Fundamental of architecture UT2

What's the difference between Symmetry and Asymmetry in design?

Symmetry: A perfectly balanced look where one side is a mirror image of the other (like a human face). It feels formal and stable.

Asymmetry: A balanced look where the two sides are NOT identical. It uses smaller, heavier elements to balance larger, lighter ones. It feels dynamic and yet stable composition

Why is Orientation critical in design? What's the ideal orientation for living spaces in the Northern Hemisphere?

Orientation matters because it decides how the building interacts with the sun, wind, and climate. This affects lighting, heating, and cooling costs.For the Northern Hemisphere, the ideal orientation for living spaces (to maximize daylight and passive solar heat gain) is South-facing.

Define Mass in architecture. How does Subtractive Massing affect a building's look?

Mass is the perceived volume or physical solidness of a building. Think of it as a huge, solid block.

Subtractive Massing is when you "carve away" voids or recesses (like a porch or balcony) from that solid block. This action creates visual drama, shows the interior space, and makes the whole form clearer.

Give one specific architectural feature for a Hot, Arid Climate.Give one specific architectural feature for a Cold Climate.

Hot arid climate: thick high thermal mass walls ( adobe or stone ) to delay the transfer of daytime heat , keeping the interiors cool

Cold climates: Compact Form ( minimal surface area and fewer corners) to reduce exterior heat loss , or protective south facing windows for maximum solar heat gain

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How should the South and West facades (walls) of a building be designed to handle the climate?

How should the North and East facades (walls) of a building be designed?

What's the key idea behind designing the four faces of a modern skyscraper?

South and West Facades (High Solar Gain): These sides get the most intense sun. The design must be deep, structured, and shaded (like with deep balconies, eaves, or stepped forms) to block the direct heat and glare.North Facade (Diffuse Light): This side gets soft, non-direct light. The design can minimize heat gain (especially in the summer).

The resulting look is often minimalist, smooth, and planar (flat) to maximize even, consistent daylight indoors

.The four faces of a skyscraper are all distinct because they need different climate responses (due to the sun, wind, etc.).

Therefore, a single skin or uniform design for the whole building is often inappropriate—each side is a unique reflection of the environment.

Define Proportion in architecture. What does an objective system of proportion mean (like the Golden Ratio)?

Visual Rhythm is a sequence of elements (like windows or columns) that the eye can follow.

Answer (cont.) Proportion is essential because it creates a consistent, satisfying arrangement of all elements, making the entire form feel unified, deliberate, and visually satisfying to the human eye.

What is the Vitruvian Triad?

It is the three qualities all architecture must have, according to the Roman architect Vitruvius:

Answer (cont.) 1. Firmitas (Durability/Strength)

Answer (cont.) 2. Utilitas (Utility/Function)

Answer (cont.) 3. Venustas (Beauty/Aesthetics)

What is the significance of Thermal Mass?

Thermal Mass refers to a material's ability to absorb and store heat (e.g., thick stone or concrete walls).

Answer (cont.) Significance: It helps to delay the transfer of heat, smoothing out large temperature swings and making the indoor climate more stable and comfortable.

Explain the concept of "Form Follows Fiction."

This is a modern take on "Form Follows Function." It argues that a building's design (Form) should be driven by the story or narrative the architect wants to tell.

Answer (cont.) It focuses on human behavior, aesthetics, and subjective ideas rather than purely practical needs

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How does Cultural Symbolism influence architecture?

Cultural symbols influence the aesthetic components of a building.

Answer (cont.) Example: A dome might represent divine power or authority to a society, or a porch might symbolize a community gathering space

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How does Culture mediate between Function and design?How does Culture mediate between Environment and design?What does Integration mean in residential architecture?

Culture dictates how a function is realized.

Answer (cont.) Example (Function: Eating): Western culture may use a single, large room for a separate formal dining hall (Function), while some Asian cultures may use a floor-seating arrangement in a single, flexible room (Form)

Culture dictates the form of environmental features (like windows or ventilation).

Answer (cont.) Example (Environment: Ventilation): A simple, functional modern window satisfies the need for air flow, but traditional Indian architecture may cover the window with ornate ironwork (Jaali), satisfying the cultural need for light control, privacy, and aesthetic detaiIntegration means the design should be a holistic solution that respects cultural norms, family structure, and the overall organization of the house.

Answer (cont.) The final design should be the most environmentally and functionally efficient solution that leads to a unique vernacular form (a style specific to a place).l.

How does Site Analysis ensure Firmitas (Durability)?

How does Climate Response ensure Utilitas (Utility)?

Site Analysis ensures durability by checking:

Answer (cont.) 1. Soil Stability: For foundations and structural support.

Answer (cont.) 2. Hydrology/Drainage: To prevent water damage over time.

Answer (cont.) 3. Topography: To manage wind/seismic forces and erosion.

Climate Response ensures utility by maximizing beneficial factors (like passive solar gain in cold climates) and minimizing detrimental factors (like heat loss in hot climates).

Answer (cont.) Strategies are integrated into the design (like thick walls or sunshading) to regulate temperature, leading to high utility and low energy costs.

How does the Roof act as a perfect integrator for Function, Environment, and Culture?.

A roof must satisfy all three Vitruvian principles at once:

Answer (cont.) Function (Utilitas): It provides basic shelter from weather and can house mechanical equipment (HVAC) or be used as a green roof.

Answer (cont.) Environment (Firmitas): Its material and pitch are determined by the weather (snow load, rain, wind). It provides insulation and durability.

Answer (cont.) Culture (Venustas): Its shape (e.g., pitched gable, curved shell) contributes to the aesthetic and symbolizes the building's place in history or local style

What's the difference between the Functional Program and Circulation?

Functional Program: This is the detailed plan (a comprehensive list) of what spaces are needed (e.g., bedrooms, classrooms) and how much space they require (area, cost).

Answer (cont.) Circulation: This is the system of paths (corridors, stairs, ramps) that lets people and goods move between those planned spaces.

Form vs. Function Philosophies

Philosophy 2: Form Follows From (The Aesthetic View)

What is the core idea of Form and Function are Integrated (the "Organic/Contextualism" view)?

The design's Form (shape) must be a logical and direct result of its Function (use).

Answer (cont.) Example: A classroom building should be a simple, rectangular block defined entirely by the size and stacking of classrooms and hallways

The Form is derived first from abstract or aesthetic ideas, and the functional requirements are fitted into that form.

Answer (cont.) Example: Buildings like the Guggenheim Museum have a dramatic, irregular shape driven by artistic vision, and the functional spaces (galleries, ramps) must conform to that shape

The building's Form must evolve together as a response to Function, the Environment (site/topography), and the Context (culture/climate).

Answer (cont.) Example: A school's form responds not just to classroom layout (function) but also adjusts its shape and layout to the natural slope of the land (environment), while remaining fully functional...