofs: The uppermost covering of a building that provides

protection from weather elements. It also contributes to the
overall structural integrity.
CIRCULATORY ELEMENTS
In architecture, the notion of circulation pertains to the way individuals—essentially the
lifeblood of our structures—move through space. Windows play a dual role by allowing the
ingress of light and facilitating the flow of air. Doors, stairs, and corridors are essential for
guiding human traffic and materials.
Historically, in warmer climates, windows tended to be smaller to prevent excessive light
entry, which could lead to heightened heat and glare. Conversely, in colder climates, larger
windows were favored to capture ample light and warm the interior.
However, in 20th-century architecture, the traditional correlation between window size
and climate has diminished. Advancements in heating and cooling technologies have enabled us
to regulate indoor temperatures with less reliance on window dimensions. Windows now often
contribute primarily to the interior's ambiance, rather than serving as climate control elements.
Recent years have introduced a fresh perspective on the hygienic and therapeutic aspects of
windows. Specifically, a type of glass has been developed to allow the passage of ultraviolet
rays, unlike ordinary window glass. Additionally, the advent of machines for air conditioning,
heating, and ventilation during the machine age has even led to the contemplation of constructing
buildings without windows.
Architects typically divide their thinking according to different types of circulation, which
overlay with one another and the overall planning. The type and extent of these divisions will be
project dependant, but might include:
1. Direction of movement:
a. Horizontal- might include hallways, atria, paths, entries and exits. It is also
affected by the furniture layout, or other objects in the space such as columns,
trees, or topographic changes. This is why architects usually furniture as part of a
concept design, because it is critically linked to the flow, function and feeling of
the space.
b. Vertical- is how people move up and down within the building, so includes things
like stairs, lifts, ramps, ladders and escalators which allow us to move from one
level to another.
2. Type of use: public or private, front of house or back of house;
3. Frequency of use: common or emergency; and
4. Time of use: morning, day, evening, continuous.
COMMON CIRCULATORY ELEMENTS

1. Doors: Provide access and egress points, allowing entry and

exit to different spaces within a building. Doors can be
designed for security, accessibility, and aesthetics.
2. Windows: Allow natural light to enter the building and
provide views to the outside. Windows also contribute to
ventilation and can be designed for energy efficiency.

3. Stairs: Vertical circulatory elements that connect different

levels of a building. Stairs are designed for ease of use,
safety, and compliance with building codes.

4. Elevators: Mechanical devices that move people or goods

between different floors of a building. Elevators are crucial
for vertical transportation, especially in tall buildings.

5. Ramps: Inclined surfaces that provide an alternative to stairs,

allowing easy access for individuals with mobility challenges
or for moving goods on wheels.

