conceptual

architecture
Contemporary Architecture Seminar
Name: Ritik Jain
Roll no.:
T.Y.Barch
N.D.M.V.P.S’s College of Architecture
 Index
 Introduction  Conceptual architecture in India
 Involvement of architects in conceptual  Modernism in late 20th century
architecture  Proposed conceptual designs
 What is modernist architecture ? Cybertecture Egg – Mumbai, India
 Contribution of architects in India  Case studies:
 What is concept in architecture? i. Jawahar Kala Kendra
 Where do ideas for concepts come from? ii. Gumpha House , Nashik by Ar. Shailesh Devi
 Approaches in concept architecture iii. Spandan An Architect’s Studio – Ar. Shailesh Devi
 Dimensions of a concept  Conclusion
 Elements of concept generation and expression  References
 Analogy and metaphor in conceptual design
Introductio
n:  Conceptual architecture is a form of
architecture that
utilizes conceptualism, characterized
by an introduction of ideas or
concepts from outside of architecture
often as a means of expanding the
discipline of architecture.
 This produces an essentially different
kind of building than one produced
by the widely held 'architect as a
master-builder' model, in which craft
and construction are the guiding
principles.
The finished building as product is less important in conceptual architecture,
than the ideas guiding them, ideas represented primarily by texts, diagrams,
or art installations.
Involvement Of Architects In Conceptual
Architecture:

 Architects that work in this vein are Diller

Scofidio, Bernard Tschumi, Peter
Eisenman and Rem Koolhaas.
Peter Eisenman
 Conceptual architecture was studied in the
essay, notes on conceptual architecture:
towards a definition by Peter Eisenman in
1970, and again by the Harvard design
magazine in fall of 2003 and winter 2004, Bernard Tschumi
by a series of articles under the
heading architecture as conceptual art.

Rem Koolhaas.
What Is Modernist Architecture ?

 Modernist architecture is a term applied to a

group of styles of architecture which emerged in
the first half of the 20th century and became
dominant after World War II.

 It was based upon new technologies of

Villa Savoye by Le TWA Flight Centre at JFK
Corbusier (1927) Airport by Euro Saarinen (1962) construction, particularly the use
of glass, steel and reinforced concrete; and upon
a rejection of the traditional neoclassical
architecture and Beaux-Arts styles that were
popular in the 19th century. 

 Sydney Opera Fallingwater by Frank

House by Jørn Utzon (1973) Lloyd Wright (1935)
Contribution Of Architects In India :
The understanding of design as a construction of a
concept was understood by many modernist architects IN
INDIA as well.

 Frank Lloyd Wright

 Louis Kahn
 Charles Correa
 Rasem Badran
 Le Corbusier
 B.V. Doshi

Louis Kahn on Frank Lloyd Wright:

It doesn't work, it doesn't have to work. Wright had the shape conceived
long before he knew what was going into it. I claim that is where
architecture starts, with the concept
What Is Concept In Architecture?
 A simple definition of a concept suggests that concepts are ideas that integrate various
elements into a whole.

 These elements can be ideas, notions, thoughts, and observations.

 Concepts are the antithesis of notions, which do not make any pretense about being
appropriate. 
Structural Approach To A Building Form By Taking Inspiration
From Joining Hands.
Process diagrams to approach a building form Inculcating the form of woods into a
inspired from an ocean wave structural member in a building to depict
them
Where do ideas for concepts come from?

 Site (site analysis)

 Program (functional requirements)
 Place / Culture / Society
 Technology / Materiel / Method
 Personal Architectural Influences
 Movement
 Space / Emotions
 Speed / Technology
 Memory / Place
 Precedent Research
Approaches in concept
architecture
  Concept formulation is not an automatic activity.

 It takes a concentrated effort to develop a

concept that appropriately integrates things not
previously brought together.

 Bringing things together is a creative act-one

that designers, architects, critics, artists,
musicians, and writers have identified as being
about 10 percent inspiration or genius and 90
percent hard work.
 It is commonly used throughout the design world.

 Titles of concepts tends to lean towards a usage of a certain 'unique keywords' an attempt to
make it more appealing for the impression that it consisted a certain uniqueness either in it's
design and approach. 

 However, it could also be misused as a shortcut for design with less depth into it.

