Architecture

Relationship between Ancient and Modern Architecture

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To be Modern is not a Fashion, it is a state. It is necessary to understand History, and he who understands History knows how to find continuity between that which was, that which is and that which will be.

Combining ancient and modern is not new. Throughout History, whether through inheritance or acquisition, people have adapted existing buildings and incorporated objects from previous generations and different cultures to create comfortable, individual and at times fashionable homes.

Roman Magistrate's chair served as an inspiration to Mies Van der Rohe's Barcelona Chair Design
Roman Magistrate's chair served as an inspiration to Mies Van der Rohe's Barcelona Chair Design

The co-existence and balance of ancient and modern is an important theme in our culture and our day to day lives. Ancient forms and concepts are apparent in architecture, design and fashion, from a dome or arch to a pair of denim jeans. Such forms appear as recurring templates or they can inspire reinventions, for instance a stella or Roman Magistrate’s stool was the inspiration for Meis Vander Rohe’s Barcelona chair.

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Changing Trends in Architecture due to Globalization

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As technology advances and India progresses it gets more difficult to disagree with Amartya Sen when he says that globalization is inevitable. Today in virtually everything, be it in people, places or commodities, it is easy to see the crossing of national boundaries. In a recent issue of Tehelka, writer and Architect Gautam Bhatia talks about the influence of globalization on architecture and how architecture has become just another commodity in today’s world.

Globalization in Architecture
Globalization in Architecture

He begins by saying that the increase in land values and the demand for floor space is without question responsible for putting Architecture on the fast track of change. But more importantly it is the people’s perceptions of style that seems to blame for accelerating this change.

Ten years ago, the Punjabi Baroque was an emerging style of Delhi’s houses, in which the persuasion to elevate modern domestic buildings to higher levels of ornamentation, was just a joke. The styles included those of Bania, Gothic, Early Hawai and Marwari Mannerisms. At that point of time this type of architecture seemed to have no purpose other than that of exterior decoration and was just thought of a passing stage that would soon die down without a doubt.

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Low Energy Intensive Techniques used in Mud Architecture

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Different Techniques used in Mud Architecture

Architecture involves use of various different construction materials that require a unique construction technique. But these techniques are high energy intensive techniques…

Mud Mosque
Mud Mosque

All the natural resources are depleting which has made it mandatory that we choose materials and construction systems that require less energy for its execution.

Mud Architecture is one such construction system that involves use of mud as a building material and has various techniques for the construction. This construction system is less energy intensive and very effective in different climatic conditions.

Different materials are employed for different construction techniques.

Here is a list of materials that are employed for different types of construction:

  • Cob
  • Adobe
  • Wattle and Daub
  • Pressed Earth Blocks
  • Rammed Earth Blocks

In this article, we will discuss the construction techniques of the above mentioned materials that are employed for Mud Architecture…

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Structural Proportions | Aesthetic Components of Architecture

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Architecture is a design process which involves planning, designing, creating, erecting, constructing and executing construction of various types of buildings that are functionally efficient, economically viable and aesthetically pleasing.

The two most important factors in the design of a building are Form and Function. Functionality is the most important aspect of building design. The other aspect is building form or aesthetics.

Lotus Temple, India
Lotus Temple, India

Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and expression of beauty.

Aesthetic components of Architecture also deal with the Proportions of the structure….

In this article, we will discuss different types of Proportions and study Structural Proportions in detail…

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