According to Vitruvius the basic aspects/criteria

Theory of Architecture reviewer

Firmitas – structural adequacy
Vitruvius Utilitas - functional adequacy
Education of the architect “Spaces that are efficient”
1. Multi-Discipline Venustas – beauty “art, creative part”
2. Knowledge – practice and theory
3. Authority – Manual skills and scholarship “Theory of architecture could change, develop,
4. Master Builder, Architect, Doctor, Engineer and improve”

Fundamental properties of Modernism - concrete focus on how will you use

Architecture
According to Vitruvius
1. Order
2. Eurhythmy
3. Symmetry
“Theories are never isolated”
Architectural Theory
It must fill the criteria
Firmitas – strength
Utilitas – function, commodity
Venustas – beauty
it, remove emotions.
Post Modernism - mix of modern and past, trying
4. Propriety
to evolve, place back emotions.
5. Economy
(pinag lalaruan ang modernism, there should be
something that evolves emotions.)
Essence of architecture
(Architecture and arts as Greek words)
Archi – first or original
Tekton – ability to put things together
Art – (Sanskrit root) everything in its right place

Architecture
- Arts and science of building
De Arkitektura
 - Creates places for people  Sick building syndrome color theories –
- Reflection of self result of someone’s present condition of the
building results bad thing
“Architecture is the process of growth and  Climate and building materials structural
creation” theories

“It gives form to the invisible rhythm of life” Types of theory

Traditional definition of good Descriptive – explains phenomenon or events:

Architecture according to Vitruvius Neutral and don’t lean towards any ideology
Prescriptive – prescribes basis or guidelines
Critical – challenges relationships between
Firmitas – structural adequacy
architecture or society
Utilitas - functional adequacy
Venustas – beauty
Architectural theory
Theory in general  Structural principles
 Building code zoning land use plans
 Scientifically accepted principle body of  Critical regionalism
principles offered to explain phenomenon. - Bringing back the identity or culture in a
 Relationship of facts unique way
 Belief, policy or procedure  Permits and regulations, Architectural
 Collection of thoughts, views, ideas programming
 It is discussed, tested, used and develop  Post-Modernism Bauhaus International
Style
Spatial Theory

Anthropocentrism – the human being is the most
important entity in the universe
- The world is perceived according to the
values
Anthropomorphism – human qualities are
associated with non-human entities/events
- Qualities such as form, values and
emotions
Ethnocentrism – habitual disposition to judge
foreign peoples or groups by standards and
practices of one’s own culture or ethnic groups
Ekistics – concerns the science of human
settlements
Anthropometrics – study of measurement of the
human body.
What is Architecture?
 Architecture of SPACE, STRUCTURE,
ENCLOSURE
 Architecture as an Experience
 Architecture and technology
 Architecture and architectural program
 Architecture and context
Architecture of space
- Organizational pattern
- Relationships
- Hierarchy
Architecture of structure
- frame
Architecture of enclosure
- shape, color, texture, scale, proportion
- surfaces, edges, opening
- physical aspects
Architecture achieved by means of
technology
- structure and enclosure
- environmental protection and comfort
- health, safety and welfare
- durability
Architecture experienced through
movement in space and time
- approach and entry
- path configuration and access
- sequence and spaces
Accommodating a program  meanings
- user requirements, needs, aspirations - as systems and organization of:
- socio-cultural factors  images, patterns, signs, symbols,
- economic factors context
- legal restraints Physical
- as form and space
- historical tradition and precedents
 solids and voids
As part of the context
 exterior and interior
- site and environment - as systems and organization of:
- climate  space, structure, enclosure,
- geography and geology machines
- sensory and cultural characteristic
Elements of design
How do we understand Architecture? - Point - Plane
Perceptual Conceptual - Line - Volume
Physical
Point
Perceptual - Two ends of a line
- as form and space - Intersecting of two lines
 sensory perception - Meeting of lines at the corner of a plane
- as systems and organization of: or volume
 qualities of light, color, texture, - Center of a field
view and sound
Conceptual Line
- as form and space
 - A point extended becomes a line with - properties of form:
properties of: length, direction, position Shape size
Ex: Color texture
- Mullion - Acoustic board Position orientation
- Metal fill - Pediment Visual inertia
- Ground
Plane Form
- A line extended becomes a plane with - architectural form is the point of contact
properties of : between mass and space
- Length and width - shape - architectural forms, texture, materials of
- Surface - orientation modular of light and shade, color all
- Position combine to inject a quality or spirit that
articulate space
Volume - the quality of the architecture will be
- A plane extended becomes a volume determined by the sill of the designer
with properties of: using and relating these elements, not in
- Length - orientation the interior spaces and in the spaces
- width - Surface around buildings
- depth - Position
- form - Space

