ARCC TOA REVIEWER PART 1 (Theory of Architecture)

Point

a location in space

Line

connect two points in space

Plane

Flat two-dimensional surface with no thickness but has length bandwitdth

Volume

measurement of a three-dimensional shaped enclosed by a closed surface and has length, width, and depth

Scale

refers to the size

Proportion

refers to the relationship of one element to another

Golden ratio

the ratio of the smaller to the larger is the same as the proportion of the larger to the whole

Ration of the golden mean

0.618:1.000

Modulor

invented by Le Corbusier that is based on the Golden Ratio and the Fibonacci series

Ken

A measurement for the construction of buildings, that evolved into an aesthetic module that ordered the structure, materials, and space of Japanese Architecture.

Shape

external boundary or outline; contour of the line forming the edges of a plane; primary identifying characteristic of a plane

Square, triangle, circle

the three basic shapes

Form

refers to the three-dimensional shape

Shape

A property of form referring to the characteristic outline or surface configuration of a form

Size

Physical dimensions of length, width, and depth of a form

Color

A phenomenon of light and visual perception described by hue, tonal value, and saturation

Texture

Visual and tactile quality of a surface

Position

Location of a form relative to its environment

Orientation

Direction of a form relative to the ground, the compass points, the viewer, or other forms

Visual inertia

The degree of stability of a form

Cube, pyramid, cone

These are the primary solids

Regular forms

Forms where parts are organized in a consistent and orderly manner

Irregular forms

Forms where parts are not organized in a consistently regular way

Form

It defines, articulates, merges, and connects space.

Unity

Refers to the visual (and structural) relationship of elements in the overall architectural composition

Unity

It is defined in the way the building is structured to create visual harmony

Unity

It gives a sense of oneness to a visual image, achieved through coherence, common quality, consistency, harmony

Balance

Also known as equilibrium, it creates visual stability, either symmetrical or asymmetrical

Symmetrical balance

Refers to balance relative to an axis, can be centralized, formal, or radical

Asymmetrical balance

Refers to the informal grouping of elements where parts of the design are not identical but are equal in visual weight

Formal balance

A type of summetrical balance where the elements within the design are identical in relation to a centerline or axis

Radial balance

A type of summetrical balance where design elements radiate outward from the center

Perception

The ability to see, hear, or respond to stimuli through the senses

Visual Acuity

Refers to the clarity in visual perception that is increased usually by increasing the degree of illumination

Optical illusion

It is created to elicit desired perceptions from people

Circulation

Refers to movement through space; a perceptual thread that links the exterior/interior spaces of a structure

Circulation

Refers to the approach and exit from the building

Elements of circulation

These are comprised of the building approach, the building entrance, entrances inside the building, configuration of the path, path-space relationships, and form of the circulation space.

Emphasis

It can be achieved through contrast, with entrances oftne being a focal point; can also be achieved through size, placement, shape, color, and/or use of lines

Approach

An element of circulation referring to the distant view of the building

Entrance

An element of circulation referring to the transition from the outside to inside

Configuration of the Path

An element of circulation referring to the sequence of spaces

Path-space relationships

An element of circulation referring to the edges, nodes, and terminations of the path

Forms of the circulation space

An element of circulation referring to the corridors, halls, galleries, stairways, and rooms

Frontal approach

A type of approach that leads directly to the entrance of a building along a straight, axial path.

Oblique approach

A type of approach that enhances the effect of perspective on the front facade, with the path redirected one or more time times to delay and prolong the appraoch.

Spiral approach

A type of approach that prolongs the approach through emphasizing the three-dimensional form of the building as we move around its perimeter.

Flush entrance

A type of entrance that maintains the continuity of the surface of the wall and can be deliberately obscured.

Projected entrance

A type of entrance that forms a transitional space, announces its function to the approach, and provides overhead shelter.

Recessed entrance

A type of entrance that recedes to provide shelter and receive a portion of the exterior space into the realm of the building.

Linear configuration

A type of path configuration where all paths are linear

Radial configuration

A type of path configuration that has linear paths extending from or terminating at a central, common point.

