Theory of Architecture 01
Prelim lesson 03
Architecture
• Is the ART, SCIENCE or profession of PLANNING, DESIGNING or
CONSTRUCTING BUILDINGS. In their totality in accordance with the
principles of UTILITY, STRENGTH and BEAUTY.
ARCHITECTS:
A Person Who Plans, Designs Buildings And Advises In Their
Constructions.
ROLE OF VARIOUS AGENCIES IN
PLANNING OF BUILDING :
1. ARCHITECT 35%
2. QUANTITY SURVEYOR 23%
3. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER 18%
4. SERVICE ENGINEER 12%
5. MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT 4%
6. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT 2%
7. SPECIALIST DESIGNER 2%
8. VARIOUS OTHER CONSULTANTS 4%
(such as environmentalist, interior designer etc.)
The Principle of Composition
Basic Principles of Composition
I. CONTRAST Variety
DIMENSION II. PROPORTION Relationship
III. SCALE Size, magnitude
GRAVITATIONAL IV. BALANCE Equilibrium
CURVES
V. RHYTHM Repetition
HIERARCHY VI. UNITY Harmony
VII. CHARACTER Expressiveness
CONTRAST…………………….variety
• Type of Contrast
1. CONTRAST OF FORM (shape and mass)
2. CONTRAST OF LINE (direction and type)
3. CONTRAST OF SIZE
4. CONTRAST OF TONE
CONTRAST OF FORM
MASS COMPOSITION:
• Mass is a three
dimensional shape having
definite width, length and
height.
• Mass arrangement is to be
done in such a way that
harmonious unity of
structure is maintained.
• Development of masses is
VARIETY – CONTRAST OF MASS done from both plan and
elevation of building.
MASS COMPOSITION:
CONTRAST OF LINE
CONTRAST OF SIZE
CONTRAST OF TONE
• Tone may be secured by contrast of texture, openings, or planes
Roof
Windows
Door
• Texture
• Openings
• Planes
VARIETY – CONTRAST OF TONE
COMBINATIONS
CONTRAST OF MASS – reference to
the direction of mass or volume
CONTRAST OF SHAPE
CONTRAST OF TONE – secured by
the dark and light
Similarity – monotony
PROPORTION
• The size, shape and tone of various object of a composition.
• These are certain geometrical forms which have very definite
proportion.
• The dimensions of length, width and height with respect to one
another gives a pleasing effect
GOLDEN RATIO
• It is divine proportion used for beauty and balanced in the design of
art.
GOLDEN RATIO
GOLDEN RATIO
Proportion may be Based on the following
factors:
1. Natural Material
Proportions
2. Manufactured
Proportions
Proportion may be Based on the following
factors:
3. Mode of
Construction or
Structural
Proportions
4. Requirements of the
Program, Function
or Government
Ordinance
Proportion may be Based on the following
factors:
5. Traditions and Generally Accepted
taste.
a) At the exterior, the height of an
edifice should be in proportion to
the character that edifice demands.
b) Buildings of worship such as
churches and temples usually have
traditional proportions
c) Classical buildings usually have
proportions based upon traditional
rules.
Distinction between ‘Relative’ and ‘Absolute'
Proportion
1. Relative Proportion – WHOLE WHOLE
deals with the
relationship between
PART
the part of an object
and the whole PART
2. Absolute Proportion
– deals with the
PART
relationship between
the different parts of
an object or the
whole to the various WHOLE
part.
PART
The “KEN” modular grid
• one MAT is 3.15’x6.30’ or 1x2 ken in kyo-
ma method.
Room with tatami flooring in an
8’ (2.40M) inauspicious layout and shōji
6.30
4’ 6
(1.20) 3.15
3
PLYWOOD MAT TILE
SCALE
• The scale in architectural composition means
proper relation of different elements to one
another and to whole. The scale is
considered with respect to surroundings.
• The sizes of doors, windows and staircase
are different for residential building when
compared to monumental or public building.
• The proper scale is essential for better and
qualitative results of proportion.
• The size of doors, windows and step(rise &
tread) and handrail height should suit the
users and creates feeling of comfort.
SCALE
• The size of an object, particularly in
relationship to the composition or to
other elements on the page.
• Emphasis and balance can be achieved
through by experimenting with scale.
Two types of scale
1. GENERIC SCALE – the size of a building element relative to other
forms in its context (three windows indicate three stories, the small
window indicate a small room inside)
Two types of scale
2. HUMAN SCALE - the size of a building element or space relative to
the dimensions and proportions of the human body.
Factors that affect SCALE:
1. Normal Requirements of
human
2. Size of familiar materials and
those of nature. Example, the
size of bricks or hollow blocks
which is usually 0.20 height Ceiling
and 0.40 length or the
common plywood which is four
feet (1.20m) wide and eight
feet long (2.40m).
Factors that affect SCALE:
3. Beauty or appearance
4. Character – whether it is monumental, residential, rustic or formal.
5. Function or purpose
6. Location or visual distance
7. Economics
