UNIT 2: EMERGING CONCEPTS IN ARCHITECTURE:

• Collaboration

Architecture as we know it is likely to disappear and, in the future, the role of architects may be very
different to how we recognize it today.

Specialists in, for example, environmental science and social anthropology will become active team
members in design studios, working on complex projects that require knowledge in different fields.

Experts say collaboration with system leaders is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for meeting
complex structural needs.

• VR & Immersive Architecture

This is immersive virtual reality and these spaces are created using a combination of computer
graphics, wireless tracking technology, headsets, HD projectors, polarised glass and more, all
working together to create interactive and real-life experiences. The world of 3D virtual design and
engineering is a fast growing field and there’s some seriously forward thinking happening in these
fields.

• Big Data, IOT and Smart Cities

Big data is data that contains greater variety, arriving in increasing volumes and with more
velocity.

Big Data’s potential for human analysis is already obvious. This makes it a perfect and integral part of
the planning and creation of smart cities.

As populations grow and resources become scarcer, the efficient usage of these limited goods
becomes more important. Smart cities are a key factor in the consumption of materials and
resources. Built on and integrating with big data, the cities of the future are becoming a realization
today.

IOT in Architecture applications –Intelligent Buildings - Real-time energy, resources and

environment monitoring and control.

• BIM

The BIM (Building Information Model) is based on several principles that can be implemented with
relative independence:

• we design a project using an unique 3d model which is modified throughout the project’s life

• this 3d is not only volumetric surfaces, but has metadata attached like the material of the
element and parametric modifiers like the height of a wall

• the 3d model can be stored in a multi-client database and stored in the cloud to be
accessible at the same time by several people
 • multi-user permissions on the model can be defined precisely to reflect team member
responsibility on the project

• all construction elements are classified using standard categories, namely the IFC

• libraries of construction products can be inserted in the model and even get actualization if
the product version changes …

• Parametric Architecture

Parametric design is a generative design system, where adjusting the parameters will compute to
create different types of outputs, and create forms and structures that would not have otherwise
been possible.

• Architecture robots and 3d printers

New algorithms can actually value engineer a structure, while solving the equation for structural
resilience and material use. In architecture, we have seen parametric design tools assist in creating
amazing structures. Now the use of large-scale 3D printers will help push the materiality of those
structures. 3D-printed construction will greatly expand the limits of construction technologies.

• Internet of Spaces

The “sharing economy” (or, “collaborative consumption”) has had the greatest impact on the
housing and real estate market. Peer-to-peer online platforms like AirBnB, Oyo, Housing.com,as well
as shared workspaces and driverless cars are paving the way towards a future in which
infrastructure is the dominant aspect of the built environment.

Regarding residential architecture, the concepts of interconnectivity and smart design will redefine
the way living spaces are created. Transformable spaces that adapt to the homeowner’s age,
economic status and personal preference are well on their way to becoming mainstream.

Vertical cities

Land is becoming scarce as the world’s population grows and environmental changes shrink the
amount of livable space on Earth. Some creative thinkers say the solution is to build up.

But with land increasingly becoming scarce, how will our already busy cities cope with
accommodating millions more people?

To be sustainable, cities will need to become more space saving — making room for not only more
commercial and residential spaces but infrastructure and public services that will be able to cope
with an increased population, such as roads, schools and hospitals.

Humanity currently faces urgent and difficult challenges, including the perpetual decline of our
arable land and natural resources, climate change, rapid population growth and environmental
destruction. We also have more opportunity than ever to create a better world through technology
and our increasing interconnectedness.
Sustainability

Sustainable architecture holds the key to an environmentally positive future. Only by living more
economically with our resources can we hope to protect our environment and climate.

The philosophy behind sustainable architecture is all about reducing waste. This not only means
physical waste but minimising energy loss as well. By keeping the energy we consume within our
buildings for as long as possible, we need less supply in the first place. Using less energy to keep us
comfortable means that we can become environmentally responsible and more resource efficient,
which are both vital to reducing the effects of climate change.