Forms in architecture
Architectural Form
- the point of contact between mass and
space (Visual properties of form)
 - shape - size - also affects the visual height of
- color - texture form
Shape Texture
- the characteristic outline or surface - the visual and specially tactile quality,
configuration of particular form gives to a surface by the side and
- the principal aspect by which we identify propositions of the parts
and categorize forms
- in architecture we concerned with (Rational properties of form)
shapes of: - position - Visual Inertia
- floor, wall, ceiling, planes that - Orientation
enclosed space
- color and window openings with Position
special enclosure - location of a form relative to its
- silhouette and contours of building environment of the visual field
forms within which it is seen
Size Orientation
- the physical dimensions of length, width, - direction of a form relative to the
and depth of form ground plane, and the compass
- these dimensions determine the points, the other forms, or the
properties of form person viewing the form
Visual Inertia
Color - the degree of the concentration and
- a phenomenon of light that may be stability of a form
described in terms of an individual - depends on the geometry, orientation
perception of hue, saturation and tonal relative to ground plane full of gravity
value
Value
Primary shapes
- Circle
- Triangle
- Square
Circle
A plane curve, every point of which is
equidistant from a fixed point within the curve
- Compositions of circles and circular
segments:
- A centralized, introverted figure that is
normally stable and self-catering in its
environment
- Placing a circle in the center of a field
reinforces its internet centrality
- Associating it with straight or angular
forms or placing an element along its
circumference, however can in due a
rotary motion
Triangle
A plane figure bounded by the sides and
having three angles
- Signifies stability
- When resting on one of its sides,
the triangle is an extremely stable
figure
- When tipped to stand on one of its
vertices, however can either be
balance in a precarious state of
equilibrium or be unstable and
tend to fall over on to one of its
sides
Square
A plane figure having four sides and four
right angles
- Represents the pure and the
rational
- It is a static and neutral figure
having no preferred direction
- All other rectangles can be
considered variations of the
square deviations from the norm
by the addition of height or width
- Like the triangle, the square is
stable when resting on one of its
sides, and dynamic when standing
on one of its corners
Primary solids
- Sphere - Colonical
- Cylinder - Pyramid
- Cube
Regular forms
- In parts are related to another in a
consistent and orderly manner
- Generally stable in nature and
symmetrical about one or more axes
- Sphere, cylinder, cone, cube, and
pyramid
Irregular forms
- Associating it with straight or angular
forms or placing an element along its
circumference, however can in due a
rotary motion
- Parts are dissimilar in nature and related
to one another in an inconsistent
manner
- Generally asymmetrical and more
dynamic than regular forms
- Can be regular forms from which
irregular elements have been subtracted
or results from an irregular composition
of regular forms
Form transformation and organization
(Form articulation)
- Dimensional transformation altering
dimensions but still retaining form
identity
 Subtractive transformation
- Removing positions of platonic form but
still retaining form identity
 Additive transformation
- Adding extraneous forms but still
retaining form identity
(Spatial relationships)
- Space within a space
- Interlocking space
- Adjacent space
- Space link by a common space
(Organization of spaces)
 Centralize
A number of secondary forms clustered about a - First phase of the circulation system
dominant, centralized parent-form during which we are prepared to see,
 Linear experience and use the building
A series of forms arranged sequentially in a row Frontal Approach
 Radial Oblique Approach
A composition of linear forms extending outward Spiral Approach
from a central form in a radial manner  Entrance
 Clustered Organization - From outside to inside
A collection of forms grouped together by
- Maybe flushed, projected or rested
proximity of the sharing of a common visual trait
 Configuration of path
 Grid Organization
- The sequence of spaces
A set of modular form related and regulated by a
three dimensional grid - Can be linear, radial, spiral, grid,
network or composite

Circulation  Path space relationships

- Edges, modes termination of the path
 Linking spaces in time  Form of the circulation space
- People experience the four - Corridors, halls, galleries, stairways and
dimensionality of the spaces rooms

Elements of circulation
Spatial Theories
- Architectural and the self
 Approach
- Proxemics
- The distant view
- Territoriality and defensible spaces
 - The concept of privacy in order that people ad things will interact
- Social overcrowding effectively and safety
o Gender
 Architectural and the self Masculine architecture
- Expresses aggressive, extroverted
“Architecture is always created, perceived and
qualities
experienced relation to the self”
Feminine architecture
- Expresses introspective, social and
Levels of the self introverted qualities
- Body Androgynous architecture
- Gender ( comes from within ) - Expresses neither masculine nor
- Emotions feminine qualities
- Spirits Gay architecture
o Body - Expresses both feminine and masculine
qualities.
- Anthropocentrism
When men decides according to his deeds o Emotions
- Anthropomorphism - Architecture expresses one or more
Objects take the form of human distinct emotions in form and space, e.g.
festivity, fear, sadness, anger, etc.
- Anthropometrics
Measurement of the human body o Spirit
- Ergonomic - Architecture reflects and expresses the
An applied science concerned with the concept of oneness in form and space
characteristics of people that need to be Ex: church
considered in the design of device and systems
 Proxemics
“The study of measureable distances between
people as they interact” (study of the symbolic) Basic Characteristic
- Ownership of and rights to a place
o Distance zones - Personalization or making of an area
- Pubic distance - Defense against institutions
12 feet or more - Serve functions ranging from
- Social distance psychological to self-actualization
4-12 feet How do people mark their territory?
- Fences
- Personal distance
- Closed doors
18-48 inches
- Signs
- Intimate distance - Name plates
18 inches, average - Personal items
o Socio-petal space Defensible space
- Triggers behaviors that gather people A space that affords easy recognition and
o Socio fugal space control of activities usually through visual access,
- Triggers behaviors that separate people adjacency or electronic monitoring.

