Perceptual Bases for Architectural Design summary
Frederick A. Jules, the author of this study, has stated that buildings represent a form of communication, with their very own vocabularies and syntax. As taken from Webster's definition on the word itself, to communicate "is to convey knowledge or information of; to make known". Thinking of the primary purpose of architecture, one might say that it is to provide for the basic need for human shelter, and yet architecture does seem to also provide information, thus express certain ideas. As any other communicating medium, architecture is in constant need of different techniques to achieve what is called an Architectural Statement.
To begin with, a good architecture work is a building that manages to convey good communication. The Greek temple is taken as such an example in Frederick's study where on the same line of thought Hegel has argued that " Just as perfection and degradation coincide in the temple, there is also in it a certain coincidence or crossing of beauty and purposiveness. Its beauty is its purposiveness or Its one purpose shines clearly through all its forms". It is made clear to us that the perception of such a purpose is quite important in architecture, and one of the clearest forms of perception is the Visual one, which is expressed through light, strengths and colors. Other means of perception include Temperature & Humidity as well as Touch & Sound where all relate to Texture and Form. Another important element in Architectural Design is hierarchy, which we will see on many other occasions, that aids in regulating various concepts behind the building in order of importance, in doing so increasing the working efficiency. It is imperative to note that while applying the appropriate techniques to the building type, the architectural form of this building should be thought of as a total composition of components, thus not communicating the wrong information.
As the design process goes on, there are certain things to take to consideration while selecting the substance of the architectural expression. The meaning of the building with its related images is one of them, while relative importance of the meaning to be expressed and logical order of building structure are just as important. The "Sydney Opera House" is a perfect example of such a process gone somewhat wrong, its incorrect images having seriously affected the usability of the building.
Another factor that requires consideration is the building program, which includes the room shapes and sizes as well as a study on environment control and who uses these spaces.
Every building is in one way or another symbolic of its function in the society. This symbolism is represented through images that have acquired tradition. This way of grouping provides for the definition of the Building Type with specific examples of schools, hospitals, banks, churches etc.
When considering a building, the building site is one of the main things that comes to mind. As mentioned in the study, It should be critically viewed for its potential, involving technological information as well as any state requirements, making site analysis a standard activity.
On the other hand, another factor of interest in Architectural Design is the architects style. It represents the distinctive qualities of form given a project that allows us to group projects as representatives of an individual's/ group's efforts, based on Jules statement. As architectural style embodies the architect's philosophy of current and past trends, it is in constant motion , always evolving. Le Corbusier's buildings make for an appropriate example as they are labeled as a criticism of the current design styles and reaffirmations of the beauty of classic form accomplished through modern technology.
So we come to an understanding of the place technology occupies in the building process, helping us in recognizing different needs and giving solutions to them through such technological alternatives.
These needs, besides technology related ones, may also be a part of certain behavior patterns. Thus it is important for an architect to predict human behavior on space as it is designed.
As mentioned before hierarchy plays an important role in visual ordering in architecture. During a proximity diagram, analysis technique that generates a preliminary sense of the building's potential form, we use hierarchy in deciding on the scale of the spaces as well as the locations within the spaces.
Other elements of Architectural Design include Signs & Symbols which help focus and direct attention, Gestalts which are the different pattern organizations we perceive, and Configuration where the mind simplifies visual elements to understand them.
Figure/Ground relationship applies across the full spectrum of architectural design, from identifying a light switch to differentiating one building from another.
Moreover the author introduces us to the Center of Gravity, relationship of parts to the center, and makes sure to state that the geometrical center is different from the center of gravity. Than he mentions Similarity which uses two or more object's form, color etc, so that they may be percepted as similar to achieve unity.
On the other hand proximity uses the opposite rule, placing two dissimilar objects together in order to relate them. The stated elements move on to Symmetry which lends interest in repetitive compositions, and later on to Closure and Form Reproduction which include visual conception of incomplete objects and reproduction from memory, respectively.
Vignetts are another means of architectural design, meaning images of spaces with emotional connotation which are powerful but with no exact production.
In order to simplify the design process, an architect uses Archetypes, specific patterns accepted by all, as well as other well defined Patterns in mechanical and structural systems.