There are three overriding concerns when designing buildings with better considerations towards
ecological impact. The first is the materials used for construction. The second concern is the energy
efficiency of the building and the last factor to consider is the location of the building itself. The
building might be energy efficient and use low impact construction technologies but this would not
mean anything if the ecosystem suffers as a result of the building. A greater holistic approach to all
of these design factors is becoming more prevalent in mainstream architecture.

No More ‘Public vs. Private’ Space

An increasing number of buildings not only address the needs of its users by function but also aim to
incorporate public and commercial amenities. Architects are becoming aware of the need for
creating inclusive spaces that share the same palpable values as their neighborhoods and the
general public.

With the emergence of new technologies, it has become possible to design large developments as
micro-cities that offer a range of diverse services (think Google, Facebook and Linkedin
headquarters). Private buildings often include recycling and composting facilities and other public
domain functions.

Excess energy that has been generated by private residences, offices and other buildings is now
often fed into the public power grid.

UNIT 4 – FORMATS FOR PRESENTATION OF ARCHITECTURAL THESIS:

What is Architectural Thesis?

"An architectural thesis should be seen as a desire to map, create, draw, or plan a certain kind of
spatiality through a critical/ radical critique of a specific aspect within the process of archietctural
production that is representative of everyday life within our current urbanized process of spatial
production." Zegarski/ Enos (2016)
You will plan, develop, and execute a self-generated self-directed architectural research project. You
will identify a problem based on your personal interests and propose an architectural solution by
navigating and expanding on a given methodology comprised of research and design tasks. You will
self-evaluate and clearly convey a critical position grounded in the learning outcomes of the
architectural program.

Elements of Thesis
The library will only accept Thesis Books that follow the standards outlined here. Make sure you
review them and include all required elements.
• Front Matter
o Title Page
o Copyright Page
o Thesis Abstract
o Approvals Page
o Acknowledgments (optional)
o Dedication (optional)
o Table of Contents
• Body
o Introduction
o Thesis Essay
o Research and Findings
o Design Solution
o Conclusion
• End Matter
o References
o List of Figures
o Glossary of Terms
o Vita (optional)
o Appendices (optional as needed/ appropriate)

Getting Started - Topic Selection

 brainstorm for ideas - what problem(s) might you address through design?
 choose a topic that will enable you to read and understand the literature
 ensure that the topic is manageable and that material is available
 make a list of keywords
 be flexible
 define your topic as a focused research question
 research and read more about your topic
 use your question to formulate a thesis statement

Types of Architectural Research

There are many types of research in architecture but they all share the same goal to create new
architectural knowledge. The books on this page provide more information on conducting research.
Depending on your thesis topic you may choose to apply any research methods, but each thesis
includes at a minimum the following:

1. Literature Review - A summary and analysis of published sources on the thesis topic that
brings the reader up to date with current thinking.
2. Case Studies - Built projects relevant to the thesis topic which are analyzed for ideas and
inspiration. Usually include images, data, drawings, and description and analysis of the
project.
3. Physical model - A scale model physical representation of the design solution intended to
demonstrate the space and communicate design ideas.
Some other approaches include questionnaires, surveys, interviews, site analysis, demographics,
digital models, materials research, performativity tests, consumer research, or financial viability.
They are all valid. The type of research you do will be determined by your research question.
Layout
The Grid
The grid is your underlying structure which helps create visual hierarchy by sizing and positioning
images and text to create a coherent design. The grid is the graphic expression of a set of
assumptions about the permissible sizes and shapes of images and blocks of text. It enables you to
achieve and sustain design consistency.
Text
Your prime consideration for text should always be legibility. Text needs to be readable and perfectly
clear. Don't allow it to compete with or obscure images; it should always work with them to explain
and enhance them. Keep text clearly separate from images by spacing and/or maintaining a strong
contrast between values of the images and values of the text blocks.
Familiarize yourself with type, it's legibility and emotional impact, by studying the typefaces used in
books and magazines and on the web. Remember less is more--don't use more the three different
fonts in any portfolio. Additionally, make sure all of the fonts are very different looking to create
contrast.

