Introduction to Architecture Architecture The art and science

Introduction to Architecture

Architecture The art and science of designing and constructing buildings

Architects: specialists in designing structures

According to Vitruvius (The father of modern architecture) in 1 st cent. BCE, in De Architectura (The Ten Books on Architecture) a building must be considered in terms of three elements: Vinturian Virtues or Triad Utilitas Firmitas Venustas

Utilitas- useful need function plan Firmitas- solid means structure section Venustas- beautiful art beauty elevation

Utilitas need function plan

Firmitas means structure section

Venustas art beauty elevation

Firmitas/Stucture will always be a function of: • Advances in engineering • Availability and strength of materials • Cost available for materials • Other historical and geographical factors “Architecture is the adaptation of form to resist force. ” John Ruskin (19 th c. )

All structures seek a balance between tension and compression. Traditionally there were two ways to handle this: through trabeated structures or through arcuated structures.

Trebeated System One of the early architectural developments was the use of the “post-and-lintel” method A beam is placed horizontally across upright posts.

Trabeated Structures

Pillars, Posts and Columns structural elements that transmits through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural elements below. It is composed of a shaft, capital, and base. It is frequently used to support beams or arches. Designed to resist lateral force The biggest disadvantage is the limited weight that can be held up, and the small distances required between posts.

Villa Savoye, Poissy, France. Le. Corbusier.

Cantilever • A long projecting beam fixed only at one end. It allows for overhanging structures without external bracing.

CANTILEVER Milstein Hall, Cornell University (Rem Kolhaas) Gale House, Oak Partk, IL (Frank Lloyd Wright)

Arcuated Structures Means curved Other key developments include the arch,

ARCUATED STRUCTURES • The arch was a purely Roman invention. An arch is often made up of small stones called voussoir and a large central stone called a keystone.

The arch, vault, and dome are variations of the same concept that allowed for greater height and more space inside a building.

Collusium, Rome Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

The Romans were great engineers. They developed concrete as a building material, which was used in building aqueducts, baths, and other public works projects.

Flying Buttress: external arch that counter-balanced the outward thrust of the high, vaulted ceilings. http: //www. m-w. com/mw/art/flyingbu. htm

Venustas art àbeauty elevation Hertziana, Rome Gugenheim Museum, Bilbao

John Portman, Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles. 1976.

Richard Neutra, Edgar J. Kaufmann House, Palm Springs, 1946.

What makes architecture good? • Does it express its function in a meaningful, interesting, and appealing way? • Does it seem to “fit” its surroundings (by complementing or contrasting with it in an interesting and meaningful way)? • Is its design and execution structurally sound? • Does it create a meaningful (interesting, surprising, enjoyable, delightful, disturbing etc. ) space? • Will it endure? Has it endured?

Analyzing a Building: • • Space: Solids and Voids Scale and Proportion Weight & Mass Basic Design Elements

Analyzing a Building: • Space: Solids and Voids – Symmetry – Asymmetry

Symmetry

Asymmetry

Modern Architecture Steel and concrete are the favored materials for commercial type construction. Wood and brick are the favored materials for residential construction.

Analyzing a Building: • Weight & Mass: – – – – – Materials Massing for Weight Relationship to Ground (high or low? ) Texture Color Ornamentation Light Acoustics Context

Basic Elements • • • Roof Walls Windows Doorways Orientation

Roof Types

Butterfly Roof

Barrel Vault Roof

Orientation

Aesthetic

Cultural

Ecological

The Getty Center Richard Meier