Theory of Architecture- Unit 5

Principles of Architecture:
Scale:
The relation between two or more spaces in terms of length,
breadth and width is called Scale.
Golden Section:

Golden section can be defined as the ratio between two sections

of a line, or two dimensions of a plane, in which the lesser of the two is
to the greater as the greater is to the sum of the both.
i.e., the ratio between lesser to greater is equal to greater to the sum
of lesser and greater.
“a/b = b/a+b = 0.618”
Golden section:
Golden Rectangle:

A rectangle who sides are proportioned according to the Golden Section is

known as Golden Rectangle.
Eg: Parthenon, Athens.

Classical orders:

Invented by Greeks and Romans

The orders were not based on fixed units of measurements.

The intention was to ensure that all parts of building were proportionate and is
harmony with each other.

Vitruvius studied “Order” and presented in “Ten Books on Architecture”.

Since ‘d’ diameter of column are used more; every measurement is substituted
with ‘D’.
Classical orders:
Renaissance Theories:

•Based on Pythagoras Theorem.

•Andrew Palladio use Renaissance Orders as follows,

The length of rooms with flat ceiling = width of Room.

Height of square rooms with vaulted ceilings would be one third greater than the
width.
Renaissance Theories:
Modular Order:

•Le Corbusier developed this system

.
•Based on Mathematical and proportion of human body.
43+70=113
113+70=183

•Basically a relationship of substitution between human scales to the built form.

KEN:

KEN is an absolute measurement that is equivalent to ‘foot’ and divisible by

decimal units.

The size of a room is designated by number of its floor mats

Anthropometry:

Anthropometry refers to the measurements of the size and properties of human

body.

More used for designing utility based elements in architecture.

Visual Scale:

Refers size or proportion an elements appears in relation to other elements of

known size.
Human Scale:

Human scale in architecture is based on the dimension and proportions of the

human body.
Circulation:
Movement in “TIME through a SEQUENCE of SPACES”

1. APPROACH
2. ENTRANCE
3. CONFIGURATION OF PATH
4. PATH-SPACE RELATIONSHIPS
5. FORM OF THE CIRCULATION SPACE
Approach:
First stage of the circulation system.
May vary in length and time.

Notre Dame Du Haut,France

Frontal:
A frontal approach leads directly to the entrance of a bui1lding.

Oblique:
An Oblique approach enhances the effect of perspective on the front facade and
form of the building.

Spiral:
A Spiral path prolongs the sequence of the approach and emphasizes the three-
dimensional forms of a building as we move around its perimeter.
Oblique:
An Oblique approach enhances the effect of perspective on the front facade and
form of the building.

Spiral:
A Spiral path prolongs the sequence of the approach and emphasizes the three-
dimensional forms of a building as we move around its perimeter.
Spiral:
A Spiral path prolongs the sequence of the approach and emphasizes the three-
dimensional forms of a building as we move around its perimeter.
Entrance:
It involves the act of penetrating a vertical plane that distinguished one space from
another and separates “here” from “there”.

Entrance space can be void in wall or an arch of two columns or a boulevard of trees.
Configuration of the path:
It involves a starting point, from which we are taken through a sequence of spaces to
our destination.
Intersection, pausing, direction changes are part of the process.
Linear:
•All path are Linear
•Can be Curvilinear
•Can have perpendicular direction change.

Radial:
Has linear paths extending or terminating at a central, common point.

Spiral:
Single or continuous path that original path that originates from the central
points, revolves around it and becomes increasingly distant from it.
Grid:
Consists of two sets of parallel path that intersects to create spaces.

Network:
Consists of paths that connect and establishes points in space.

Composite:
The combination of the above said paths when put together in an orderly manner,
it forms composite path.
Path-Space Relationship:
Related to spaces they limit
•Can pass by spaces
•Can pass through spaces
•Can terminate in a space