Reading Visual Art
Lecture Note 7: Architecture
Architecture is in the fields of science and
art. As a science, technology techniques,
architectonics, engineering, and tectonics are
applied. As an art, the structure is designed
creatively, which is determined by its
function and purpose, the space that it will
occupy and the people who will occupy it. In
contemporary architecture, architecture
relates itself to environment planning, city
planning, landscape architecture, interior design, and urban design.
The elements of art and principles of design or organization also apply to architecture. We add
two more elements: size and scale. Size relates the structure and its parts to the human beings who
occupy the space. Scale in architectural design relates to the proportion of an object or space to all the
other objects in it and also to the human beings and their activities held in the structure.
Architectural Materials
The classic materials used in architecture are wood, stone, and brick. Modern materials include
cast-iron, structural steel, and reinforced concrete. Structural Devices are employed to enclose space
in architecture. These are post-and-lintel, cantilever, truss, arch, vault, dome, shell structures, and solar
panels.
1. Post-and-Lintel – is the most ancient of construction device and still enjoys wide use today. It
consists of two vertical supports bridged by a horizontal beam. The post-and lintel is also responsible
for the strong emphasis on window walls in modern building.
2. Cantilever – is the horizontal extension of a beam or a slab into space beyond its supporting post.
Its free end is unsupported, and the point where it rests on its post acts like the fulcrum or a lever. The
cantilever relies on the resistance of breaking of its material and the secure fastening of its internal
end.
3. Truss System – is an application of the geometric fact that no angle of triangle can be changed
without altering the dimensions of the sides. Truss construction is used where great spaces must have
spanned with few or no interior support.
4. Arch – is used to support bridges and viaducts and in association with large domical and vaulted
structure. Vault is a succession of identical arches in file order, one behind the other.
5. The placement of a dome on a cylindrical drum over a circular foundation is logical from the
standpoint of geometry and construction. But most domes structures rest on rectangular foundations.
6. Shell structures – are the beneficiary of reinforced concrete and superior mathematical tools for
calculating stresses and the strength materials.
7. Solar panels – are also gaining popularity in architecture. Solar panel roofing generates electricity
that can provide power to the entire building anytime of the day and night.
Style in Contemporary Architecture
Contemporary architecture is definable broadly as the building style of the present day.
Biomorphic architecture – is designed with patterns or shapes inspired by living organisms such as
trees.
Environment-friendly Architecture – artists promote environmental awareness through their
creative work. To create environment-friendly structures, architects consider factors such as energy,
efficiency, the use of sustainable, natural and recycled materials.
Door, Windows, Wall, and Interior Decors – these are important as the structure itself. Although
they do not require the same strength and engineering system, these parts serve the occupants and
should be aesthetically pleasing from being functional.
