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• Aim
To understand the process of meaning formation in architecture of legislative buildings
• Objective
To study symbolic representation in architecture
To study semiotics of legislative buildings.
Scope and Limitations
• Scope
The scope of study involves the understanding of semiotics of architecture and
literature case studies of legislative buildings particularly the semiotics involved in it.
• Limitations
Study is limited to the semiotic analysis, based on literature available, Detail study of
social, political and cultural aspect are beyond scope.
Background study
Architecture has always been a media for representation of point of view. Since from
history thoughts and ideas are part architectural expression. Architecture is a tool of
transforming abstract concepts into physical reality. Symbolism becomes more
important when it comes to designing of public built forms. Representing people of
state and symbolizing state power is a part of legislative architecture.
Methodology
Function FORM
FUNCTION
Give Meaning
Form
Express
Function
Architectural representation and meaning.
Meanings in architectural forms depends upon the process of interpretation, which is
shaped by the society.
ELITE
ORDINARY PEOPLE
Chapel, Valleacerón
Semiotics
• Charles Jencks
Any architectural form can be a symbol ,reference, referent
Architecture as Language
In architecture apart from the possible function of the object, various other
meanings are attached with that object, which is interpreted by viewer and to
use them in their own way.
Characterization of Sign and Symbols
Three models
This approach has its difficulties because it relies on human responses as the criterion by which to
verify an architectural sign.
Bonta’s Model
Meanings of the Architectural Symbols
Denotation
of function
Architectural
Form
Connotation
of idea
Meanings of the Architectural Symbols
Primary Sensation and Secondary Sensation
Le Corbusier and Ozenfant
• Primary Sensation:
Color and Shape
Universal for all men
• Secondary Sensation
based on individual background and culture.
Primary sensation are
supposedly more significant
than secondary ones. But the
meaning
are socially bounded.
Case Study
Thought
Referent
Manitoba Legislative Building, Canada
Lady Manitoba
Manitoba Legislative Building, Canada
Temple of persephone
Manitoba Legislative Building, Canada
Thought
Symbol
• Hill reserved for people
• Under the unifying element
• Symbolically represent democracy rises from state of thing
Chambers
Each chambers has a distinctive architectural
style. It can also be seen in the rooftops of
both the chambers are angular and are
finished with the red terracotta tiles. This tile
is reference to the red tiled rooftops of many
Australian homes
Cabinet Room:
• No natural light
• Depicted large ship
• Leanness to represent democracy
The Forecourt
• Design to invite people
• Mosaic pattern symbolize Australia
component
• This space represents the period in country
history before European Settlement