GEC 212 - Reading Visual Arts - Architecture

Architecture

Architecture Definition

  • Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures to satisfy individual and communal needs.
  • It's a complex art because architects design not only the exterior but also the interior of buildings and structures.

Architect

  • An architect is an artist who designs structures for residential, commercial, or public spaces.
  • Architects utilize construction technologies, building materials, topography, contractors, and governmental regulations within a project budget to fulfill clients’ needs.

Elevations

  • East Elevation
  • North Elevation
  • South
  • West
  • East Elevation

Theory of Architecture

  • A good building should satisfy the principles of firmitatis, utilitatis, venustatis.
    • DURABILITY – It should stand up robustly and remain in good condition.
    • UTILITY – It should be useful and function well for the people using it.

Architectural Construction

Post and Lintel
  • Consists of a horizontal beam called a lintel and 2 vertical posts to support it.
  • Commonly found in doors and entrances.
  • Example: Stonehenge
Cantilever
  • Similar to post and lintel, with 2 vertical posts supporting a horizontal beam.
  • One end of the beam extends further than the other.
Arch
  • Composed of wedge-shaped blocks of stone called voussoirs held together by a keystone.
  • Used to support structures like roofs and serve as symbolic gateways.
  • Example: Arc de Triomphe
5 Types of Arch
  • Pointed
  • Semi-circular
  • Segmental
  • Bucket
  • Corbelled
Dome
  • A large hemispherical roof or ceiling that looks like an inverted cup.
  • Example: Dome of Florence's Cathedral, Hagia Sophia
Vault
  • An arched structure of masonry usually forming a roof or ceiling.
    • Barrel Vault
    • Groined Vault
    • Cross Vault
    • Welsh Vault
    • Cloister Vault
Types of Vault
  1. Barrel vault, tunnel vault, wagon vault, cradle vault
  2. Pointed barrel vault, pointed vault, Gothic vault
  3. Rampant vault
  4. Conical vault, expanding vault
  5. Cloister vault, domical vault
  6. Pointed cloister vault, domical vault
  7. Groin vault, cross vault, intersecting barrel vault
  8. Pointed groin vault, pointed cross vault
  9. Dormer vault
  10. Trough vault
Truss
  • Consists of a braced framework of beams or bars forming one or more triangles.
  • An assemblage of beams forming a rigid framework.

Mediums

Light Materials
  • Paper
  • Nipa
  • Bamboo
  • Other light wood
Heavy Materials
  • Hardwood
  • Stone
  • Concrete
  • Brick
  • Steel
  • Cast Iron

Types of Architecture according to Function

  • Domestic
  • Recreational
  • Commercial
  • Governmental
  • Religious
  • Military or Defense
  • Industry

Design Methods of Architecture

Design Tools
  • For Hand Drawings – rulers, pencil with various lead types, compasses, protractors, and angles
  • Computer Programs – Google SketchUp, AutoCAD

History

Prehistoric Period
  • The Great Pyramid of Giza
  • The Great Sphinx of Giza
  • Temple of Ramesses
  • The Valley of the Kings
  • Mesopotamian Architecture
Greek Period
  • The Parthenon
Roman Period
  • The Colosseum
  • The Pantheon
Medieval Period
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Notre-Dame de Reims, France
  • Milan Cathedral
  • Chartres Cathedral, France
  • Westminster Abbey, London
Renaissance Period
  • Dome of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Dome of the Florence
Baroque Period
  • Church of San Carlo alle Quatro
  • Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza
  • Trevi Fountain
Modern Period

Notable Filipino Architects

Leandro Locsin (1928-1994)
  • Philippine International Convention Center
  • National Theater – Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex
  • Tanghalang Mariang Makiling – National Arts Center
Juan Nakpil (1899-1986)
  • Quezon Hall - UP Diliman
  • Quiapo Church
Pablo Antonio (1901-1975)
  • FEU Complex - Nicanor Reyes Hall
  • Manila Polo Club
Francisco Manosa
  • San Miguel Corporation Building
  • Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Carlos Santos-Viola
  • Commonwealth Ave. - Iglesia ni Cristo