Module 1: Foundations of Architecture

 What is architecture?
o Architecture normally defines as an art or science of the building or structure. The art and practice of
designing and building the habitable one.
 What if it not habitable does it still fall within the category?
o By other definition architecture is the foundation or construction resulting from or as if from a
conscious act.
o !PERSONAL OPINION!: I think architecture is the form of art that is practical in real life. The type
of art that actually usable for the living species. Architecture art is a type of form that people refer to
as a living space. Architect building space while constructors build the building
 What exactly architecture purpose?
o Architecture purpose is to design and construct form of building or any physical structure. It involves
the use of space, materials, and form to create functional and aesthetically pleasing environments for
people to blend within the space.
 What its importance?
o For the reflection of the culture
 Give the sense of value and belief: the culture style within the architecture. Culture gives the
sense of value within the rich texture and pattern through out the century of its survival. For
example: the Gothic cathedrals give off the dark and powerful maximalist within the
architecture structure.
 Social Structure: Building define the social ladder throughout the century. Group of lower-
class people have the lower and cheap material building. For example: within the Angkor
Period people of the lower class had their house built with crap bamboos and tied them to
form a shelter that is bearable to the sun. While the middle class have their house built with
decent wood join together secure them with the beam with little to no décor or style to the
structure. However, when it come to the upper class have their house built with quality wood
and high-end elegant style to show off their status.
 Daily life: Architecture play roll to display people daily life with the building style and layout.
This includes the design of buildings and spaces influences how people live, work, and
interact. Traditional courtyard houses foster close-knit communities, open-plan offices
encourage collaboration, and transportation systems shape urban mobility patterns.
o Shape of Culture
 Sense of identity and expression: architecture had play in the role of expressing the notional
identity to the world for a very long time. For example: Angor Wat of Cambodia, Eiffel Tower
of France etc.
 The Behaviors and Practice: The physical environment had influenced the social interaction
and cultural practice. For example: The design of public space can promote gathering and
celebrations while religious architecture guide ritual and ceremonies.
 Evolution and innovation: Cultural change often drive architecture innovation. Bew
technology, materials, and social needs lead to development of new building style and
concepts the future of both architecture and culture.
o Examples throughout the history:
 Greek Temples: Their grandeur and symmetry reflected the emphasis on reason and order in
ancient Greek culture.
 Medieval Culture: Their defensive nature mirrored the turbulent times of feudalism.
 Japanese tea house: The minimalist design embodies the Zen philosophy of simplicity and
mindfulness.
 Modern Skyscrapers: Their towering presence symbolized the ambition and technology
advancements of century.
 What are the architect duties and responsibility?
o Design and planning: Conceptualization, Schematic Design (Floor Plan, Elevations, Sections, etc),
Construction Drawing and Specifications (Details Drawing, and specification for the construction).
o Client Relation and Communication: Consultation, Presentations, Collaborations, Negotiation.
 o Project Management and Construction Administration: Site selection and analysis, Bidding and
procurement (select quality constructors and subconstructs through competitive bidding process),
Construction Oversight, Quality Control
 History of Architecture: the evolution of architecture develops none stop which include
o Classic Architecture 7th-4th Century BC: Classic architecture refers to the style that was predominately
used in ancient Greece and Rome. the most remarkable one to have ever been built in the Parthenon–
a Greek temple constructed for Athena. Classic Architecture is known for its symmetry, order,
proportion, and perspective surrounded by three classical orders Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian. The use
of materials and interior details such as marble, concrete, classic design motifs, decorative door
surrounds, and broken pediments were considered extremely desirable during this period.

o Romanesque Architecture 1050AD- 1170AD: It is an architectural style of Medieval Europe,

characterized by thick, heavy piers, narrow windows, stained glass, semi-circular arches, and towers.
This style of architecture is significant for its unprecedented massive scale and the introduction of
vaulted roofs designed to replace fire-prone wood roofs. Some of the notable examples of
Romanesque Architecture are Santiago De Compostela Cathedral in Spain, St. Michael’s Church,
Hildesheim, and Basilica of St. Sernin in Toulouse, France.
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 o Gothic Architecture 1100AD-1450AD: Gothic Architecture was formerly named Opus Francigenum,
or “French work,” as it was discovered in the Late Middle Ages in France, between the years 900 and
1300. The style was influenced by Romanesque and was distinguished by its flying buttresses
and pointed arches that allowed for the high vaulted ceilings that Gothic Architecture is known for.
The interiors of the building were lighted up with stained glass windows, gables, colorful tapestries,
trestle tables, all these decorative elements lead to more graceful architecture. One of the most
outstanding examples of French Gothic architecture is the Notre Dame in Paris, France.

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