Theory of Architecture

CLASSICAL THEORIES - Practicality or “convenience”

(utilitas)
The historical evolution of architectural
It must have a practical function
theory is assessable mainly from:
 Manuscripts and published DE ARCHITECTURA LIBRI DECEM
treatises (A treatise is a formal
written paper about a specific
On Architecture, published as Ten
subject. It's like an essay but
Books on Architecture
longer. A systematic exposition or
argument in writing including a It is divided into 10 books dealing with
methodical discussion of the facts
1. City planning and architecture in
and principles involved and
general;
conclusions reached. A treatise on
2. Building materials;
higher education.)
3. Temple construction and the use of
 From critical essays and
the Greek orders;
commentaries
4. Public buildings (theatres, baths);
 And from the surviving buildings of
5. Private buildings (real estate
every epoch
buildings, school buildings)
(Epoch- a period of time that is
6. Floors and stucco decoration;
important in human history. Epoch:
(decorative coating for walls and
This is the smallest unit of geologic
ceilings, exterior walls, and as a
time. An Epoch lasts several million
sculptural and artistic material in
years.)
architecture.)
The term “Theory of Architecture” 7. Hydraulics; (branch of science
was originally simply the accepted concerned with the practical
translation of the Latin term applications of fluids, primarily liquids)
Ratiocination as used by Vitruvius 8. Clocks;
9. Mensuration and Astronomy; the
To differentiate intellectual from
study of everything in the universe
practical knowledge in architectural
beyond Earth's atmosphere
education, but it has come to signify
10. Civil and Military enginesn
the total basis for judging the merits of
buildings or building projects.
LEON BATTISTA ALBERTI
MARCUS VITRUVIUS POLLIO
He was prototype of the Renaissance
(Roman Architect and Engineer) “Universal Man”

Vitruvian Rule of Aesthetic: “Florentine Vitrivius”

 Based on Greek traditions of Notable architectural writings:
Architecture
1. De Pictura (On Painting):
 Teachings of Pythagoras – applying
Declares the importance of
proportion of numbers.
painting as a base for Architecture.
 Observations of tuned strings of
2. De Re Aedificatoria (On the Art
instruments
of Building): His theoretical
 Proportions of human body
Masterpiece
 PLEASANTNESS – in accordance of
good taste, parts follow proportions,
symmetry of measures. DE RE AEDIFICATORIA
Roman architect, engineer, and author of
 A classic architectural treatise
the celebrated treatise De Architectura.
written by Leon Battista Alberti
With his Philosophy of (Vitruvian
 One of the greatest works of the
Triad):
theory of architecture
- Durability (firmitas)  It argued that Architecture was
it should be structurally sound among the most notable of art
- Pleasantness (venustas) forms.
it should be beautiful

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 Theory of Architecture
Alberti’s focus was on the art of influenced the course of Mannerist
building, both in terms of single architectural decoration.
buildings and entire urban spaces.
GIACOMO
 First, is BAROZZI DAand
the stability VIGNOLA
usefulness
of a structure.
 Next, are the aesthetic elements of
I QUATTRO LIBRI
He was the oneDELL’ARCHITETTURA
of the great Italian
lines, angles, and proportions.
architects of the 16th century
 Finally, are the elements of beauty
Mannerism.
and ornamentation.
 His two published books helped
In basic terms, formulate the cannon of
classical architectural style.
 A great structure must be
stable/useful, aesthetically His notable writings:
pleasing, and decorated well,
1. Regola delli cinque ordini
and each element must work with
d’architettura (Canon of the five
the others to create a consistent
orders of architecture)
and unified whole.
2. Due regole della prospettiva
 Therefore, building (and by
practica (Two rules of practical
extension city-planning) required a
perspective)
philosophical mind as well as
scientific precision. Favors one-point perspective rather two-
point methods such as the bifocal
SEBASTIANO SERLIO construction.