Difference between a normal building and that with a conceptual base.

 Dimensions Of A Concept:

Interior Expression Exterior Expression

Levels Of Expression:
Conceptual architecture is something
which is appealing to both,

 The Normal layman

A professional specialist
 Elements Of Concept Generation And
Expression

Function
Ventilation
Materials
Form
Lighting
Structure
Meaning
Philosophy
 Analogy And Metaphor In Conceptual Design

Definition:

Analogy:

A similarity between like features

of two things, on which a
comparison may be based.

Environmental
Concept
Analogy is a cognitive process of transferring information from a particular subject (the
analogue or source) to another particular subject (the target) and a linguistic expression
corresponding to such process.
Analogy: A comparison based on such
similarities.

a. A Superficial Analogy:
To take the same shape of
inspiration without any change (direct)

b. Structural Analogy:
To make a structure of a building from
a shape or something.

c. Holistic Analogy:
Combination of both.
Metaphor
Metaphor is a literary term which means
carrying over and a synonym is a word
transfer.
SOUND TASTE
It associates meanings, emotions, things,
times and places which otherwise would not
have been related

Metaphor involves such things as

SIGHT SMELL concept which cannot be seen easily but
can be experienced.
In India majorly such examples can be
found
TOUCH
 Examples:

Santiago Calatrava Eye Concept

Tornado Tower,
(designed by Manuel Gausa ACTAR
Arquitectura, 2001, Barcelona)
The concert hall features the architects signature wing effect - a
single wing that seems enfold the building without covering it
entirely.

Concert Hall - Santiago Calatrava, The city of Arts (Valenica).

The shape of the spar and its cables is said to evoke an image of a harp
lying on its edge
Full Moon Building In Azerbaijan Steven Holl; Sponge Concept
Conceptual Architecture In India
India undoubtedly has a great architectural heritage which conjures images of TajMahal,
FatehpurSikri, South Indian temples and Forts of Rajasthan.
This spirit of adaptation and assimilation continues to be an integral aspect of Indian architecture in
the post independence era as well. As such post Independence India had voluntarily embraced
modernism as a political statement by inviting world renowned Modern architect Le Corbusier to
design capital city of young and free nation with democratic power structure.
Modernism In Late 20th Century
The Lotus Temple is a Baha'is House of Worship in New
Delhi consisting of 27 structures resembling petals of the lotus
flower that open onto a central hall around 40m high.
It has nine sides, nine doors, and can accommodate 2,500
people.
It's surface is made of white marble from Mount Pentelicus in
Greece, the same marble used to build the Parthenon.
Since its completion in 1986 it has become one of the most
visited buildings in the world, attracting over 100 million
people. 
Proposed Conceptual Designs

Cybertecture Egg – Mumbai,

India
Cybertecture Egg represents a new level in
the 21st Century’s architecture, a
revolutionary form of architecture which
encompasses intangible materials of
technology, multimedia, intelligence and
interactivity.

Cybertecture Egg is an impressive building Looking at the world in terms of the planet
that brings together iconic architecture, being a self-sustaining vessel with an
environmental design, intelligent control ecosystem that allows life to exist, grow and
systems, and evolutionary engineering. evolve
Coceptualism In Jawahar Kala Kendra (Case Study
Historical Ideology & 1)
Planning Concept

