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.

Master Plan

MASTER PLAN

1. What is a Master plan? What are its objects?

Ans: A master plan may be defined as a general plan for the future layout of a city showing both the existing and proposed streets and roads, open spaces, public buildings, etc.

Following are the objects of Master plan:

Ø  It serves an overall picture and programme for the development of the town.

Ø  It helps in restricting the haphazard and unplanned growth.

Ø  It places various functions which a town has to perform in physical relationship of each other so as to avoid the chances of mutual conflict. It helps to bring harmony and understanding between the different groups of the people.

Ø  It stimulates wider interest in community problems and brings a well-coordinated development.

Ø  It aims at intelligent and economic spending of the public funds for achieving welfare of the inhabitants in respect of amenity, convenience and health.

Ø  It arranges the pattern of a town in such a way so as to satisfy the present requirements without introduction of future improvements by the coming generations.

Ø  It serves as a guide to the planning body for making any recommendations for public improvement.

2. What are the reasons for preparing a master plan for a town? (Principles)

Ans: Reasons for preparing a master plan for a town are as follows:

·         It should provide for all major objectives for the development of the city and still be economical.

·         Provisions for changes during the implementation of the plan should be kept.

·         It should be sound, practical and inspire civic interests, devotion and loyalty.

·         No overcrowding should be there with assurance of health care, recreational facilities and amenities.

·         Proper traffic management systems should be incorporated in it.

3. What is the necessity of master plan?

Ans: The necessities of master plan are as follow:

§  The industries have been set up in the heart of the cities without any consideration of transport and other utility services.

§  The migration of rural population has caused housing shortage and increased congestion.

§  The rapid development of transport caused housing over-crowding and congestion on the roads. Industries have encroached upon the residential areas causing shortage of open and recreational areas.

In order to control the un-planned growth of town and to   achieve general welfare of the citizens in respect of health, convenience and comfort.

4. What are the data to be collected for master plan?

Ans: The data required for the preparation of a master plan as follows:

a.       Metrological data regarding soil condition.

b.      Geological data regarding soil condition.

c.       Population- present and its future growth.

d.      Details of trades and industries.

e.       Mineral resources.

f.       Economic conditions of the authority.

g.      Environments of the site.

h.      Land values and land use pattern.

i.        Location of historical, cultural and scientific places.

j.        Water supply and drainage arrangement.

k.      Requirements for railway stations, goods yards and shipping facilities.

l.        Facilities of the transport.

m.    Locations of spots of the natural beauty.

n.      Political position of the place with regard to its neighbouring area.

o.      Expansion, development of environments.

p.      Special requirements for power houses, gas works, sewage disposal plant and storm water drainage, etc.

5. How is master plan prepared?

Ans: A master plan is only a key plan generally prepared on a small scale. Following are the details contained in the master plan:

                                           i.            Boundaries of land of different types such as residential, agricultural, industrial, etc.

                                         ii.            Boundary of green belt surrounding the town.

                                       iii.            Contour map of the whole town.

                                       iv.            Different zones.

                                         v.            Present and proposed open areas.

                                       vi.            Present and proposed communication.

                                     vii.            Landscape features.

                                   viii.            Residential areas.

                                       ix.            Locations of the public buildings and town centres.

                                         x.            Open spaces including parks and playgrounds.

                                       xi.            Public amenities.

                                     xii.            Positions of the natural springs, rivers and streams, etc.

                                   xiii.            Position of the public utility services such as water supply station, sewage disposal plant, power plant, etc.

                                   xiv.            Boundary of the green belt surrounding the town.

In addition to the drawings, perspective views, panoramas, models, etc. should also be prepared if required.

6. What are the functions of the master plan?

Ans: The functions of the master plan are:

Ø  To control the development of various industries in a systematic way.

Ø  To guide development of a city is an orderly manner so as to improve the quality of life of the people.

Ø  To discourage the growth of town in an unplanned and unscientific way.

Ø  To give a perspective picture of a fully developed town.

Ø  To limit to a certain extent the unprecedented flow of rural population to the urban area.

Ø  To overcome shortage of houses, traffic congestion, inadequate open spaces and public amenities, etc. due to overcrowding of population.

Ø  To direct the physical development of the city in relation to its social and economic characteristics based on comprehensive surveys and studies on the present status and the future growth prospects.

Ø  To organize and coordinate the complex relationships between urban land uses.

Ø  To provide a resource mobilization plan for the proposed development works.

7. How is the master plan executed?

Ans: The execution of master plan is carried out either by municipality or corporation. For execution a team of experts in Engineering, Public health, Architecture, Sociology, Economics, Finance, etc. headed by a Town Planner is required.

After the master plan is accepted and approved by the concerned authority, the steps to be taken will be,

·         To fix the broad policies in connection with various proposals.

·         To prepare the list of the urgent works according to their priorities.

·         To prepare the detailed estimates of work of top priorities.

·         To prepare a financial programme.

It takes many years to complete the works contemplated in the master plan. The cost is also very high amounting to several years. Moreover, several modifications will have to be made as such no final estimate is made in the initial stage.

