Architecture

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.

Reference:

·         Town Planning by Rangwala. Published by Charotar, 24^th edition; 2011.

·         Town Planning text book by H.S. Vishwanath, Published by Sapna book house, 2^nd revised and enlarged edition; 2014.