HISTORY OF ARCH SEM 1

Architecture

The art and science of planning, designing, and constructing buildings.

Basic needs addressed by architecture

Shelter, safety, comfort, function, social/aesthetic value.

Major factors influencing the evolution of architecture

Human needs, climate and geography, technology, materials, culture, religion.

Prehistoric architecture examples

Caves, rock shelters, huts from branches, leaves, skins.

Focus of prehistoric architecture

Survival, protection from environment.

Egyptian architecture features

Pyramids, temples, massive stone construction.

Mesopotamian architecture known for

Ziggurats, fortified cities, mud bricks.

Indus Valley architectural achievements

Grid planning, drainage systems, brick houses.

Greek architecture key features

Symmetry, proportion, orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian).

Parthenon

An example of Greek temple architecture.

Roman architecture innovations

Arches, vaults, domes, amphitheatres, engineering focus.

The Pantheon in Rome

Famous for its large dome with oculus.

Medieval architecture characteristics

Thick walls, towers, arches, decorative details.

Renaissance architecture features

Symmetry, geometric proportion, semi-circular arches, rebirth of Greek/Roman ideas.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

An example of Renaissance architecture.

Modern architecture materials

Steel, reinforced concrete, glass.

Contemporary architecture focus

Sustainability, green design, innovation.

Climate's effect on architecture

Hot: thick walls, small openings; Cold: compact, small windows; Rainy: sloping roofs.

Mountain region building materials

Stone, sloping roofs.

Coastal region architectural needs

Good ventilation, corrosion resistance.

Religious influence in architecture

Temples, mosques, churches, symbolic forms.

Vernacular architecture defined

Local materials, traditional knowledge, not architect-designed.

Rajasthan vernacular house features

Thick stone walls, courtyards.

Kerala vernacular house features

Sloping tiled roofs, wooden construction.

North-East Indian vernacular house material

Bamboo.

Megalithic architecture forms

Menhir (single stone), dolmen (stone table), cromlech (stone circle).

Three Greek orders

Doric (plain), Ionic (volutes), Corinthian (acanthus leaves).

Roman concrete made from

Lime, sand, water, aggregate.

Load-bearing structure

Thick masonry walls carry load.

Framed structure

Columns and beams carry load, allowing open spaces.

Arch structure

Transfers load by compression; keystone at top.

Vault types

Barrel vault (tunnel), groin vault (intersection).

Dome

Hemispherical roof, often with oculus.

Space frame

3D framework, interconnected triangles, for large roofs.

Roman amphitheatre

A large circular public arena with tiered seating, used for entertainment and public events.

Characteristics of Egyptian architecture

Monumental scale, religious influence, massive stone construction, symmetry.

Primary purpose of Egyptian pyramids

Tombs for Pharaohs.

Architectural evolution of Egyptian tombs

Mastaba → Step Pyramid → True Pyramid.

Mastaba

Rectangular, flat-roofed tomb with sloping sides and underground burial chamber.

Main components of an Egyptian temple

Pylon, Courtyard, Hypostyle Hall, Sanctuary.

Mesopotamian civilization location

Between Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Mud brick in Mesopotamian architecture

Commonly used because stone was scarce and clay was abundant near riverbanks.

Ishtar Gate

Famous for blue glazed bricks and animal relief.

Main urban zones in Harappan cities

Citadel and Lower Town.

Mohenjo-daro

Famous for Great Bath and advanced drainage system.

Dholavira

Famous for sophisticated water management and distinct urban zones.

Lothal

Famous for massive brick dockyard and maritime trade.

Types of megaliths

Menhir, Dolmen, Cromlech.