Lastly a good Architect should perform a structured criticism to ensure the primary objectives of his work are not being subordinated unintentionally. After all Architecture is a way of perception taking form from imagination. As Adolf Loos has stated " Only when the imagination mediates between the sensible and the understanding, with the symbolic order of the understanding presiding, is That ( a building) architecture".
To begin with, a good architecture work is a building that manages to convey good communication. The Greek temple is taken as such an example in Frederick's study where on the same line of thought Hegel has argued that " Just as perfection and degradation coincide in the temple, there is also in it a certain coincidence or crossing of beauty and purposiveness. Its beauty is its purposiveness or Its one purpose shines clearly through all its forms". It is made clear to us that the perception of such a purpose is quite important in architecture, and one of the clearest forms of perception is the Visual one, which is expressed through light, strengths and colors. Other means of perception include Temperature & Humidity as well as Touch & Sound where all relate to Texture and Form. Another important element in Architectural Design is hierarchy, which we will see on many other occasions, that aids in regulating various concepts behind the building in order of importance, in doing so increasing the working efficiency. It is imperative to note that while applying the appropriate techniques to the building type, the architectural form of this building should be thought of as a total composition of components, thus not communicating the wrong information.
As the design process goes on, there are certain things to take to consideration while selecting the substance of the architectural expression. The meaning of the building with its related images is one of them, while relative importance of the meaning to be expressed and logical order of building structure are just as important. The "Sydney Opera House" is a perfect example of such a process gone somewhat wrong, its incorrect images having seriously affected the usability of the building.
Another factor that requires consideration is the building program, which includes the room shapes and sizes as well as a study on environment control and who uses these spaces.
Every building is in one way or another symbolic of its function in the society. This symbolism is represented through images that have acquired tradition. This way of grouping provides for the definition of the Building Type with specific examples of schools, hospitals, banks, churches etc.
When considering a building, the building site is one of the main things that comes to mind. As mentioned in the study, It should be critically viewed for its potential, involving technological information as well as any state requirements, making site analysis a standard activity.
On the other hand, another factor of interest in Architectural Design is the architects style. It represents the distinctive qualities of form given a project that allows us to group projects as representatives of an individual's/ group's efforts, based on Jules statement. As architectural style embodies the architect's philosophy of current and past trends, it is in constant motion , always evolving. Le Corbusier's buildings make for an appropriate example as they are labeled as a criticism of the current design styles and reaffirmations of the beauty of classic form accomplished through modern technology.
So we come to an understanding of the place technology occupies in the building process, helping us in recognizing different needs and giving solutions to them through such technological alternatives.
These needs, besides technology related ones, may also be a part of certain behavior patterns. Thus it is important for an architect to predict human behavior on space as it is designed.
As mentioned before hierarchy plays an important role in visual ordering in architecture. During a proximity diagram, analysis technique that generates a preliminary sense of the building's potential form, we use hierarchy in deciding on the scale of the spaces as well as the locations within the spaces.
Other elements of Architectural Design include Signs & Symbols which help focus and direct attention, Gestalts which are the different pattern organizations we perceive, and Configuration where the mind simplifies visual elements to understand them.
Figure/Ground relationship applies across the full spectrum of architectural design, from identifying a light switch to differentiating one building from another.
Moreover the author introduces us to the Center of Gravity, relationship of parts to the center, and makes sure to state that the geometrical center is different from the center of gravity. Than he mentions Similarity which uses two or more object's form, color etc, so that they may be percepted as similar to achieve unity.
On the other hand proximity uses the opposite rule, placing two dissimilar objects together in order to relate them. The stated elements move on to Symmetry which lends interest in repetitive compositions, and later on to Closure and Form Reproduction which include visual conception of incomplete objects and reproduction from memory, respectively.
Vignetts are another means of architectural design, meaning images of spaces with emotional connotation which are powerful but with no exact production.
In order to simplify the design process, an architect uses Archetypes, specific patterns accepted by all, as well as other well defined Patterns in mechanical and structural systems.
Lastly a good Architect should perform a structured criticism to ensure the primary objectives of his work are not being subordinated unintentionally. After all Architecture is a way of perception taking form from imagination. As Adolf Loos has stated " Only when the imagination mediates between the sensible and the understanding, with the symbolic order of the understanding presiding, is That ( a building) architecture".
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