The most important part of master plan is the reservation of land for road system, open spaces and public amenities, which cannot be provided for at a later date. Once it is finalised, no building should be allowed to construct which will upset the street system. The works proposed in the plan are for the prosperity of the people, hence any new proposals benefiting the public are considered periodically, usually at every period of five years.

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.

Recreational Measures

Video: Active type of Recreational Parks around the world

Recreational measures and landscaping

1.      Write the necessity of recreational facilities in a town. (May 2015 5m, Dec 2013 5m)

Ans. It must be noted that no town planning scheme is complete without the provision of recreational facilities, following are the necessities of recreational facilities,

·         It brings enjoyment of living, encourages relaxation, helps to utilize the leisure time with the family.

·         It contributes to the general health and welfare of the community.

·         The parks, playgrounds and other recreational amenities play a major role in development of youngsters.

·         It creates love for good health, body building, team spirit, sportsmanship among the people, therefore, it is essential for city life.

2.      List the types of recreation and briefly explain any two of them. (Nov 2011 5m)

-          Explain briefly passive and active type of recreational system. (May 2013 5m)

-          List and explain the types of open spaces in the form of recreation, on the basis of sources rendered by them. (Nov 2009 5m)

Ans. There are two types of recreation systems, they are:

a.       Passive type, such as parks and gardens, etc.

b.      Active type, such as playground, stadium, cycling and swimming clubs, etc.

1)      Parks: (Passive type)

-          Parks are necessary to meet the needs of open spaces, to get fresh air and relaxation.

-          They should be made more attractive by planning all types of flowers, trees, bushes in the pleasing layouts with fountains.

2)      Playgrounds: (Active type)

-          Playgrounds help to provide physical growth of the body.

-          The demand for playgrounds in recent times has greatly increased due to the rapid growth of organized athletic games.

-          This is effective on civic, cultural, social and physical aspects of town life. 

3.      List the major classification of parks. (May 2009 5m, Dec 2013 5m)

-          Give the brief explanation of classification of parks. (Dec 2014 5m)

-          Write classification of park according to size and state their space standards. (May 2013 5m, Nov 2010 5m)

-          How parks are classified? Explain briefly. (May 2010 5m)

Ans. The parks can be classified in to the following three ways:

·         According to Character

·         According to purpose

·         According to size

Ø  According to Character

a)      Natural parks: In natural parks, original features of the parks are maintained, and only necessary arrangements are made to put them for public use.

b)      Artificial parks: These parks are prepared artificially with great care by experts in the park layout. They are plated with grass, shrubs and trees. The water may be introduced in the form of fountains and pools.

Ø  According to purpose

a)      Botanical parks: These parks are primarily meant for the study of plant specimens. Their atmosphere is pleasant and appealing by the presence of beautiful trees, flowers and lawns.

b)      Zoological parks: These parks provide all specimens of animal life, thus it is called zoo. People like to visit zoo with their kids, therefore zoos should be laid out on pleasant surroundings.

Ø  According to size

a)      Small size parks: These are generally in the form of squares enclosed by public buildings. The area of these parks varies from 1 hectares to 4 hectares.

b)     Medium size parks: These are generally found in residential area. The community centre can also be located in this park, the size of these parks should not be less than 12 hectares.

c)      Large size parks: These parks provides facilities like swimming, boating, cycling and also separate section for jogging and walking. In such parks restaurant facilities are also made available for public. The size of such parks should not be less than 10 to 12 hectares, or in case of availability of land it should be between 25 to 30 hectares.

d)      Reservations: These parks are generally located outside the city limits. These parks include extensive areas of natural sceneries. The size of such parks should not be less than 400 hectares.

e)      National parks: These are large in area, and these area are usually consists of rivers, forests, waterfalls and mountains, wildlife, places of historical importance. The area of national parks may run into thousands or lakhs of hectares.

4.      What are the points to be considered while selecting site for parks and playgrounds? (May 2009 5m)

Ans. The following are points to be considered while selecting site for parks and playgrounds:

a)      Easily accessible for public.

b)      Cheaply available land to serve are park and playground.

c)      The lands which are not suitable for streets and buildings.

d)     The lands which are not suitable for other developments, such land should be converted to parks and gardens.

e)      The land should be acquired well in advance before the value of land increases.

5.      Explain combined belt and wedge system of park system with neat sketch. (May 2013 5m)

Ans. The parks should serve the large number of people, therefore it should have such kind of arrangements to connect the open spaces. Following are the important types of park systems:

·         Belt or ring system: In this case parks are generally provided on the periphery of the town in the form of belt of ring.

·         Wedge or radial system: In this case wedge shape strips of open spaces radiate through the town centre to the rural area. It brings fresh air from rural area into the town.

·         Combination of belt and wedge system: It is an ideal park system as it combines both belt and wedge system. It is possible to link up major open spaces of the town and allows easy drive way with greenery on both the sides by providing boulevards.

Fig: Combined belt and wedge system.

