AR3101

INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE
 UNIT 1

INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE
‘the art and science of designing and
constructing buildings’
As a word, ‘architecture’ can carry several other meanings, such as:

1. The product or result of architectural work: buildings, urban areas and

landscapes.

2. A style or method of building characteristic of a people, place or time.

3. The profession of designing buildings and other habitable environments by

architects.

4. The conscious act of forming things resulting in a unifying or coherent

structure.
In its most simple form, architecture is the design and organization of spaces,
and in its most common form, it is the design of buildings, their interiors and
surrounding spaces.

The architect acts a designer, who can work in a wide range of scales, from a
scale as large as the planning of a city, up to a scale as small as the design of a
chair.
Etymology

Etymology of the Word ‘Architecture’ Etymologically (in terms of the root of the
word), the word ‘architecture’ comes from the Greek - arkhitekton , which is a
combination of the word arkhi, meaning “chief” or “master”, and tekton,
meaning “mason” or “builder”.
The Origin - ARCHITECTURE - As Need based
Origin of Architecture Architecture is one of the oldest professions in human
history. It appeared with human being’s need of shelter to protect himself from the
weather and danger outside. It first evolved as the outcome of needs (like shelter,
security, worship etc.) and means (like the available building materials and skills).
As human cultures progressed, building became a craft and later the formalized
version of that craft, which is practiced by educated professionals, is called
‘architecture’.
To protect himself from the
weather and danger
outside.

Outcome of needs (like

shelter, security, worship
etc.) and means (like the
available building materials
and skills).
ARCHITECTURE - Culturally Responsive
Culturally responsive architecture is an approach that designs buildings and spaces to respect
and reflect the cultural context and values of the community they serve. It involves cultural
sensitivity, contextual design, inclusivity, symbolism, sustainability, community engagement, and
adaptability to create meaningful and functional spaces.
 ARCHITECTURE -
Culturally Responsive

Chettinad Mansion, Chettinad

reflects the cultural and economic prosperity of the Chettiar
community in the region.

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

reflects the vibrant culture and religious significance
of the region.
ARCHITECTURE - Environmentally responsive
Architecture as an environmental response means designing buildings and spaces that consider
and adapt to the natural environment, promote sustainability, use local resources, and harmonize
with the cultural and social context of a region.
Auroville Earth Institute, Pondichery
sustainable building practices using stabilized mud blocks
and earth construction techniques.

IIT Madras
features rainwater harvesting, solar power generation, and
energy-efficient HVAC systems.
ARCHITECTURE as Social response of human society
Architecture as a social response is about designing and shaping the built environment to serve

the needs and aspirations of a society. It acknowledges that architecture is not just about

structures but also about creating spaces that enhance the quality of life, promote social equity,

and reflect the values and identity of a community or society.

Valluvar Kottam, Chennai - hosts cultural events and gatherings, making it a significant cultural hub in the city.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple Tank - not only a place of religious significance but also a serene spot for reflection and communal
gatherings.
ARCHITECTURE as Psychological response
Architecture as a psychological response recognizes that the design of the built environment is not
just a matter of aesthetics or functionality; it profoundly influences the mental and emotional
experiences of individuals and shapes the collective psychology and behavior of a society.

Architects and designers often aim to create spaces that promote well-being, foster positive
emotions, and support the social fabric of communities.
Mental Health Hospitals

Hospice and Palliative Care Centers

Elderly Care Homes

Prisons and Correctional Facilities

Children's Homes and Orphanages

Schools with Emphasis on Learning Environments

Religious Retreats and Meditation Centers

Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts

Recreation and Sports Facilities

Architecture as phenomenological mediation of nature
"Architecture as phenomenological mediation of nature" means designing buildings and spaces in

a way that makes people feel closely connected to nature through their senses.

This includes using natural materials, allowing lots of natural light in, and creating spaces that feel

like they're part of the outdoors. It's about making buildings that help people relax, feel well, and be

mindful of the natural world around them.

Dakshinachitra - Chennai
Kalakshetra - Chennai
COMPONENTS OF ARCHITECTURE
The components of architecture refer to the fundamental elements, aspects, and considerations
that collectively shape the design, function, and experience of a building or space. These
components are essential for architects and designers to understand and manipulate when
creating architectural solutions.

