Welcome

to
The world of
Design
Principles Of
Architecture I
(AR-108-C)

RADHIKA NAGPAL
INTENT:

• To appreciate ‘design’, the background thinking in the design of art

forms: the design of natural objects.
• To understand basic principles of architecture.
• To provide a comprehensive understanding of basic design theory
and its elements and principles relative to their use in the designing
process.
Before we go forward with the contents
of the syllabus it will be worthwhile to
be clear with the meanings of the words
used in the INTENT and which we will
be using frequently
Lets Begin …..with….
……………..Design

RADHIKA NAGPAL
Design as a noun is described in the dictionary as:
• A plan or drawing produced to show the appearance and working of
something before it is made
• A decorative pattern
• Underlying purpose or planning

As a verb it is described as
• Produce a design for
• Plan or intend for a purpose
The synonyms of the word design are:
• Blueprint, conception, draft, drawing, model, pattern, plan, proposal,, sketch
• Arrangement, composition, configuration, form, pattern, shape
• Aim, end, goal, intention, purpose scheme

The synonym of the word designer are:

Architect, artist, author, creator, inventor, originator
 Let us see some
examples of design
to start
appreciating
the word Design.
This is design:
Painting
The artist had planned the
projection of an idea and
then depicted it through
his skill
These graphic
forms are also
designed.
These sculptures are
designed.

These are
aesthetically pleasing,
are making a
statement conveying
strength both of
expression and
physicality.
Just the arrangement
of food in a platter is a
design
This too is Design:

Drama

Dance
These textile
designs are an
outcome of
design skills and
a long tradition.
Such outfits can
only be the
result of a
conscience
design effort
Fashion
This model is
also designed
These are
designed
products for our
use.
• Thus ,Design can be seen as a creative art and is seen in various forms
of painting, music, dance, drama, sculpture, dress, food and any
human activity that is performed creatively.

• It becomes a way of life for any creative individual. From the decision
of choosing the daily attire to planning a meal or a day, design plays a
role. Design is thus an everyday activity

• The noticeable feature of these design forms is that while beauty forms
an integral part so does the feature of strength – both of physicality and
of expression.

• The design forms besides being beautiful are also making a

statement and have a physical existence.
• Anything that is man made is designed.
• IF DESIGN IS A CREATIVE ART LET US BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT
CREATIVITY IS …..
Creativity and Design
• Creativity is the process that after intensive mental activity yields a
beautiful and useful act or product. (Not necessarily “useful” in some art
forms)
• Creative people generally have an open mind, capacity for intensive
thinking, flexible mind but are focused and work towards a target.
• Creative people will also try to do or produce something new.

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• It must be understood that creativity does not always produce an original act or
product but will of necessity produce something new, else it would be not creativity
but reproduction.
• Normally a new act or product will be the remodeling of what already exists but is
assembled in a new way.
• Building a capacity to see and observe relationships and interconnection which others
do not, is the basis for developing one’s ability to think creatively.

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Let us understand what Architecture
means …
IS IT

A BUNGALOW ?!?!?!?!
IS IT

A Trendy House?!?!?
May Be…….
Burj Khalifa!
Perhaps a Religious
Building !!!
Often…….Interiors!!!!

31
 Machu Picchu, Peru
The Taj Mahal, India

7 wonders of world
Christ Redeemer, Brazil - The Roman Colosseum, Italy
Large Statue
Chichen Itza, Mexico-Mayan City

The Great Wall, China Petra, Jordan – Ancient City

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Perhaps all of these and much more ……
 Architecture can be seen
as the Art,
Science and
Architecture
Philosophy of organizing
spaces
for different human
activities.
The range of spaces to be organized could be from the space in the drawer of a
table to the spaces in the buildings to the spaces in a city.
Architecture
takes care of the
all the physical
needs of people
through various
kinds of
buildings.
 Architecture also
represents the
technology of the
time, which is the
representation of
the development
of that time and
people.
Architecture over time
builds associations.