Spiral configuration

A type of path configuration where a single,continuous path that originates from a central point, revolves around it, and becomes increasingly distant from it.

Grid configuration

A type of path configuration where two sets of parallel paths intersect at regular intervals and create square or rectangular fields of space.

Network configuration

A type of path configuration where random paths connect established points in a space.

Composite configuration

A type of path configuration where it consists a combiantion of the preceding configurations.

Pass by spaces

A type of path-space relationship where the integrity of each space is maintained, the configuration of the path is flexible, and the mediating spaces can be used to link the path with the spaces.

Pass through spaces

A type of path-space relationship where the path passes through a space axially, obliquely, or along its edge, creating patterns of rest and movement.

Terminate in a space

A type of path-space relationship where the location of the space establishes the path, and used to approach and enter functionally or symbolically important spaces.

Building form

It can be achieved by grouping of forms by qualities, specific form-to-form relationships, placing unique space shapes in plan, space-circulation relationships, and space circulation sections.

Space

It is defined as one of the most important concepts in architectural design, and it is the relative position of one three-dimensional entity to another.

Space within a space

A type of spatial relationship where a space may be contained within the volume of a larger space

Spaces linked by common space

A type of spatial relationship where two spaces may rely on an intermediary space for their relationship

Adjacent spaces

A type of spatial relationship where two spaces may share a common border

Interlocking space

A type of spatial relationship where the field of a space may overlap the volume of another space

Spatial organization

Defined as the organization of a series of spaces into one recognizable whole

Centralized organization

A type of spatial organization where a central, dominant space about which a number of secondary spaces are grouped

Radial organization

A type of spatial organization where a central space from which linear organizations of space extend in a radial manner

Linear organization

A type of spatial organization where there is a linear sequence of repetitive spaces which are alike in size, form, and function.

Grid organization

A type of spatial organization where spaces are organized within the field of a structural grid or other 3D framework.

Clustered organization

A type of spatial organization where spaces are grouped by physical proximity or sharing a common visual trait/relationship

Euclidean architecture

Architecture that is concerned with flat planes.

Non-euclidean architecture

Architecture that includes elliptical, hyperbolic, and fractal geometry made possible by advanced technologies and software.

Anthropometrics

The comparative study of the measurements and capabilities of the human body.

Ergonomics

The process of designing or arranging workplaces, products, and systems so that they fit the people who use them.

Body ellipse

Refers to the buffer zone between a person and others-measured with a major axis of 24 in. (60.9 cm) and a minor axis of 18 in. (45.7 cm), with an areA of 2.3 sq.ft. (0.21 sq.m.).

Proxemics

Coined by Edward Hall (1966), it is the study of measurable distances between people as they interact.

Social distance

Also known as body space and comfort zone

Body territory

A kind of territoriality referring to the personal space or bubble around a person

Primary territory

A kind of territoriality referring to one's home, vehicle, or living space

Secondary territory

A kind of territoriality referring to a structured place where entry is reserved for particular individuals and certain norms are expected, like a school, office, and church.

Public territory

A kind of territoriality referring to an open space where one can come and go, like a park or shopping mall.

Public space

Area of territory referring to the distance maintained between the audience and speaker (7.6 m/25 ft)

Social space

Area of territory used to separate strangers in public areas (3.7 m/12 ft)

Personal space

Area of territory used among friends and family members (1.2 m/4 ft)

Intimate space

Area of territory ranging out to one foot and involves high probability of touching (45 cm/1.5 ft)

Sociofugal space

Gridlike spaces that tend to keep people apart and supress communication; promotes seclusion

Sociopetal space

Radial spaces that encourage solidarity, bring people together, and stimulate interaction as routes merge and overlap.

Loob, Kapwa, Mukha

Filipino core values that influence how architectural spaces are designed, perceived, and used.

Bahay Kubo

A one-room affair where the sala, a social space, becomes the tulugan, an intimate space, because it is converted into the sleeping area where everyone sleeps together.

Perception of space

One of the objectives that a designer or architect can always have where the intended perception on how users will ultimately perceive a designed or built space