 Italian Mannerist Architect, painter

and theorist, who introduced the
principles of ancient Roman
architecture into France.
 He studied architecture under
Baldassarre Peruzzi (an italian
painter and architect). Serlio
pioneered the use of high-quality
illustrations to supplement the
text.
REGOLA DELLE CINQUE ORDINI D’
 Serlio was also the first to
ARCHITETTURA
incorporate illustrations into an
architectural handbook, using
drawings of Peruzzi and Bramante, Canon of the Five Orders of Architecture
as well as his own.  It is considered as “one the most
successful architectural textbooks
TUTTE L’OPERE D’ ARCHITTETURA, ET ever written.”
PROSPETIVA  The book tackles the five orders,
“Complete Works on Architecture TUCSAN, DORIC, IONIC,
and Perspective” CORINTHIAN, and COMPOSITE in
 This was the first architectural separate sections, each subdivided
handbook that emphasized the in five parts on the colonnade,
practical rather than the theoretical arcade, arcade with pedestal,
aspects of architecture, and it was individual pedestals, and
the first to catalog the five entablatures and capitals. It’s one
orders. of the most influential books in
EXTRAORDINARIO LIBRO DI ARCHITETTURA architectural history.

 The last book of the treatise to be

published in his lifetime, contained
50 fanciful designs for doorways,
which were much copied in
northern Europe and decidedly
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Theory of Architecture

ANDREA PALLADIO
The Father of Modern Picture Books
 He is widely considered to be one
of the most influential individuals in
the history of architecture.
 His treatise I Quattro libri
dell’architettura (1570; The Four
Books or Architecture) made him
one of the most influential figures
in Western architecture.

It is clear, concise prose is enhanced

by extensive woodcut illustrations
that include plans and elevations of the
buildings discussed as wells as cross-
sections and images of details.
Figures and scales are used to indicate
proportions and to provide a sense of the
absolute dimensions of each building,
giving the reader a new visual ability to
comprehend each work.

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Theory of Architecture
- The most basic color
COLOR THEORY terms
- Basically denotes an
MUNSELL COLOR SYSTEM object’s color.
 A color space that CHROMA
specifies colors based on
- Refers to the purity of a
three color dimensions:
color
Hue, Value (lightness),
- A hue with high chroma
and Chroma (color
has no black, white or
purity).
gray in it
 Created by Professor
- Adding white, black or
Albert H. Munsell on the
gray reduce its chroma.
first decade of the 20th
- Can be thought of as the
century and adopted by
brightness of a color in
the USDA as the official
comparison to white.
color system for soil
VALUE

- Could also be called

“lightness”
- Refers to how light or dark
a color is
- Lighter colors have higher
values. For example,
orange has higher value
than navy blue or dark
purple. Black has the
lowest value of any hue,
and white is the highest.
research in the 1930s.
TONES

Created when gray is added

to a hue. Tones are
generally duller or softer-
looking than pure hues.
SHADE

- Created when black is

added to a hue, making it
darker.
HUE
TINT

- Formed when white is

added to a hue, lightening
it.

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Theory of Architecture
- Very light tints are Consists of two colors that
sometimes called pastels, are opposite to each other on
but any pure hue with the color
white added to it is a tint. wheel.
SATURATION

- Refers to how a hue

appears under particular
lightning conditions.

Split
COLOR SCHEME

Monochromatic Color
Scheme
The monochromatic color
scheme uses variations in Complementary Color
lightness and saturation of a Scheme
single color. A variation of the standard
complementary scheme. It
uses a color and the two
colors adjacent to its
complementary.

Analogous
Color Scheme
Uses colors that are adjacent
to each other on the color
wheel. One color is used as a
dominant color while others
are used to
enrich the Triadic Color
scheme. Scheme
Uses three colors equally
spaced around the color
wheel.

Complementary Color This scheme is popular among

Scheme artists because it offers strong
visual contrast while retaining
harmony and color richness.

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Theory of Architecture
PMS (Pantone Matching
System)
 System of thousands of
numbered swatches.
 Also called “spot” colors.
Printing a 1 or 2 color job can
be less expensive than a 4-
color job because there are
fewer printing plates made.
Creates the most accurate
color match and the
sharpest details.

CMYK – Cyan, Magenta,

Yellow, Black. Also called 4
—color, or process.
CMYK refers to full color
printing.
CMYK is used whenever
there are full color images
or when the number of
colors makes it more
practical than PMS colors.
It-s the primary system for
digital printing.
RGB is the color system for
computer monitors, video, etc.
Without going into science, it
is critical to understand that
PMS and CMYK are for printed
pieces and RGB is for
computer applications such as
web sites.