These components collectively contribute to the functionality, aesthetics, and meaning of

architectural spaces, allowing architects to create built environments that serve various purposes,
engage users, and respond to the specific context and needs of a project.
COMPONENTS OF ARCHITECTURE

Elements
Aspects Shape - design, function Functionality, Aesthetic,
Consideration and experience Meaning
COMPONENTS OF ARCHITECTURE

● Function / Use
● Form ● Skin
● Aesthetics ● Structure
● Circulation ● Materials
● Site Form
● Services
● Shelter
● Relation to Nature
● Experience
space
● Character
● Symbolism
● Expression
● Means
● Typology
USE
● The function is defined as the purpose for which a building as a whole or as a
part is designed and constructed.The implication is that the functional aspects
are satisfied, architectural beauty would naturally and necessarily follows.
● Function varies from building to building or space to space depending on its
typology.
● Function is the basic requirement of architecture. The space or building
holds no value when the functional requirements are not met by the
designer.
● Successful architecture is not just a personal philosophical or aesthetic
pursuit rather it has to consider everyday needs of the people.
USE
The intended purpose or function of a building or
space, such as residential, commercial,
educational, or recreational.
MEANS
The methods, technologies, and tools used in the construction and realization of architectural
designs, including construction techniques and materials.
LOAD BEARING MASONRY CONSTRUCTION
CONCRETE BLOCKS
REINFORCED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION - to create strong and versatile structural elements. It's commonly used
for buildings, bridges, and infrastructure
Steel frame Structures - lightweight and
offer high strength. They are used in the
construction of skyscrapers, industrial
buildings, and large-span structures.
FORM
The external appearance that can be recognised, as that of a chair or the human
body that sits in it.

Formal structure of a work

The manner of arranging and coordinating the elements and parts of a

composition so as to produce a coherent image.

A form suggest reference to both internal structure and external outline and the
principle that gives unity to the whole.
STRUCTURE
The framework, load-bearing elements, and systems that
give a building its stability and shape, including beams,
columns, walls, and foundations.
AESTHETICS
The visual and artistic aspects of design, including form, proportion, size, color, texture, balance,
unity, movement, pattern and overall visual appeal.
SITE
The physical location and context where the building is situated, including
its topography, climate, vegetation, and surrounding environment.
To develop a project of any merit, a site must first be measured,
architectural analysis be made - physical , mental and social
characteristics
SKIN
The exterior envelope of a building, including
walls, cladding, roofing, and fenestration, which
acts as a protective barrier and contributes to
aesthetics.

The Skin of building is chosen based on : choice

of material, their application, aesthetic quality,
technical possibility.
MATERIALS
MATERIALS
Any material used for construction purpose.

The selection and use of construction materials, such as wood, concrete, steel, glass, and more,
affecting the building's appearance, performance, and sustainability.

Natural - clay, rock, sand, rock, wood, twigs, leaves

Manmade - Concrete, bricks, steel, glass

Materials are chosen based on : aesthetic effect, cost efficiency, climate control, textural effect.
CIRCULATION
The way people move through and interact with the buildings.

The layout and design of pathways, corridors, staircases, and elevators within a building, ensuring
efficient movement and access for occupants.
CHARACTER

The unique qualities and personality of a building or space that distinguish it from others, often
influenced by its design, materials, and use.

3 categories:

● Functional Character
● Associated character
● Personal Character
CHARACTER
Functional Character: every building has specific function and is made for specific purpose. The
internal planning is in coordination with external facade, the external appearance plays an
important role in determining the purpose and the function of the structure.
CHARACTER
Associated Character: The character of some building is expressed through elements associated
with certain influences often goes thousands of years back in history and culture.
CHARACTER
Personal Character: if a building design is proper spirit, personal characteristics such as grace,
dignity and vitality can be expressed as an integral part of the structure. Buildings with personal
character often have unique and distinctive architectural features or designs that set them apart
from others and reflect the individual tastes, preferences, or cultural influences of their owners or
designers.
SHELTER
The primary purpose of architecture, providing protection and shelter from natural elements like
weather and security concerns.
RELATION TO NATURE
How the design and layout of a building or space consider and interact with the natural
environment, including views, orientation, and integration of natural elements.

Earth: Material, site, vegetation

Water: Rain, Humidity

Fire: Light, temperature

Sky: Space

Wind: Ventillation
SYMBOLISM
The use of architectural elements, motifs, and symbolism to convey meaning, cultural
significance, or historical references.
TYPOLOGY
The architectural typology refers to the category or type of building, such as residential houses,
office buildings, museums, and cultural centers.
SERVICES
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other
systems that provide utilities, comfort, and
functionality to occupants, including heating,
cooling, lighting, and sanitation.