Maharaja Jai Singh who built the fabled

pink city was moved by two seemingly
conflicts set of ideas. One of them was
ancient Navgrah (the module of nine
planets) Thus the pink city of Jaipur
somewhere was past of Indian art which
was later discovered by
Late shriJawahar lal Nehru thus this art centre
isdedicated to him. The plan was preparedby
the noted architect Charles Correa in1986 and
the building was ready in 1991.
The plan is inspired by the original city plan
of Jaipur,consisting of nine squares with
central square left open
Planet Colour Quality Function
Venus White Art Drama
Jupiter Lemon Knowledge Library
Yellow
Ascending Iridescent Devourer Documenta
Node tion
Saturn Earth Red Knowledge Museum II
Descending Brown/ Anger Museum I
Node Black
Mercury Golden Education Lok kala
Yellow Kendra
Moon Milky Heart Cafeteria
White
Mars Red Power Administrat
ion
Jawahar Kala Kendra also includes a
museum
namely ‘Alankar’. This ’Indigenous Art
and Craft Museum’’ showcases the art,
culture and visual heritage of indigenous
Rajasthan. This museum has been
conceptualised by Mr. Abdul Lateef
Usta- a Heritage expert and
Musicologists of
international repute.
The whole complex is itself a unique
design & concept in the architectural
industry especially the concept of nine
squares
as ‘ Navgrah’ The plan of jaipur city is based on nine square yantra in which one
square is
Displaced and two central squares are combined.
Each square was linked to the
planet as per the characteristics of
the particular planet and its
astrological values and the
functionality of the square.
This Navgrah concept with its
energy values their favourable
colour, quality and the favourable
functionality to the each planet
with square kept in mind while
designing and allocation of spaces.
Partly open courtyards and the
traditional design elements of
Rajasthan have been incorporated
in the complex.
Sandarbh I.E Library
The whole complex in itself has a unique design & concept in the POND
architectural industry, the concept of nine squares as ‘ Navgrah’.
Each square was linked to the planet as per the characteristics of the SANDARBH
particular planet and its astrological values and the functionality of the LIBRARY
square.
This particular square was linked with ‘Jupiter’ the characteristics were matched
in such a way.

Favorable colour
As and when the square was
representing the planet ‘Jupiter’ the
astrological value was kept in
consideration.
The favorable colour of
this planet was lemon yellow so the
square was treated with yellow
colour in the external finishing and
the water body was ad
Madhyavarti :Open Air Theatre
The theatre was located and placed so well
in layout and planned that the rest of 8
square were well connected to the central
open theatre and the best part of it were the
stepped platforms which could be used as
seating areas.

The same were surrounded

by the 8m high walls and the design
stepping was incorporated in the corners of
two walls to make them more interacted to
each other.
Tilam Food Court The food court has been the excellent example of the
traditional rural architecture of Rajasthan. The structure
has been made in brick masonary then later finished with
the mud and the roof has been framed in MS circular pipes
and then covered with fibre sheet both framework in MS
and fibre sheet have been finished with the local putty to
give it a rural effect.

The art work on walls, planning

and the sitting arrangement on
floor ‘baithak‘ was designed to
set an excellent example of our
Traditional art on walls
rural and cultural eithics in India
The landscaping was
also done as per
planets astrological
values in the whole
complex in each
square wherever was
required
Gumpha House , Nashik - By Ar. Shailesh Devi (Case Study 2)

Architects : Within and

Without

Location : Nashik, India

Lead Architect :
Ar. Shailesh Devi

Area : 1200 sqft

 Explorations of the form were
experimented and explored through
models made up of actual building
materials to understand the feel.

A poem written by the architect becomes the

guiding factor for the further design ideas. Hence
making the design a complete conceptual based.
Conceptual sketches before starting the design.
Inspiration taken from the context.
As the urban dweller tired from
the stresses of everyday life,
seeking rejuvenation, turns
towards nature, his quest is to
seek inner joy, unbound his
energies to become one with the
forces of nature.

The chaos of city life drives a man to

pursue the tranquillity and search for the
inner peace, which so alludes him in his
mundane life. The Charm of city life and
the appeal of nature is the chasm a man
seeks to bridge and in that keeps searching
for a meaningful existence.
It is this search which brings us to
gumpha and its environs. Gumpha
bridges the chasm between the
darkness in the depths of lands and
the light which comes calling from
the heavens; celebrating the
communion of the two. The user is
drawn into this play of light and
darkness; discovering his part in the
drama as he becomes part of the
bigger script, making a journey,
discovering the meaning of the
larger picture, each having his own
definition.
But more than all that gumpha is A
response... to the adventurous nature of
explore. An expression... of the innate
nature of land and hills to surprise. A
journey... to lose the identity and
discover self. A poetry... by the earth
itself. A dialogue... between man and
nature.
As you move along the path the
land opens up to you, taking you
along its winding ways slowly
revealing the surrounding, drawing
you into an atmosphere. You are
introduced to gumpha when you
least expect it and it comes to meet
you, inviting you to delve into it,
seek its spaces, travel its depths. It
wants you to discover, to explore,
to find something new each time
you walk along.
Site Plan
and
Elevation
The form it takes is mostly
organic, where the earth itself
seems to breathe in tandem with
light to create what can be called
as an almost living and sensuous
organism, arousing the curiosity
with its silent light and playful
inquisitive spaces. It almost
humours you by appealing the
child in you in playing with
itself, making you wonder,
drawing you in the insides,
taking you along on the roof.
At the same time, it helps you
search for your inner self as
the deep spaces lit by heavenly
light offer you tranquillity and
peace to meditate. where in the
interior are introvert and
contemplative, the exteriors
offer you vistas of the
surroundings, engaging both
joyous and peaceful essence of
man, initiating an intense
experience, in turn making you
richer by the time you leave
for the city.
Spandan- An Architect’s Studio – Ar. Shailesh Devi
(Case Study 3)