Many of you would

immediately recognize this
building and have some
associations with this
visual.
Architecture is
manipulation of space to
create usable spaces with
appropriate objects that
create a suitable
ambience.
Architecture can be
symbolic, representing
the philosophy of a
society.
Architecture is play of
spaces both inside and
outside.
The advancement of a
civilization is known
from its architecture and
art.
Therefore,
• Architecture can thus be seen as organization of space for an expected activity
and differs from other art forms because of its extensive utilization and its
extensive influence on users.
• The elements of architecture are thus beauty, strength both physical and of
expression and beneficial under the overall context of time.
• The nature of Architecture is of Life itself as it addresses the different aspects of
living.
• The scope of architecture is limited to the human imagination and in
physicality the technology of the time.

INTENT:
To appreciate ‘design’, the
background thinking in the
design of art forms: the
design of natural objects.
To understand basic
principles of architecture.
To provide a
comprehensive
understanding of basic
design theory and its
elements and principles
relative to their use in the
designing process.
Theory
Theory, the dictionary defines, is a,
supposition or system of ideas
explaining something
especially one based on general
Principles, independent of the thing to
be explained, Speculative view
The sphere of abstract knowledge
Collection of propositions to illustrate
principles of a subject
Synonyms of Theory: Assumption,
conjecture, guess, hypothesis,
presumption, speculation, supposition,
surmise, thesis, philosophy, plan,
proposal, scheme, system.
Elements
•Elements are the basic units of
anything.

-These can be physical or abstract

Principles
• Principles are basic rules or guidelines for
any action, idea, reasoning or thought.
-These are applicable in all aspects of life
Hopefully you are now
comfortable with the words
Design ,Creativity,
Architecture,
Elements and Principles.
To become an Architect one will have to
begin at the beginning …..
 This course will

• focus on BASIC DESIGN

• Design theory of Architecture will be

covered in the later semesters.

• Augment the already acquired

straight line thinking involved in
sciences with the multi-faceted
thinking required for creative pursuits.

Remember • Initiate the theoretical thinking

behind design.

•Create a foundation for the

understanding of architectural design.
CONTENT
•  

UNIT I: Basic design

• Concept of design in everyday life
• Objectives of Design
• Nature and design-appreciation of
beautiful objects in nature, principles of
organization in nature
• Introduction to theory of colour
 
• UNIT II:: Introduction to
Architecture

• Definition of Architecture
• Origin of Architecture
• Architecture as a discipline
• Context for architecture as satisfying
human needs: functional, aesthetic,
and psychological
• Outline of components and aspects of
architectural form-site, structure,
skin, materials, services, use,
circulation, expression, character,
experience.
• UNIT III: Elements of architecture

• Basic Design and Architectural Design-

Elemental Differentiation
• Geometry in Architecture- point, line,
plane and volume- linear elements,
planar elements and volumetric elements
with respect to the evolution of
architectural form and space.
• Form in architecture- pattern, shape, size,
color, texture, position, orientation, visual
inertia, light, surface
 
 
UNIT IV: Principles of
composition

• Principles of architectural composition-

axis, symmetry and asymmetry,
hierarchy, datum, rhythm, repetition,
unity, variety, harmony, focus,
emphasis, climax, contrast,
transformation, measure and balance.
• spaces on human scale and proportion.
• Golden Section, Le modular, Fibonacci
series.
Please Note

•Each lecture will be of approximately of one-hour duration to

discuss through lecture/group discussions/ PPT on the topics as
outlined in the teaching program.

•This would be followed by students submitting an

assignment on topics discussed in the class.

•The students will be continuously evaluated for their

assignments which are submitted at the end of each class.

•Students who are absent during a class would not be

evaluated for that particular class.
Teaching Programme
Week 1
Topic: Introduction/definitions/Overview , intent and syllabus
Intent: To develop the understanding of definition of design as well as the process of
designing.
Brief Content: Introduction to the subject and the meaning of words – architecture, Principles,
design and theory. To appreciate ‘design’, the background thinking in the design of art forms:
the design of natural objects.
 