6.      Define Boulevards. What are its significance? (May 2013 5m)

Ans. Boulevards are connections between the large and medium sized parks and act as a green avenue in the town. They enable the busy people who have no time to visit parks to drive through the parks and enjoy the natural surroundings. Following are the significance of Boulevards:

·         It forms an important part of an urban park system.

·         Its presence gives an added attractiveness to the town.

·         It provides sufficient width to provide separate tracks for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, etc.

·         It allows the busy people enjoy the greenery while on drive itself.

7.      Write a short note on park design with a neat sketch. (May 2009 5m)

Ans. The design of parks requires efforts from many fields. It requires teamwork of the architect, hydraulic engineer, horticulturist, and landscape architect. While designing the park, the designer has to collect the necessary data such as;

·         Characteristics of the site

·         Footfalls to the park

·         Purpose of the park, etc.

By considering the above mentioned data, it helps to decide the kind of grass, shrubs, and trees to be planted in the park. After selecting the type of plant and trees, a proper layout of the park has to be prepared. The park has to be divided into three distinct divisions as shown in the mentioned below,

·         Area for passive recreation

·         Area for active recreation

·         Sanitary block

·         Fountains, etc.

Other details which add to the decorative effect of the parks such as statues, bird rests, summer houses for kids, etc. should be provided depending upon the importance of the park.

8.      Write a short note on theme park. (May 2011 5m)

Ans. Theme parks are nothing but the amusement parks, it provide the visitors with wholesome entertainment, especially with kids, and such parks are themed with certain attractions. Theme parks amuse the visitors with beautiful design and convey them into another world. The pioneer in the field of theme parks was Walt Disney. He established Walt Disney Productions and first theme park in the form of “Disney Land”, in California, USA. The biggest reason for the popularity of theme parks is the pure fantasy which is offered by such parks. The fantastic characters, spectacular rides, live entertainment programmes, etc. are the main features of a theme park. These parks are clean and wholesome enough to appeal to the entire family.

9.      Write a short note on Landscape Architecture. (Nov 2011 5m, Nov 2009 5m)

Ans. Landscape architecture means the arrangement of plant materials, inter-materials, and water for efficient, healthy and pleasant use by the society. Landscape architecture is more environmental in character, and the job of landscape architect is to make use of open spaces. The competent landscape architect is trained in various fields such as geology, ecology, forestry, topography, and colour effects, etc. Landscaping is not limited to design of gardens and parks but it takes into account the entire area of city and its physical features.

Ø  If the location is along the hillside, it should be planned in the layout as a rock garden.

Ø  If the location is on the bank of river, care must be taken to lay out the walk paths, boulevards, open spaces, etc.

Ø  If in case there is no proper natural location, the landscape architect can create pleasant location artificially by providing a flowering trees and beautiful lawns.

10.  Write the objects of Landscaping architecture. (May 2015 5m, Dec 2013 5m, May 2013 5m, May 2013 5m)

-          Define landscaping. What are its objects? (Dec 2014 5m)

-          What are the purposes of landscape architecture? (Dec 2011 5m, Nov 2011 5m)

Ans. Landscaping means the arrangement of plant materials, inter-materials, and water for efficient, healthy and pleasant use by the society. The objects or purposes of landscape architecture can be briefly mentioned as follows:

a)      The landscape architecture decorates the town with gardens, parks, recreational open spaces, etc.

b)      The proper landscaping imparts beauty and it results into a good appearance of the town.

c)      The provision of trees in the town results into many advantages. It relieves eye strain, lower the temperature, absorbs carbon dioxide and give out oxygen, and provide shade during summer, etc.

d)     The urban landscaping is intended for developing an agreeable, cheerful, pleasant and attractive environment.

11.  Write the elements of landscaping. (May 2015 5m)

Ans. Following are the elements of landscaping;

a)      Create different levels by providing steps for better view in the places such as parks.

b)      Seats to rest and enjoy the scenery.

c)      Fence and walls for protection and make spaces for different functions.

d)     Lights to enjoy the beauty of landscape even during late hours.

e)      Bird house for better enjoyment and to create a different environment.

f)       Gates for identification of certain places.

g)      Play equipment to keep people of different age groups busy for a larger time.

h)      Rock garden for enjoyment and increasing the landscape beauty.

i)        Water for pools and fountains for better environment.

j)        Plant material: trees, shrubs, hedges, flower plants, climbers or creepers.

12.  Draw landscaping sketch of residential buildings. (May 2013 5m)

Ans. Landscape plan for residential building;

13.  Explain colour and convention of landscaped drawings. (May 2013 5m)

Ans. Colour is the most rewarding element to work with in the landscape. Colour can be utilized in the garden for the following effects:

Ø  To bring life and excitement to the landscape.

Ø  Blend the exterior environment with structural colours to tie the overall design.

Ø  Complement the colours of other plants.

Ø  Attract animals and insects, such as birds and butterflies.

Ø  Create a calm mood.

Ø  Provide variety and interest through the seasons.

14.  Draw neat sketch showing different parts of a typical park layout. (Dec 2011 5m)

Ans. 

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.