6. Corridors: Horizontal pathways that connect different rooms

and spaces within a building. Corridors facilitate movement
and can serve as emergency egress routes.
PROTECTIVE ELEMENTS
Protective elements in architecture encompass features and design considerations
implemented to enhance the safety, security, and longevity of a structure. Their purpose is to
shield occupants, assets, and the building itself from various potential threats and risks.
In historical contexts, regions with warmer climates often featured roofs that were
relatively flat and adorned with vibrant colors, such as the rich red and brown tile roofs of Italy.
Conversely, colder climates necessitated steeper roofs of subdued hues to efficiently shed rain
and snow. Entrance porches emerged as a response to the need for protection, offering shelter
from driving rains and cold winds. However, advancements like steel and concrete construction,
insulation, and modern drainage have revolutionized roof design possibilities. These innovations
allow for utilitarian roofs of various types, even in cold countries where flat roofs, sometimes
invisible from the ground, are now feasible. Transforming roofs into terraces has become a trend,
providing access to fresh air and sunlight that contributes to the overall health of a community.
In the face of anticipated climatic data, elements, and the monitoring of natural disaster
risks, contemporary designs must exhibit resilience to a range of possible scenarios. Engineers
and inventors collaborate with architects to integrate or incorporate the necessary protective
elements into their plans, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the built environment.
THESE ELEMENTS ARE CRUCIAL FOR ENSURING SAFETY, SECURITY, AND
RESPONSE TO SPECIFIC THREATS.
1. Fire Sprinklers: Automatic fire suppression systems that release water or other fire-
extinguishing agents in response to a fire.
2. Smoke Detectors: Devices that detect the presence of smoke and trigger alarms to warn
occupants of a potential fire.
3. Alarms: Alert systems that notify occupants of potential threats or emergencies, such as
fire alarms, intrusion alarms, or other hazard warnings.
4. Cameras: Surveillance systems that monitor and record activities in and around a
building, serving both as a deterrent and for investigative purposes.
5. Locks: Security devices used to control access to doors, windows, and other entry points.
They can include electronic key card systems, biometric locks, and traditional mechanical
locks.
6. Barriers: Physical barriers designed to deter or delay unauthorized access, such as
security gates, bollards, and barricades.
7. Air Filtration Systems: Systems that filter and purify air to improve indoor air quality
and protect occupants from pollutants, allergens, or contaminants.
8. Ventilation Systems: Provide controlled airflow to maintain proper air circulation and
temperature within a building, contributing to occupant comfort and safety.
DECORATIVE ELEMENTS
The incorporation of decorative architectural elements plays an integral role in the
meticulous design of buildings, transcending mere functionality to achieve an exceptional
aesthetic. These elements not only accentuate a building's distinctive features but also generate
visual interest, effectively unifying various components into a harmonious whole. Architects face
the delicate task of considering the strategic integration of decorative elements in alignment with
the overall design aesthetic, ensuring that structures not only serve their purpose but also stand
out as visually captivating and enduring pieces of art.
In regions characterized by warmer climates and abundant sunshine, the role of
pronounced mouldings takes on a nuanced significance. While excessive detailing in mouldings
may be deemed unnecessary and even undesirable, architects may opt for flatter and more subtle
curves in their design. Sculptures and mouldings, when employed, often feature deep curves and
undercuts strategically crafted to capture and enhance the play of natural light.
Color, as a prominent decorative element, assumes heightened importance in warmer
climates, rivaling the significance of intricate carvings. Architects frequently leverage plain wall
surfaces painted in white or light pastel tones, harnessing various textures to interact with
sunlight and create intriguing shadows, particularly in the presence of projecting roofs and
surrounding foliage. The vibrant hues of colored tiles also emerge as a distinctive feature in the
architectural landscape of Mediterranean countries, further enriching the visual tapestry of the
built environment.
In essence, the thoughtful incorporation of decorative elements not only serves an
ornamental purpose but also contributes to the holistic functionality and aesthetic appeal of
buildings, establishing them as landmarks that seamlessly blend art and architecture.
SOME EXAMPLES OF DECORATIVE ELEMENTS INCLUDE:
1. Facades: The exterior face or frontage of a building, including materials, finishes, and
architectural features that contribute to its visual appeal.
2. Ornaments: Decorative elements, often intricate or embellished, that add artistic and
aesthetic value to various parts of a building, such as moldings, carvings, and
embellishments.
3. Colors: The use of color schemes and combinations on building exteriors, interiors, and
even in landscaping to create a visually pleasing and harmonious appearance.
4. Textures: The tactile and visual qualities of surfaces, materials, and finishes used in a
building to add depth and interest to its design.
Decorative elements not only enhance the visual appeal of a building but can also serve
additional purposes, as you mentioned:
 Protective Blending: Elements that blend in with the surrounding environment can act as
a form of camouflage, making the building less conspicuous or more harmonious with its
surroundings.
 Identity and Community: Architectural features and decorative elements can contribute
to a building's identity and serve as symbols of a community or cultural heritage.
 Message of Strength and Resilience: Certain decorative elements, such as robust
architectural details or symbolic features, can convey a message of strength and
resilience.
 Cultural Significance: Decorative elements often carry cultural or historical
significance, providing a means of expressing and preserving cultural identity.
 Wayfinding: Aesthetic and decorative elements can aid in wayfinding, helping people
navigate and identify specific spaces within a building or a community.
REFERENCES:
 Architectural theory of design by George Salvan
 Architecture Form, Space, and Order by Francis D.K. Ching
 Circulation of Architectural Spaces.pdf by Y. Yungchang
 https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/technological-institute-of-the-philippines/theory-
of-architecture-1/toa-1-module-1-2-docx-notes/52165773
 https://etc.usf.edu/clipart/galleries/800-architectural-elements
 https://quizlet.com/296056303/theory-of-architecture-flash-cards/
 https://www.archisoup.com/elements-of-architecture?
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