Week-2
Topic: Appreciation of beautiful objects , Design in everyday life
Intent: To understand the meaning of the word “beautiful”. Also explore and understand
several attributes behind that appreciation
Brief content: : Art appreciation, difference between architecture and other art forms. Explore
several examples from daily life to understand the application of design in real life.
 
Week-3
Topic: Basic Elements of Design – Dot, line
Intent: To get clarity about basic design and architectural design & the difference between the
two and also introduce to some of basic design.
Brief content: Difference between elements and principles. Importance of dot and line as basic
elements.
 
 
Week-4
Topic: Basic Elements of Design – Plane, shape, form, color
Intent: To understand the elements and their significance individually as well as the
relationship when they are used together in a design.
Brief Content: Understanding the importance and significance of the elements for a
designer
 
Week-5
Topic: Quiz session
Intent: To Recapitulate the previous lectures and check progress in an engaging way.
 
Week-6
Topic: Basic Elements of Design – Space, Direction, Texture, Pattern
Intent: To understand the elements and their significance individually as well as the
relationship when they are used together in a design.
Brief Content: Understanding the importance and significance of the abovementioned
elements for a designer.
Week-7
Topic: Principles of Design-Balance, Rhythm, Contrast, Harmony and open book test.
Intent: To understand the above principles through a variety of examples and illustrations
Brief Content: To understand the fundamentals of the design and allied principles of Balance,
Rhythm, Contrast and Harmony.
 
Week-8
Topic: Principles of Design- Unity, Variety, Movement, Emphasis
Intent: To understand the above principles through a variety of examples and illustrations
Brief Content: To understand the fundamentals of the design and allied principles of Unity,
Variety, Movement and Emphasis
 
Week-9 Class Test
 
Week-10 Study Tour
 
Week-11
Topic: Principles of Design- Dominance, Logic, Decoration, Datum
Intent: To understand the above principles through a variety of examples and illustrations
Brief Content: To understand the fundamentals of the design and allied principles of Dominance,
Logic, Decoration and Datum.
Week-12
Topic: Scale, Proportion, Geometry
Intent: To understand the fundamentals of “Scale and proportions” and their significance in
design process
Brief Content: Describing scale and its different types. Proportion and its importance as a design
principle

Week-13 Class Test

Week-14
Topic: Objectives of Designs
Intent: To understand the objectives of Design through a variety of examples and illustrations
Brief Content: To understand Truth , Beauty and Goodness and its place in a design.
 
Week-15 Diwali Break
Week-16
Topic: Seminar on Principles of Architecture followed by famous architects in some of their
buildings.( Group Presentation)
Week-17
Topic: Recapitulation / discussion of question Bank
 
READING LIST:
 
Baskinger, Mark and Bardel, William (2013) Drawing Ideas: A Hand-Drawn Approach for Better
Design, Watson-Guptill.
Broomer, F. Gerald (1974) Elements of Design: Space, Davis Publications Inc., Worcester,
Massachusetts.
Charles Wallschlacgerm and Cynthia Busic-Snyder (1992) Basic Visual Concepts and Principles for
Artists, Architects and Designers, Mc Graw Hill, New York.
Ching, Francis D. K. (1979) Architecture: Form, Space and Order, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co.
Exner V. and Pressel D. (2009) Basics Spatial Design, Birkhanser.
Gordon, Bob and Gordon Maggic (2002) Complete Guide to Digital Graphic Design, Thames and
Hudson, London.
Grillo, Paul Jacques (1960) Form, function and design, Dover Publications, Inc. New York.
Hillyer, V M and Huey, E G (1996) Story of Sculpture, Nelson, Meredith Publishing Company, NY.
Item, Johanes (1973) The Art of Colour, Van Nostrand Reinhold, NY.
Jackson, Paul (2011) Folding Techniques for Designers: From sheet to form, Laurence King
Publishing
 
Thank You
Assignment

Q1.Explain the terms ‘Design’ and ‘Architecture’ using suitable Examples and
illustrations.

Q2.Architecture represents the aspirations of the people. Discuss briefly with

suitable illustrations.( 100 Words).