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Theory of Architecture

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
POINT
- Primary element in the CURVED LINES
vocabulary of form More natural than angular
- Marks a position in space lines and give the sense of
- No length, width of depth freedom and soothing mood.
(STATIC, CENTRALIZED,
DIRECTIONLESS) DIAGONAL LINES

Serves to mark: Sense of movement, action

and activity.
 The two ends of a line
 The intersection of two PLANE
lines A line extended becomes a
 The meeting of lines at plane with properties of:
the corner of a plane or
 Length and width
volume
 Shape – primary
 The center of a field
identifying characteristic,
LINE determined by the
A critical element in the contour of the line
formation of any visual forming edges of the
construction. A point extended plane.
becomes a line with properties  Surface
of:  Orientation position

 Length Supplementary properties:

 Direction color, pattern, texture ---
 Position affects the visual and stability.

Serves to: 3 Generic types of Planes

o Join/ link/ support/ 1. Overhead

surround/ intersect other 2. Wall
visual elements 3. Base
o Describe the edges of and VOLUME
give and shape to planes
A plane extended becomes a
o Articulate the surface of
volume.
planes
Properties:
VERTICAL LINES
 Length, width, depth
The vertical
 Form and space
characteristics represent
 Surface
dignity, formality,
 Orientation
stability, and strength
 Position
HORIZONTAL LINES

Calm, peace, and relaxation.

By: Shodiniea
Theory of Architecture
ARCHITECTURAL FORM is the through discrete changes in
point of contact between mass height, length or width.
and space. Primary identifying
characteristic of a volume.
Established by the shapes and
interrelationships of the planes Subtractive Transformation
that describe the boundaries
A form can be transformed by
of volume.
subtracting a portion of its
Properties of Form: volume. Depending on the
 Shape extent of the subtractive
 Size process, the form can still
 Color retain its initial identity or be
 Texture transformed into a form of
 Position another family.
 Orientation & Visual
Volume
Consists of:
- Points or vertices where Additive transformation
several planes come
together. A form can be transformed by
- Lines or edges where two
planes meet.
- Planes of surfaces which
define the limits or
boundaries of volume. the addition of elements to its
volume. The nature of the
Can be:
additive process and the
SOLID – space displaces by number and relative sizes of
Mass. the elements being attached
VOID - space contained or determine whether the identity
enclosed by planes. of the initial form is altered or
retained.
TRANSFORMATION OF FORMS
Additive forms
Dimensional Transformation
1. Spatial tension – where
A form can be transformed by the forms are within close
altering one or more of its proximity to one another.
dimensions and still retains its
identity as a member of a
family of forms. A cube, for
example, can be transformed
into similar prismatic forms

By: Shodiniea
Theory of Architecture
2. Edge to edge – where the secondary spaces about
forms are sharing a its perimeter.
common edge.
2. Linear – is often a
response to a topography
or site context. They tend
3. Face to demonstrate a selection
to of forms along a line.
face – where the forms Consists of a series of
have corresponding spaces that can either be
surfaces which are parallel directly related to one
to one another. another or be linked
though a separate and
distinct linear space.
4.
Usually consist of
repetitive spaces which
are alike in size, form and
Interlocking – where the function. May also consist
forms are interconnected of a single linear space
to one another. that organizes along its
length a series of
spaces that differ in size,
form or function.

Spatial Organization
Additive form often grow 3. Radial – features a
and merge with other forms, centrally located core
creating relationships that with linear forms
can be categorized as extending outwards
below: from the center. Radial
1. Centralized – are often
freestanding, and isolated
within their context.
Consists of a number of
secondary spaces forms can create a
grouped around a network of centers linked
dominant, central space by the linear forms.
that is generally regular in
form and large enough to
gather a number of

By: Shodiniea
Theory of Architecture

4. Clustered – tends to be a
collection of varying
forms. They are often
based on a more
functional requirement,
and tend not to be regular
or formal. A clustered
form can be interlocking,
face to face, or edge to
edge amongst others.
Relies on physical
proximity to relate is

spaces to one another.

