Architecture Student Chronicles

Architectural Styles | Evolution of Architecture

October 6, 2011July 26, 2011 by Architect

Journey from Ancient Architecture to Modern Architecture

Egyptian Architecture (3000BC – 100AD)

Ancient Egyptian Architecture is mainly based on religious monuments, massive structures with extensive carvings of gods, goddesses, pictorial representation of daily life, structures having thick sloping mud walls with very few openings for ventilation since the climate in Egypt is very hot and dry.

Temple of Horus | Ancient Egyptian Architecture

The “Temple of Horus” at Edfu is an example of the Ancient Egyptian Architecture. It is very well preserved even today and is considered as an “Architectural Sculpture”. The carvings done on the walls of the structure were considered as ornamentation in Egyptian period.

Pyramids of Giza | Ancient Egyptian Architecture

The Great Pyramid of Giza and Great Spinx of Giza are architectural monuments of ancient Egyptian Period. They are very popular for their uniqueness in massing and proportions.

The materials used in the Ancient Egyptian period were sun baked mud brick, stone, limestone. Granite and sandstone were also used at certain places. Wood wasn’t used as a material for construction since it was scarcely available.

Introduction to Architecture | Era of New Architectural Styles

July 26, 2011 by Architect

Introduction to Architecture | Architecture Style of the 21st Century

What is Architecture??

“Arch”- a form of construction and “tecture”- the surface of the structure.

Architecture is defined as designing the structures with respect to their interiors, exteriors and also the surroundings of the structure. It is considered as a form of art and science.

People who have the creative ability of imagination and then transforming it into concepts go for Architecture. If along with creative genius, a person is coupled with the technical aspects of construction, any kind of design made by such an Architect could be very well and easily be executed since the Architect himself would understand the technicalities involved in the execution of a specific design.

Architects give a certain feel to the space depending on what structure it is. Their understanding of architectural factors such as mass, texture, use of colours, use of appropriate materials, play of light and shadow in the interiors to create illusion etc.

Two major goals are to be accomplished in Architecture:

Functional aspect
Aesthetic aspect

That is, along with structure being functional, the structure also has to be aesthetically appealing which would make the people want to appreciate the structure.

If we study the history of Architecture, we will see that a lot of architectural styles flourished in different parts of the world and were then modified with the changing lifestyles of the people.

Some architectural styles were plan specific, some were elevation specific, some flourished because of the available materials in that particular era etc.

It is very crucial for Architecture students, Architects and all the designers to understand and feel the essence of real Architecture.

Architecture is not just designing buildings, it is an art of integrating the design of buildings with its surroundings which would include its environment and the Urban fabric.

Role of a Town Planner | Town and Country Planning

July 23, 2011July 17, 2011 by Architect

Town planner | Master of Town and Country Planning

Who is a town planner and what does he do?

The answer to this question is not as simple as it seems. A “Town planner” is a person who not only designs a town but he is an influential person who can change the lifestyle of the people.

Now some people reading out there might just think… HOW? How could anyone possibly change or influence somebody’s lifestyle??

Before we start our discussion on what the role of a town planner is and what all he thinks, understands and executes…?

Let’s start with analyzing our own life styles… How did we start to live in a way we are living today? Has anyone given a thought about that? I don’t think so…

Let’s make three broad categories that influence us for the way we live today:

First and foremost, our culture

Our culture and traditions do have a major impact on our minds that mould us and help us live morally and in a specific way. Different countries have different cultures and every person belonging to a particular country or state thinks and follows particular things. This is something that is at spiritual levels.

Second: by your city or town in which you live.

The town or city, the way it is designed or has gradually developed radiates some negative emotions and some positive. Our mood swings are very prone to the kind of surroundings we live in. Our habits and our mannerisms are also influenced by the way the city is developed and the people you are surrounded by.

Satellite Townships | Town Planning and Design

July 15, 2011 by Architect

What are Satellite Townships?

A satellite town or satellite city is a concept in urban planning that refers essentially to smaller metropolitan areas which are located somewhat near to, but are mostly independent of, larger metropolitan areas.

Development of Satellite Townships

Some towns develop when a town or a city reach a certain limit of congestion and exhaustion. These towns have their own identity but are under the influence and power of the major body i.e. the main town or the city.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most important features of Satellite Townships

Satellite townships have their own local government and corporate life.

They have all the necessary amenities and facilities present within their limits except for a few purposes like employment and sometimes education, they have to depend on the main city i.e. the parent city.

Transportation means such as buses, trains etc all connect the various satellite townships to the main city so that travelling to the main city for work is not an issue. It is free to decide its economic, social and cultural activities.