SPANDAN, architect
Shailesh Devi’s
studio at Nashik is
based on the
philosophy of
“Journey of one’s
life”.
Spaces in the studio
reflect one’s journey
through various
experiences in life.
“Stand anywhere in my office, you will be able
to see the sky” – Shailesh Devi. He further
adds, “Connecting spaces, merging interiors and
exteriors, is the essence of this architecture.”

Creating the space that nourishes the concept of

‘experience’ with essential elements for living
timeless architecture bearing Indian roots. Life
is a series of experiences, each of which makes
us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this.
For the world was built to develop character,
and we must learn that the setbacks and griefs
which we endure help us in our marching
onwards – Henry Ford.
 Freed from the conventional limitations of
architecture, focusing instead on fascination and
beauty; something other than fending off the wind
and the rain, the space designed to enliven the
conventional experiences of people in the living
environment.
 All design decisions are made on the basis of
one’s experience and participation in one’s
environment, rather than the stereotypical
simplicity of production and craft.
 The living environment is thus more than
receptacles for its occupants; it goes beyond
providing spaces to live, and forms ‘architecture’
– one that reflects the needs and aspirations of the
user and one that is truly in harmony with its site
and is expressive of its unique existence.
The essential concept of the approach reflects the way in
which the designers look forward to the architectural
practice.
Rustic yet urban and oddly authentic, all at the same time,
the uniqueness makes ‘native’ the approach of vernacular
soul.
Thus, the concept is completely in synch with a user-
orientated approach towards perception of space, in which
the experience of everyday space by the user is the central
consideration. Experimenting with spatial illusions create
a dynamic space that draws attention and allow users to
choreograph their experiences.
Thus architecture here is cultural expression of
materialistic essence and attempts to inculcate a fuller
understanding and appreciation of the beliefs, values and
ambiance that shaped it.
Symbolic elements
are added depicting
ones life journey. Its
made impactful with
the help of materials
spaces and the
shapes and structures
of every minute
details in the office.
 Conclusion:
 Conceptual Architecture traces its origin in the 18th and 19th century as well, and is still practiced in
major parts of the world.

 Having done this study of Conceptual Architecture and Architects who have been practicing and
working in this vein its easy to conclude that even though the concepts and ideas have remained the
same but the approach has been surely changed a lot in the modernist architecture.

 According to me, its necessary for a concept to be incorporated in a design.

 Many a times it is observed that concept behind a structure is not experienced or understood by
common people who have just visited the place. They understand it once it is explained. So, it
becomes quite essential for the structure to be self explanatory of its concept.

 And its true that architecture is unique because of conceptualism.

 Conceptual Architecture can move us, it elicits different
emotions.

 It can bring back memories, but it can also elicit direct

emotions, like letting you feel small or big, or giving a
safe feeling or an unsafe one.

 Architecture is sometimes even able to bring us in a

spiritual mood. But the same space can make someone
feel calm while another person might feel
uncomfortable or even unsafe there.

 Yet most of us feel small in a big Gothic church and

unsafe in a dark alley at night.

 Architectural spaces have certain atmospheres that

influence the emotional state of a person: the interaction
between the environment and its occupant.
 References:
www.designboom.com

https://www.dezeen.com/tag/conceptual-architecture

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conceptual_architecture

www.posts.architecturelive.in

https://i2.wp.com/www.posts.architecturelive.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/SPANDAN-3.jpg?w=2340
THANK YOU !