Influences on Architectural

Design
Architectural theories of design
I. General influences
1. Needs of Man
2. Activities of Man
Needs of Man
1. Physical Needs
 A. Self- Preservation
 B. Reproduction

 THE MODERN MAN’S SHELTER SHALL HAVE:

 1. Necessities
 2. Conveniences
 3. Comforts

 SHELTER- is something that covers, protects, or defends as

a roof that shields one from the elements and changes
2. Emotional Needs
 The emotional reactions of man have to do with the instincts
stirred by the forces of religion and art and with the desire
to indulge recreation. Art in its broadcast interpretation,
assumes the various familiar forms, painting, sculpture,
music, literature.

3. Intellectual needs

 Education, science and government, demand a proper
architectural setting. Intellect or reason alone may erect a
utilitarian building ; emotion will endow it with beauty and
interest
ACTIVITIES OF MAN
In life is to exist and civilization is to develop, there are

fundamental impulses or desires which must be

satisfied. These forces may be called the stimuli to
action. Their effect upon life and architecture, may b
designated as RESULTING MANIFESTATION:RM.
1. DESIRE PRESERVATION- civilized man must have

commerce, government, and religion

2. DESIRE RECOGNINITION- this is the desire to

prestige, pride and ambition, social status, physical

supremacy, intellectual attainment , personal or civic,
result in the struggle for position
3. DESIRE FOR RESPONSES- this arises from the

gregarious nature of man, from his wish for love,

friendship, and sociability.

4.DESIRE FOR SELF EXPRESSION- this is the urge

of man to assert himself as an individual . To do

things in his own particular way.
Let’s have short quiz….
1-2 What are the 2 general influences of architectural
design
3. In Desire _________, it says here that civilized man
must have commerce, government, and religion.
4-6. What are the other 3 desires under ACTIVITIES OF
MAN
7. _________- is something that covers, protects, or
defends as a roof that shields one from the elements
and changes
8. What are the 3 needs of MAN.
II. INFLUENCES OF NATURE
A. Climate
Climate and topography influence the life and habits of a nation.
EFFECTS ON ARCHITECTURE
 1.Plans
 2. Structural Elements
 3. Protective Elements
 4. Circulatory Elements
 5. Decorative Elements

 B. Topography
1. Mountain Regions
2. Level Country
Effects on Architecture
WARMER CLIMATES COLDER CLIMATES
The buildings may be more flamboyant The architecture is more severe and the
in their conception and usually a closer de signer depend less upon the
relations exists between the works of landscape for final effect. Colors are
man and nature where vegetation is usually more subdued.
more luxuriant, more attention is paid
to the color and texture of surface
treatment.
Plain wall areas give an opportunity for
contrast with the colors of the foliage.
1. PLANS
Warmer Climate COLDER CLIMATES
The plans are more open and More compact in
often include arrangement. The severe
courts or patios. cold winds is avoided by
providing a cover
from portion of the building
to the other.
2. Structural Elements
In the past, walls were load bearing, wall thickness
were thick, to carry the load of the floors and the roof
and also to resist the extremes of temperature and to
protect man from his enemies.
Wall, structural element used to divide or enclose,
and, in building construction, to form the periphery of
a room or a building. In traditional masonry
 construction, walls supported the weight of floors and
roofs, but modern steel and reinforced concrete
 frames, as well as heavy timber and other skeletal
structures, require exterior walls only for shelter and
sometimes dispense with them on the ground floor to
permit easier access.
3. Protective Elements
The roof protects the interior from the elements of climate like typhoon,
heat of the
sun, etc.
WARMER CLIMATE COLDER CLIMATE
The roofs are usually rather flat and The roof become steeper and less
colorful. As in the rich red and brown colorful. The necessity of shedding the
tile roof of Italy rain and snow makes the greater pitch
to the roofs more practical
Entrance porches are the result of the desire for
protection. The driving rains and cold winds made
these porches a desirable adjunct to entrances
However, with the new
inventions and innovations,
steel and concrete
construction. Insulation, and
modern drainage make almost
any kind of utilitarian roof
possible.
The roof may be flat even in
cold countries and invisible
from the ground. The roof has
now become a terrace, and the
accompanying fresh air and
sunshine contribute to the
health of a nation.
4. Circulatory Elements
Windows - permit the entrance of light and circulation
of air
Doors, stairs, corridor-circulation of human traffic and
materials
WARMER CLIMATE COLDER CLIMATE
Windows are usually small in Windows are usually large in
order not to admit too much order to capture the greatest
light, which produces amount of light, and heat
excessive heat and glare. the interior
5. Decorative Elements
WARMR CLIMATE
With brilliant sunshine,
pronounced mouldings are
unnecessary and undesirable.
When mouldings are used,
the curves should be flatter
and more subtle
COLDER CLIMATE
Sculpture andmouldings are
usually deeply curved and
undercut to catch the
maximum amount of light.
B. Topography
Topography, in its broadest sense, may mean the
general terrain or contour of the surface of the entire
country. If the country is small and the topography is
uniform, there tends to be a similarity of character in
the architecture. It may be nationalistic and may
assume traits common to the entire area .
1. MOUNTAIN REGION
In a setting of rocks and cliffs with violent changes in
the direction of the contour of the site, the building
should appear to grow out of its surroundings. The
buildings should be 'informal'. The floor levels of the
major parts should follow as far as is convenient, the
slope of the ground. If it crowns an eminence. its steep
roofs with vertical effects may serve as a fitting
termination to a commanding height.
2. LEVEL COUNTRY
While an unsymmetrical or informal plan is possible
on such a site. 'Formal' or balanced scheme is more
satisfactory.