DT Test 1

(Floor) Plan

A horizontal 'cut' through a building or space taken at eye level

Shows how spaces relate to each other, how we move through the space, how furniture fits in the space, and the width and length of each space

Section

A vertical "cut" through a building or space. Shows how spaces connect to one another in the vertical dimension
or the y-axis.

Form and space

Form is the physical mass or object; space is the area around, between, and within forms. They work together to define architecture.

Tonal Value Chart

A scale showing the range from light to dark values used to create depth and contrast in drawings.

Four Characteristics of Form

Shape, Size, Color, and Texture

Primary Shapes

Circle, Square, and Triangle. These are the basic geometric forms that form the foundation for other shapes.

Lineweights

Variations in line thickness used to show importance, depth, hierarchy, and cut elements in drawings.

(Line weights) Thickest Line

Cut line

(Line weights) Thin line

Elevation line

(Line weights) Light line

Furniture, casework and fixtures

(Line weight) Dash line

Overhead elements

(Line weights) Dot line

Hidden elements

Subtractive Form

Created by removing portions from a larger mass

Additive Form

Created by adding volumes together

Characteristics of Summer Light

Higher in the sky, creating shorter shadows

Hot, direct light, sun overhead and long daylight hours

Characteristics of winter light

Sun is lower, creating longer shadows

Cold, more oblique, soft light and short daylight hours

How is drawing used as communication

A visual language used to communicate design ideas and spatial information

Reasons for drawing

Communication, exploration, documentation, problem-solving, and presentation of ideas

Concept Drawings

Quick sketches used to explore and communicate initial design ideas

What is a Line

A continuous mark defining edges or movement

What is a shape

Refers to the characteristic outline of a plane figure or the surface configuration of a volumetric form

Form = Solid, Positive

Form = solid/positive space

Form refers to the shape or configuration of a building or space

Space

Space = void/negative space

Sun Path

The apparent movement of the sun across the sky from east to west throughout the day

Order

The arrangement of elements according to recognizable patterns or principles that create unity and organization

Organizational Strategies

Centralized, Linear, Radial, Clustered, and Grid arrangements

Centralized Form

A number of secondary forms clustered about a dominant, central parent-form

Linear Form

A series of forms arranged sequentially in a row.

Typically uses an axis to arrange spaces

Radial Form

A composition of linear forms extending outward from a central form in a radial manner

Clustered Form

A collection of forms grouped together by proximity or the sharing a common visual trait.

Grid Form

A set of modular forms related and regulated by a three-dimensional grid

Scale Figures

Human figures added to drawings to indicate size and proportion

What does “Ma” mean

A Japanese concept referring to the meaningful space or interval between objects, events, or forms

Three Types of Artificial Light

Ambient, task, and accent

What is Ambient lighting

General lighting

Ceiling light

What is task lighting

For specific activities

Track lights, spotlights, desk
lamps

What is accent

Light that draws attention to particular objects, artwork etc

Three Types of Light

Direct, Indirect, and Diffuse

What is direct light

Comes straight from source

What is Indirect

Reflected

What is diffuse lighting

scattered evenly

Color Temperature

The perceived warmth or coolness of light measured in Kelvin (K). Lower K = warm, higher K = cool

Ordering Principles

Axis, Symmetry, Hierarchy, Datum, Rhythm, Repetition, and Transformation.

Axis

A line established by two points in space, about which forms and spaces can be arranged in a symmetrical or balanced
manner

Symmetry

Established by two points; a symmetrical
condition requires the balanced arrangement of equivalent patterns of form and space on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane, or about a center or
axis.

Hierarchy

Degree of importance of these forms
and spaces

Rhythm

Fundamental notion of repetition as a
device to organize forms and spaces in architecture

Datum

It organizes a random pattern of elements through its regularity, continuity, and constant presence

Cardinal Directions and Light

North = consistent cool light

South = strongest sunlight

East = morning light

West = afternoon/evening light

Sun Path on a Site Plan

Shows the movement of the sun relative to the site to analyze daylight and shadows

Vanishing Point

The point where parallel lines appear to converge in perspective drawing

Horizon Line

Represents the viewer's eye level in a perspective drawing

Orthogonal/Vanishing Lines

Lines that recede toward a vanishing point in perspective drawings

One-Point vs. Two-Point Perspective

One-point uses one vanishing point; two-point uses two vanishing points for greater realism

Daylight

Specifically comes from the sun

Natural Light

Natural light includes sunlight and skylight

Chiaroscuro

The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create depth and form

Vitruvius

Roman architect who established the principles of Firmitas (strength), Utilitas (function), and Venustas (beauty)

Orthographic Drawings

Accurate 2D representations of objects/buildings including plans, elevations, and sections

Cut Line

The line showing where an object or building is sliced in a section drawing; typically drawn with heavy line weight

Reflected ceiling plan

Similar to a floor plan, but instead of looking down at the floor, you look up at the ceiling

Allows designers to correlate lighting with furniture and spaces