5. Grid – a set of modular

forms related and
regulated by a three-
dimensional
framework. Created by
perpendicular sets of
parallel lines. Grids
create regularity and
establish a stable set or

field of reference points.

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 Theory of Architecture
Psychological Theories on Space perceive them as a group or
pattern.
A. Architecture & Maslow’s Pyramid
B. Gestalt in Architecture Law of SYMMETRY
Society & Architecture - Images with symmetrical balance
more pleasing to the eye
A. Proxemics
- Asymmetrical balance is distracting
B. Socio- petal Space VS Socio- fugal
to the viewer
space
- Symmetrical designs allow the
C. Concepts of Privacy & Design
brain to understand images
Implications
more clearly
D. Personalization & Territoriality
ANOMALY
PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES ON SPACE - An object can be emphasized if it is
dissimilar to the others
ARCHITECTURE & MASLOW’S PYRAMID
Ex. Kimbell Art Museum, USA
The idea of a design hierarchy of (Louis Kahn) Repetition of identically
needs rests on the assumption that in
order to be successful, a design must
meet basic needs before it can
satisfy higher-level needs
GESTALT IN ARCHITECTURE
How are your designs perceived?
shaped sections
- Individuals prefer to observe
objects from a simple whole
and then break it down into more
complicated parts
Gestalt
 A German word for FORM or
SHAPE
 Used to refer to aspects of
CONTINUATION
HOLISM
 Used more generally to refer to the - Continuation occurs when the eye
‘whole nature of something’ as is compelled to move through
being the ‘gestalt of something one object and continue to
another object.
ARCHITECTURE IS THE BEST EXAMPLE OF
THE GESTALT PRINCIPLES AT WORK CLOSURE
Gestalt in Architecture - Closure occurs when an object is
Attempt to describe how people tend to incomplete or a space is not
organize visual elements into groups or completely enclosed
unified wholes when certain principles Ex. Indian Institute of
are applied Management, India (Louis

Gestalt Principles in Architecture

(1) Similarity or Symmetry
(2) Anomaly or Asymmetry
(3) Continuation
(4) Closure
(5) Proximity Kahn) two open shapes form a
(6) Figure & Ground circle
(7) Symmetry

SIMILARITY
- Occurs when objects look similar
to one another. People often

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Theory of Architecture
Church of the Light, Japan (Tadao Social Organization
Ando)
- A system of continuous
purposive activity of a specific
kind
- Richard hall: A collectivity with
relatively identifiable boundary, a
normative order, authority ranks,
common system
Socio-petal Space
PROXIMITY
- Layouts where it is easy to
- Occurs when elements are placed maintain face-to-face contact
closed together. They tend to be
Socio-fugal
perceived as a group.
- Layouts where it is easy to avoid
Ex. Exeter Library, USA (Louis Kahn)
interaction
– windows are placed equidistant from
one another PERSONAL SPACE
 Invisible boundary surrounding the
person’s
body into
which
intruders
may not
come.
4 Distance Zones
 Intimate Distance
 Personal Distance
FIGURE/GROUND  Social Distance
- Elements are perceived as either  Public Distance
figure (elements of focus) or
ground (background on which the
figure sits)
Ex. Nariwa Museum, Japan (Tado
Ando) – structure of walls and negative
space create interesting figure/ground
relationships

Intimate Distance

- Used between people in a private

setting
- We allow these people into this
small zone because we trust them
and acknowledge them as a
significant person in our lives
- It is the same reason we are
SOCIETY & ARCHITECTURE uncomfortable when a person we
are not familiar with gives an
SOCIO-PETAL vs SOCIO-FUGAL unexpected hug or kiss.
SPACE
Social Distance
By: Shodiniea
Theory of Architecture
- Reserved for strangers and new Introverts like courtyards!
acquaintances.
OTHER DESIGN IMPLICATIONS
Public Distance
 Extroverts like strong central plans
- Perfect example is a professor  Introverts like complex internal
lecturing to a class relationships and clear territorial
- We attribute this public distance to patterns
these settings because of the  People under stress need more
implications that go along with privacy for workplaces
breaking these boundaries
LEVELS OF PRIVACY AND CULTURE
Distance zones are not a universally
uniform  Traditional Islamic dwelling vs.
traditional American dwelling
PRIVACY  The delineation of spaces in the
traditional bahay kubo, the bahay
 The ability of an individual or bato
groups of individuals to control  Trade-offs between privacy and
their visual, auditory, olfactory comfort
interactions with others  Physiological comfort vs. cultural
 The ability to have options and to requirements
achieve desired level of
interactions PERSONALIZATION

