Definitions

Definition Example
Symbolism • the use of architectural elements, forms, or
designs to convey symbolic meaning or symbolize the
museum's focus on
represent abstract concepts.
earth sciences and
• It involves the use of visual language to
natural history. To
reflect culture, history or spirit to evoke engage with the
emotions or specific meaning surrounding
context and history

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Renovation by Daniel Libeskind

Metaphor •
the use of symbolic or figurative elements
to convey meaning or evoke certain The
Bibliotheca
emotions or associations. Alexandrina,
• By using architectural elements or design Egypt

strategies to represent abstract concepts,

cultural references, or narratives, creating The tilted disc-shaped form of this library has been
a deeper layer of interpretation and metaphorically associated with the image of a rising sun or a
engagement with the built environment. rising moon, symbolizing knowledge and enlightenment.

Analogy & Analogy :

abstract • Using comparisons between architectural
elements and other objects, concepts, or
ideas.
• Using non-literal / representational forms
in architecture to express specific ideas The Sydney Opera House in Australia
or emotions. The sail-like as an analogy to ships or seashells, symbolizing
Abstraction : Australia's maritime heritage and its connection to the harbor.

• refers to the process of simplifying

complex architectural elements, forms, or
concepts into more generalized or
essential representations.
• By removing unnecessary details and The Barcelona Pavilion by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
focusing on the fundamental is known for its minimalistic and abstract design, featuring
characteristics or ideas to create a more clean lines, open spaces, and the use of simple geometric
conceptual or symbolic representation of forms. It represents an abstraction of architectural elements
to create a serene and harmonious space.
the built environment.
Imitation Imitation : an imitation of a
and • the act of replicating or emulating Roman country house,
architectural styles, elements, or motifs specifically the Villa dei
Simulation Papiri in Herculaneum.
from the past or other cultures. It showcases the
• It copying design principles, aesthetics, or architectural style and
techniques to create a sense of familiarity, lifestyle of ancient
The Getty Villa in California, USA Rome,
pay homage to historical traditions, or
evoke a particular cultural or aesthetic movable sunscreen
context. known as the
simulation : "wings." resembling
• the use of computer-based tools and the flapping wings
techniques to create virtual representations of a bird. The design
that simulate living organisms or natural is inspired by the
forms from environment. motion and
elegance of a bird in Milwaukee Art Museum, USA
flight.

Reference :
//efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.cambridgescholars.com/resources/pdfs/978-1-4438-3517-6-sample.pdf - https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9268/9/1/4 -
https://www.britannica.com/topic/architecture/Symbols-of-function - https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/materials-construction/a3236-10-examples-of-metaphoric-architecture/