Architecture Class Notes
Note: This is a general outline of key architectural concepts. Specific topics
and details will vary depending on your course.
Fundamental Concepts
● Architecture: The art and science of designing buildings and other
structures.
● Form: The visual aspect of a building, including its shape, mass, and
proportion.
● Function: The purpose of a building and how it serves its users.
● Structure: The framework of a building that supports its weight and
resists forces.
● Space: The area enclosed by a building, both interior and exterior.
● Site: The land on which a building is built, including its topography,
climate, and context.
Design Principles
● Balance: The distribution of weight and visual interest within a
composition.
● Rhythm: The repetition of elements to create a sense of movement.
● Proportion: The relationship between the sizes of different parts of a
building.
● Scale: The size of a building in relation to its surroundings and human
dimensions.
● Emphasis: The focal point of a design, drawing attention to a particular
area.
Historical Periods and Styles
● Ancient Architecture: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architecture.
● Medieval Architecture: Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
● Renaissance Architecture: Classical revival and Baroque styles.
● Modern Architecture: International Style and Postmodernism.
● Contemporary Architecture: Deconstructivism, Minimalism, and
Sustainable design.
Building Systems
● Structural Systems: Load-bearing walls, columns and beams, and
trusses.
● Mechanical Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
● Electrical Systems: Lighting, power, and communication systems.
● Plumbing Systems: Water supply and drainage.
● Fire Protection Systems: Fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire-resistant
materials.
Building Codes and Regulations
● Building Codes: Legal requirements for the construction and safety of
buildings.
● Zoning Codes: Regulations governing the use of land and the types of
buildings that can be constructed in different areas.
● Accessibility Codes: Requirements for making buildings accessible to
people with disabilities.
● Sustainability Standards: Guidelines for designing and constructing
environmentally friendly buildings.
Architectural Drawings
● Floor Plans: Diagrams showing the layout of a building's rooms.
● Elevations: Drawings showing the exterior walls of a building.
● Sections: Drawings showing the vertical cut through a building.
● Details: Enlarged drawings showing specific construction elements.
Architectural Software
● CAD Software: Computer-aided design software for creating 2D and 3D
drawings.
● BIM Software: Building Information Modeling software for creating
digital models of buildings.
● Rendering Software: Software for creating realistic images of buildings.
Remember to take detailed notes, ask questions, and participate in class
discussions to deepen your understanding of architecture.
Would you like to focus on a specific topic or historical period?