Kinds of Privacy  Staking claims to places

 Manifestation of desire for control
Solitude: state of being free from and expression of aesthetic tastes
observation by others  Effort to make an environment fit
activity better
Intimacy: state of being with another  Done for psychological security
person but free from the outside world
TERRITORIALITY
Anonymity: state of being unknown
even in a crowd  A delimited space that a
person or a group uses and
Reserve: state in which a person defends as an exclusive
employs psychological barriers to control preserve
unwanted intrusions  Involves psychological
identification with a place
Crowding: associated with a feeling of
lack of control over the environment. Basic Characteristics of Territories
Leads to negative behavior because they
are related to social overload. Results  Ownership of rights to a place
from overmanning of behavior settings  Personalization of marking of an
area






Defense against intrusions
 Serve function ranging from
physiological to self-actualization

System of Human territories

Defensible Space: a space that affords

easy recognition and control of activities
DESIGN IMPLICATIONS
Levels:
 Need for privacy greater for introverts
than for extroverts - Visual access

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Theory of Architecture
- Adjacency
- Monitored by computers or
cameras

TERRITORIAL VARIATION

As a factor of:

 Social class
 Civil status
 Religion

Soft Architecture

- The building or environment can be

personalized without damage to
them or without difficult surgery

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Theory of Architecture
THE DESIGN PROCESS Matrix – tool used understand the
interrelationship of spaces
Architect develop the architectural
design process for them:
- To design buildings that would
meet the needs and desires of the
inhabitants,
- To design that would fit the
surrounding context, and
- To design structures that comply
with existing laws & regulations
- It is a tool utilized to formulate
design solutions that achieve the
SYNTHESIS
desired state based from a given
set of parameters
- However the process itself is  Finding constraints and opportunities
iterative to to create an educated guess and
- Accommodate re-evaluation and produce a number of possible
explore alternative design solutions alternatives may involve
to further improve the design. This  Bubble diagram – tool used to
is to address unforeseen issues and illustrats the interrelationships of
concern that may arise during the spaces
process.
THE DESIGN PROCESS

ALTERNATIVE

 May involve MODIFYING, REFINING

and introduce INFLECTIONS to the
initial layout.
INITIATION  One bubble diagram may not arrive at
a satisfactory design solution
 Identifying the problem  An Architect employs several stages
 Behavior to further develop other possible
 Needs design solutions or to improve the
 Financial initial layout.
 Natural & Man-made Environment  MODIFY – to make minor changes or
to change a part of the design/layout
PREPARATION without drastically changing the
 Collection of data to derive analysis character or going beyond the
from premises of what is required.
 Client preferences  REFINE – intends to further elaborate
 Topography & technical description of or define parts of layout that may
the project site have some minor lapses and lacking
 Budget, etc. details during the design
 Pro development.
ximi  INFLECTION – a bend, angle, or similar
ty change in a shape of configuration, by
means of which a change of
relationship to some context or
condition is indicated.

By: Shodiniea DRAFT

Theory of Architecture

Drafting is what turns someone’s idea

into plan that skilled workers can follow
to create a building. The drawing, also
known as a draft, includes floor plans,
measurements, and other important
information that contractors use to
construct your home. Drafts are used to
design residential and commercial
buildings

EVALUATION

 The initial design proposal/draft will

be subjected through a rigorous
process of evaluation
 Identify overlooked problems
during the formulations of the
design solution
 Not limited to models, 3D renders
and printed plans
 Participation and feedback of the
client is very crucial in this stage
since he/she is the presumed
future user

ACTION/SELECTION
 The client will select the most
suitable or ideal scheme for
implementation into working
drawings
 Approved design will act as the
basis for the creation of the
contract document

RE-EVALUATION
 After the project is implemented,
there will be necessary evaluation
of how the building is performing in
multiple aspects
 This is to ensure that the intended
design goals of the project are met

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