Theory of Architecture Exit Exam Reviewer

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, principles, theories, and terminology from the Theory of Architecture Exit Exam Reviewer notes.

Point

A primary element of architecture with zero dimensions that indicates position in space.

Line

A one-dimensional primary element formed by an extended point, possessing length, direction, and position.

Plane

A two-dimensional element defined by length, width, space, surface, orientation, and position.

Volume

A three-dimensional element defined by length, width, depth, form, space, surface, orientation, and position.

Visual inertia

The degree of concentration and stability of a form.

Base plane

A horizontal ground plane upon which a building rests, usually contrasting with its background.

Elevated plane

A horizontal plane raised above the ground plane that affects spatial and visual continuity.

Overhead plane

A horizontal plane situated above human head height, such as a ceiling plane or roof plane, offering protection.

Depressed plane

A horizontal plane sunken into the ground plane that influences spatial and visual continuity.

Dimensional transformation

The alteration of a form's dimensions through compression and stretching.

Subtractive transformation

The alteration of a form by removing a portion of its original volume.

Additive transformation

The alteration of a form by attaching additional elements to its original volume.

Grid organization

A spatial organization where spaces are arranged within the field of a structural grid or similar framework.

Cluster organization

A spatial organization where spaces are grouped together by proximity or by sharing a common visual trait or relationship.

Datum

A line, plane, or volume of reference to which other elements in a composition can relate.

Biaxial symmetry

An arrangement of visually equal elements in each of the four quadrants created by a pair of crossed axes.

Golden section

A proportional ratio defined mathematically as $1:1$, $1:2$, or $1:1.618$.

Ken

A Japanese unit of measurement where shaku and ken function similarly to feet and inches, serving as the basis for tatami floor mats.

Modular

Le Corbusier's harmonious proportion system based on the human scale, utilizing three basic measurements: $113\,\text{cm}$, $70\,\text{cm}$, and $43\,\text{cm}$.

Anthropometry

The measurement of the human body for understanding human physical variation.

Frontal approach

An axial circulation path where the approach is clear and the entire façade is visible.

Oblique approach

A circulation path redirected one or more times and approached at an extreme angle to enhance perspective.

Spiral approach

A curved circulation path that emphasizes three-dimensional form as a building is approached.

Gestalt Theory

A theory of perception fundamental to design based on the core principle that 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts'.

Monocular cues

Pictorial depth cues used to perceive three-dimensional depth using a single eye.

Entasis

The application of a convex curve to a surface for aesthetic purposes, such as the classical tapering of Greek columns.

Proxemics

The study of measurable spatial distances between people as they interact, introduced by Edward T. Hall.

Intimate space

An interpersonal spatial zone in proxemics defined from $0\,\text{inches}$ to $18\,\text{inches}$ ($0.45\,\text{m}$ to $0.60\,\text{m}$).

Personal distance

An interpersonal spatial zone in proxemics defined from $18\,\text{inches}$ to $48\,\text{inches}$.

Social distance

An interpersonal spatial zone in proxemics defined from $4\,\text{feet}$ to $12\,\text{feet}$ ($3.60\,\text{m}$).

Public distance

An interpersonal spatial zone in proxemics defined from $12\,\text{feet}$ to $25\,\text{feet}$.

Defensible space theory

A crime prevention concept proposed by Oscar Newman asserting that areas are safer when residents feel ownership and responsibility.

Intercolumniation

The systemic spacing between columns in a colonnade measured at the bottom of their shafts.

Pyconostyle

An intercolumniation system with a column spacing of one and a half diameters.

Eustyle

An intercolumniation system with a column spacing of two and a quarter diameters, considered by Vitruvius to be the best proportion.

Firmitas, utilitas, venustas

The three Vitruvian conditions for architecture, requiring a building to be firm/durable, useful, and beautiful.

Lineaments

Leon Battista Alberti's architectural concept referring to the building's ground plan, walls, roof, and openings.

Brutalism

An architectural style featuring rugged reinforced concrete construction ('béton brut'), precast slabs, exposed steel, and massive shapes.

Functionalism

An architectural doctrine holding that form follows function and that satisfying utilitarian needs naturally yields architectural beauty.

Internationalism

An architectural movement defined by rectilinear forms, open spaces, large expanses of glass, reinforced concrete/steel, and no ornamentation.

Minimalism

An architectural style drawing inspiration from Japanese architecture and Mies van der Rohe's motto 'Less is more'.

Deconstructivism

An architectural style that turns away from traditional structural restraints to seek new forms of expression.

The Modulor

A visual proportion system created by Le Corbusier to bridge the imperial and metric systems based on human body measurements.

Béton brut

A French architectural term coined/used by Le Corbusier meaning raw concrete.

Architectural programming

The problem-seeking initial phase of the design process where information is managed to guide design decisions.

Parti

The basic, central, or main concept, drawing, or scheme of an architectural design.

Concept statement

A simple diagram with concise text stating the ideal set of relationships among architectural elements within the designer's control.

Biomimicry

An architectural concept method that generates new design ideas by imitating nature.