UNIT 5 : REPORT WRITING:

DIFFERENT STEPS IN WRITING REPORT

Research reports are the product of slow, painstaking, accurate inductive work. The usual steps
involved in writing report are: (a) logical analysis of the subject-matter; (b) preparation of the final
outline; (c) preparation of the rough draft; (d) rewriting and polishing; (c) preparation of the final
bibliography; and (f) writing the final draft. Though all these steps are self explanatory, yet a brief
mention of each one of these will be appropriate for better understanding.

Logical analysis of the subject matter: It is the first step which is primarily concerned with the
development of a subject. There are two ways in which to develop a subject (a) logically and (b)
chronologically. The logical development is made on the basis of mental connections and
associations between the one thing and another by means of analysis. Logical treatment often
consists in developing the material from the simple possible to the most complex structures.
Chronological development is based on a connection or sequence in time or occurrence. The
directions for doing or making something usually follow the chronological order.

Preparation of the final outline: It is the next step in writing the research report “Outlines are the
framework upon which long written works are constructed. They are an aid to the logical
organisation of the material and a reminder of the points to be stressed in the report.”

Preparation of the rough draft: This follows the logical analysis of the subject and the preparation
of the final outline. Such a step is of utmost importance for the researcher now sits to write down
what he has done in the context of his research study. He will write down the procedure adopted by
him in collecting the material for his study along with various limitations faced by him, the technique
of analysis adopted by him, the broad findings and generalizations and the various suggestions he
wants to offer regarding the problem concerned.
Rewriting and polishing of the rough draft: This step happens to be most difficult part of all
formal writing. Usually this step requires more time than the writing of the rough draft. The careful
revision makes the difference between a mediocre and a good piece of writing. While rewriting and
polishing, one should check the report for weaknesses in logical development or presentation. The
researcher should also “see whether or not the material, as it is presented, has unity and cohesion;
does the report stand upright and firm and exhibit a definite pattern, like a marble arch? Or does it
resemble an old wall of moldering cement and loose brick.”4 In addition the researcher should give
due attention to the fact that in his rough draft he has been consistent or not. He should check the
mechanics of writing—grammar, spelling and usage.

Preparation of the final bibliography: Next in order comes the task of the preparation of the final
bibliography. The bibliography, which is generally appended to the research report, is a list of books
in some way pertinent to the research which has been done. It should contain all those works which
the researcher has consulted. The bibliography should be arranged alphabetically and may be
divided into two parts; the first part may contain the names of books and pamphlets, and the second
part may contain the names of magazine and newspaper articles. Generally, this pattern of
bibliography is considered convenient and satisfactory from the point of view of reader, though it is
not the only way of presenting bibliography. The entries in bibliography should be made adopting
the following order:

For books and pamphlets the order may be as under:

1. Name of author, last name first.
2. Title, underlined to indicate italics.
3. Place, publisher, and date of publication.
4. Number of volumes.
Example
Kothari, C.R., Quantitative Techniques, New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., 1978.
For magazines and newspapers the order may be as under:
1. Name of the author, last name first.
2. Title of article, in quotation marks.
3. Name of periodical, underlined to indicate italics.
4. The volume or volume and number.
5. The date of the issue.
6. The pagination.

Writing the final draft: This constitutes the last step. The final draft should be written in a concise
and objective style and in simple language, avoiding vague expressions such as “it seems”, “there
may be”, and the like ones. While writing the final draft, the researcher must avoid abstract
terminology and technical jargon. Illustrations and examples based on common experiences must be
incorporated in the final draft as they happen to be most effective in communicating the research
findings to others. A research report should not be dull, but must enthuse people and maintain
interest and must show originality. It must be remembered that every report should be an attempt
to solve some intellectual problem and must contribute to the solution of a problem and must add
to the knowledge of both the researcher and the reader.