MEP services - Mechanical, Electrical and

Plumbing
EXPRESSION
How architectural design communicates and expresses ideas, culture, values, or the identity of the
building and its users.

Sagrada Familia, Spain - nature + spirituality

Falling water, USA - expresses harmony with nature
EXPERIENCE
How people perceive and interact with the built environment, encompassing sensory, emotional, and
psychological responses to the architecture.
 HISTORY OF
ARCHITECTURE
History of architecture is the study of the evolution of architecture through the ages and across a
wide range of geographies and cultural contexts. From the Mesopotamian civilization to the
Egyptians and Greeks, architectural history is a transnational one.
HISTORY

PREHISTORIC AND 5TH CENTURY - 15TH LATE 18TH CENTURY TO 19TH

14TH CENTURY - 18TH CENTURY
ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE CENTURY CENTURY

Medieval Architecture Renaissance and

Prehistoric and Ancient Baroque
Architecture Early Christian and Byzantine Neoclassical and
Romanesque Renaissance Revival Styles
Gothic Baroque
Prehistoric
Ancient Mesopotamia Basilicas, Mosaic decorations. Neoclassical
Ancient Egypt Thick walls with small windows, Proportion, symmetry and Gothic Revival
Ancient Greece rounded arches with barrel mathematical precision
Ancient Rome vaults. Revival of column and Columns, domes and pediments.
Pointed Arches, ribbed vaults, pediments.
Natural materials, simple and Emulation of medieval Gothic
functional design, religious site, flying buttresses. Dramatic use of light and space, Architecture, Pointed arches and
absence of elaborate Elaborate decoration and stained Ornate decoration and curvilinear intricate tracery.
ornamentation. glass. forms.
LATE 19TH CENTURY - EARLY
LATE 20TH CENTURY 21ST CENTURY
20TH CENTURY

Contemporary
Modern Architecture Post Modernism Architecture
Art Nouveau Contemporary Architecture
Modernism
Post Modernism Sustainable + green building Neoclassical
Organic forms, decorative
principles. Gothic Revival
elements, Curvilinear designs.
Minimalistic and functional, use Playful, Unconventional design. Innovative use of technology and
of steel and glass. materials.
Fluid, non-traditional forms and
open spaces.
Focus on adaptability and
flexibility.
TYPES OF DESIGN
Unself-conscious Design vs. Self-conscious Design:

● Unself-conscious Design: This approach

often refers to architecture that emerges
organically, without a strong intention to
make a design statement. It may evolve
from practical or vernacular building
traditions, reflecting local materials and
needs.
● Self-conscious Design: In contrast,
self-conscious design is driven by a
deliberate intention to create a specific
architectural statement or style. Architects
consciously imbue their designs with
artistic, cultural, or philosophical meaning.
Design Through Craft vs. Design Through Drawing:

● Design Through Craft: This approach emphasizes

hands-on craftsmanship and material exploration.
Architects work closely with artisans and builders
to shape structures through a deep understanding
of traditional construction techniques and
materials.
● Design Through Drawing: Design through drawing
is the more conventional approach, where
architects use sketches, blueprints, and digital tools
to conceptualize and communicate their designs. It
relies heavily on two-dimensional representations
to convey architectural ideas.
Pragmatic Design vs. Iconic Design vs. Canonic Design vs. Analogic Design:

● Pragmatic Design: This design approach prioritizes

functionality, efficiency, and practicality. Buildings are
designed primarily to serve their intended purpose
without extravagant or symbolic elements.
● Iconic Design: Iconic architecture aims to be visually
striking and memorable, often featuring unique or
symbolic shapes. Iconic buildings become landmarks
and may convey a specific message or identity.
● Canonic Design: Canonic design adheres to
established architectural canons or rules. It draws
inspiration from classical or historical architectural
styles, following established norms and traditions.
● Analogic Design: Analogic design is a more abstract
approach, where architects draw inspiration from
analogies and metaphors. They may use natural or
unrelated forms to create unique architectural
expressions.
These different approaches to architectural design are not mutually exclusive, and architects often blend
elements from multiple categories to create innovative and meaningful buildings.

The choice of approach depends on various factors, including the architect's vision, the project's context,
budget constraints, and the intended function of the building.

Architecture is a dynamic field that continually evolves as new ideas, technologies, and cultural
influences shape the design process.