Architecture Student Chronicles

The 7 Elements of Unity | Aesthetic Components of Design

December 25, 2013September 22, 2011 by Architect

The principle of Unity deals with visual composition in design. Composition means the relationship between the visual elements. The brick work, timber and concrete which we use as building materials for protection from weather or for structural support form the visual composition of architectural composition. To get a good composition, the elements of unity should be chosen carefully.

Unity therefore deals with the arrangement of building materials and building parts (floor, wall, roof, column, beam, etc) to create a good composition.

7 key Elements of Unity

Texture
Colour
Tone
Direction
Proportion
Solid and Void
Form and Shape

Consider materials such as stone, glass and steel. They are available in a variety of colours, tones, textures, shapes, proportions, etc. Various compositions of these material properties are possible-the challenge lies in arising at the most pleasing composition. The texture or colour of a single brick or wood panel will differ in effect when it forms a part of the larger composition such as brick wall or a door frame set in a wall.

Manufactured Proportions in Design | Aesthetic Components of Architecture

September 22, 2011 by Architect

Architecture is a design process which involves certain design principles that are to be followed. It is a lengthy 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.

Aesthetics form the core of any Architectural Design. Any building which is functional but lacks aesthetic appeal is not counted under the categories such as Great Design Concept. It is just a building like any other building.

The two most important factors in the design of a building are Form and Function. Apart from creating beautiful forms, an Architect must keep in mind that Form that enhances the external aesthetic appeal should also relate to the functionality of the interior environment.

In my earlier article “New Trends in Architecture in the 21st century” we discussed the transformation that has been brought about in the field of Architecture.

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

Read more

Lotus Temple, Delhi | Innovation in Architecture

September 22, 2011 by Architect

Introduction

The Bahai House of Worship in Delhi, India, popularly known as the Lotus Temple due to its flowerlike shape, is a Bahai House of Worship and also a prominent attraction in Delhi. It was completed in 1986 and serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent

The temple gives the impression of a half-open lotus flower, afloat, surrounded by its leaves. Each component of the temple is repeated nine times. The temple is open to people of all faiths, languages and cultures. It is a symbol of a United India.

Introductory Lecture on Sociology | Necessity in Architecture

September 22, 2011 by Architect

Why is it important to study Sociology in Architecture?

Sociology is an interesting subject which is very important in the study of Architecture. You must be wondering, why is it so important?

Sociology is the study of people… Socious means people and ‘logy’ means study. We “Architects” design spaces for the people to live in. We have the ability to create various types of environments… which serve different purposes.

Creating something for other people depends on the person’s choice, their culture. Architects are the masters that possess the ability to modify, transform and blend various design forms and cultures together. But to be able to do this, study of sociology is must.

Sociologists study how people act in a society and what others do to influence them. Sociologists need not necessarily be Architects but Architects have to be necessarily Sociologists…

For example:

Mother and Daughter
Friends

Many believe that there is a right way or wrong way of acting such as Putting up hands and not shouting.

Sociology studies what people believe ‘normal’ is. Considering a certain thing as normal depends on your society.