1
Elements of Architecture
1.
List the principles of Architecture and explain them
briefly. (May 2009 5m, May 2015 5m, Dec 2014 5m, Dec 2013 6m, May 2013 5m, Nov 2011
5m, May 2011 10m, May 2010 10m)
-
Explain the aspect of truth as a principle of
Architecture. (Nov 2010 5m, Nov 2009 5m)
Ans: The great principles of
architecture are:
a)
Goodness or convenient arrangement –
Ø
In case of ordinary house we should consider the
adequate sizes of rooms, their convenient arrangement.
Ø
In case of museum we should provide galleries,
with ample wall space and top light.
Ø
In case of shops, it should have large size
show-windows for the display
Ø
In case of school buildings, it should have
large sized classrooms with many windows to admit the lights, meeting halls and
playground at the rear.
Ø
General arrangement of office, workshops, and
godowns, etc. should be of convenient size for smooth operation of tasks,
manufacture process from raw material to finished product, and for storage
purpose.
b)
Beauty –
Ø
It is the second principle of architecture, the
mass definition for beauty changes depending upon the culture and the region.
Ø
It raises the aesthetic element. One cannot
measure it, but one can feel it.
Ø
A grand building with graceful out-lines creates
a deep impression and stimulates emotions of the visitors.
c)
Aspect of Truth – Truth is exhibited in two ways as
follows;
I.
Clarity of purpose:
Ø
Good architecture should not be devoid of truth.
Ø
Good architecture can never deceive the public
even for a moment.
Ø
The building should express the true idea of the
purpose.
Ex: A residential building should not look like a theatre, nor a
town-hall.
Ø
There should not be a false statement in regard
to the purpose of the construction. Ex: A living room should not look like a
store room. Or a prayer hall should not look like business hall.
II.
Clarity of structure:
Ø
Each part of the structure should express the
function it has to perform.
Ø
Stronger materials should be used to support the
weaker ones.
Ø
The materials should be used in their proper
place without causing damage. Ex. Granite which is hard should be used as
foundation and basement materials, bricks for supporting walls, marble for
tracery work, wood for doors, windows and wardrobes, etc.
2.
What are the qualities of Architecture? Explain them
briefly. (May 2009 5m, May 2015 5m, Dec 2014 5m, Dec 2013 4m, May 2013 5m, May
2011 5m, Nov 2010, Nov 2009 5m)
Ans: The qualities of architecture
are as follows;
a.
Strength: A building must have the appearance of
strength, and it should be stable and durable. Ex. Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, etc.
have stood firm even after centuries after they are built.
b.
Vitality: Good architecture must show evidence of life.
The method of construction should express vitality and growth. The expression
comes from the materials used in the construction, and their placement. Ex. Mysore
Palace, St. Peter’s church in Rome.
c.
Unity: Unity is oneness and brings harmony among the
elements in a building like doors, windows, walls, etc. the correct combination
of these will make the building appear as one unit.
d.
Restraint: Good architecture should not possess
over-ornamentation. Excessive or unrestrained decoration spoils the beauty, and
diminishes the effect.
e.
Refinement: Refinement can be achieved by using proper
material in the proper place and restraint excessive use of ornaments. Every
material must be the best of its kind and suited to its true purpose.
f.
Repose: Repose is based on strength and assured
position. A well-defined building gives a feeling of repose in observer’s mind.
Ex. Vidhan Soudha of Bangalore, the building speaks with confidence, therefore,
it is the best example for great architecture.
g.
Grace: Good architecture should possess the expression
of grace and attractiveness. The columns of Greek temple are often made
graceful by providing delicate mouldings at the base, capital and flutes in the
shaft.
h.
Breadth: It indicates proper massing of different parts
of the structure and their sub-ordination of details to the composition. Thus
entire design is brought into a unity.
i.
Scale: It is the relationship of several parts to one
another. In a building, doors, windows, cornices, should be in due proportion
tone another and to general scheme.
j.
Pictorial setting and background: Every building must
have a good pictorial setting and every part must shine with respect to a good
background such as trees or natural features like hills, rivers, etc. We must take
also take landscaping into account, i.e. planning of drives, lawns, gardens,
flower-beds, etc. to form a beautiful setting for a building.
k.
Expression of purpose: The purpose of the building
should be made clear by the use of symbolic ornaments at the frontage of the
building. Ex. A church by its spire, and a mosque by the minarets and dome,
etc.
3.
List the factors to be considered in framing an
architecture of a building. Explain in detail. (Nov 2011 10m)
-
List the elements of Architecture. (May 2009 5m, May
2015 5m, Dec 2013 5m, Nov 2009 5m)
Ans: The factors considered in
framing an architecture of a building or the elements of architecture are as
follows;
a.
Mass: The massive size of the building is important to
make it look durable and long standing. Massive size of columns and arches
gives more mass to the building. A building with unequal masses on either side
will be lacking in stability and produces the sense of discomfort.
b.
Form: Form can be measured, from top to bottom
(Height), side to side (Width), and from back to front (Depth). Skillful
combination of various forms produces stability as well as elegance in a
building.
c.
Proportion: Proportion refers to relative sizes within
the structures, which is very important in architecture. For instance, government
buildings, theaters, mosques and churches are often built to impress, while
proportions in a private home are usually more according to human size.
d.
Balance and Symmetry: Balance means equality and can be
easily obtained by purely symmetrical type. In case of symmetrical type, the
focal point of interest is placed exactly in the centre of composition.
4.
State the scope of Architecture. (May 2010 5m)
-
State the aims of Architecture. (Nov 2009 5m)
Ans: The following are the aims of
architecture;
·
To add beauty and offer convenient arrangement
for the buildings.
·
To exhibit clarity of purpose and clarity of
structure.
·
To provide the sense of strength and durability
to the buildings.
·
To utilize proper materials at the proper places
and in appropriate form.
·
To achieve grace by ornamental enrichment and
beauty in finishing to the structure.
·
To implement modern techniques, but still
maintain the vintage appearance of heritage structures.
5.
Define Architecture. Explain the importance of it. (Nov
2010 5m)
Ans: The selection of forms,
shapes, materials, texture, colour, etc. for a structure to make it look
elegant and beautiful is called Architecture. It tells us how to provide
support to the building economically from the point of view of materials as
well as of space. The importance of architecture are as follows:
·
It covers a remarkable wide field of knowledge
and human activities.
·
It makes use of applied services such as
structural engineering, sanitation, hygiene and ventilation, etc.
·
It utilizes proper materials at the proper
places and in appropriate form.
·
It exhibits clarity of purpose and clarity of
structure.
·
It adds beauty and offer convenient arrangement
for the buildings.
·
Town Planning by Rangwala. Published by
Charotar, 24th edition; 2011.
·
Town Planning text book by H.S. Vishwanath,
Published by Sapna book house, 2nd revised and enlarged edition;
2014.