Personalization
 Territoriality and defensible space - Staking claims to places
- Manifestation of desire of control and
o Territory expression of aesthetic tastes as well as
A delimited space that a person or a group an effort to make an environment fit
uses and defends as an exclusive activity better
preserve; involves psychological - Also done for psychological security
identification with a space.
Soft Architecture
 - The building or environment can be
personalized without damage to them or
without difficult surgery
Privacy
- The ability of an individual or group of
individuals to control their visual,
auditory, and all factory interactions with
others; the ability to have options and to
achieve desired level of interaction.
Kinds
 Solitude
The state of being free from observation by
others
 Intimacy
State of being with another person but free
from the outside world others
 Anonymity
State of being unknown even in a crowd
 Reserve
State in which a person employs
psychological barriers to control unwanted
intrusions
Concept of privacy
Design Implications
- Needs for privacy greater for introverts
than for extroverts
- People under stress may need more
privacy
- Extroverts may prefer contrast with the
environment
- Introverts may refer courtyards
Social overcrowding
- Introverts associated with a feeling of
lack of control over the environment
- Leads to negative behavior because
they are related to social overload
- Results from overmanning of behavior
settings
Psychological theories and architecture
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs Theories on perception

“People make choices according to different Cognition

levels of needs” The mental process by which knowledge is
Self-fulfillment acquired
- Self-actualization Symbol
Psychological needs Something that represents something else by
- Self esteem association, resemblance or convention
- Social acceptance ( belongingness ) Semiotics
Basic needs The science of signs
- Safety security
- Psychological needs
Gestalt theory
Psychological
 Objects observed have innate qualities that
- Needs to protect and nurture
make them independent of the perceiver
Safety
and the environment
- Need to feel and be safe from physical
and psychological harm  We perceive objects as segregated from
Social acceptance and affiliation each other and from a background
- Need to belong to a group or society
Self esteem Gestalt principles
- Need to feel good about one-self
Self-actualization Proximity
- Need to realize one’s full potential; to  Refers to objects placed closed together
achieve ones dream being perceived as a group
  When shaped far apart, objects are
perceived as separate
 Occurs when objects are closer to each
other than to any other objects
Similarity
 Shared visual characteristics automatically
create relationships
 The more alike objects appear, the more
likely they are to be seen as a group
Note: similarity is based upon what an object
looks like, not what an object is
Continuity
 The principles of continuity dictate that
once the eye begins to follow something it
will continue traveling in that direction until
it encounters another object
Closure
 Related to continuity in that it asks the eye
to compete a path
 As long as enough essential information is
present, the mind supplies the missing
pieces of an object
 Can be found quite often in paintings,
mosaic and sculptures through the ages.
Classical artists have long recognized the
ability to fill in the blanks
Multi-stability
 Ability of our eyes to see two different
things
Theories of perception
Ecological theory
- Condition in the environment affect the
way an object is perceived
Transactional theory
- Recognizes the role of experience; there
exists a dynamic relationship between
the person and environment
Aesthetics
- The study of the mind and the emotions
in relation to the sense of beauty
 - Seeks to answer the question “why do - Architecture allows for individual
people consider an image beautiful?” interpretation and critical self-reflection
Coined in the German form “aesthetik” rather than the perpetuation of a single
(Modern spelling asthetik) by alexander narrative.
Baumgarten in 1735; encompassed the theory of Existential
perception - Is a n approach towards being rather
than an affected style for show;
Types embodies essence, facticity and
Speculative aesthetics authenticity
- Philosophical approach Political
- Scientifically approach - What power refuses to say, or what
Empirical aesthetics power attempts to conceal in the
- Information – theory approach inscrutable meaning of political
- Psychological semiotic language, is revealed in the works it
Speculative builds
Philosophical approach Scientific
- Hermeneutical - Psychoanalytic
- Phenomenological - Psychological
- Existential - Organismicist
- Political - Formist
Hermeneutics Empirical aesthetic
- The art clarifying and mediating by our - Information theory
own effort of interpretation - Semantic
- “what is said by persons we encounter - Semiotic
in tradition” - Gadaner - Psychological
Phenomenological
Design in the context of architecture Problem definition (what has to be done)
Inventory / Analysis site user
The activity of generating proposals that already
exists into something that is better. Problem definition (what has to be done)
Inventory/analysis site user
Initial state (empty) Program (identify clearly what has to be done)
Schematic design
Transformation (process) Detailed design development
Contract documents
Imagined future state Building and contracting
Construction
Occupation/maintenance
Design stages Architectural Programming
The research and decision-making process
- Preparation that identifies the scope of work to be designed
Collection and analysis of information
- Proposal-making Information relevant to the project
Synthesis, bringing together a variety of Gathering
considerations Organizing
- Evaluation Analyzing
(Evaluating goals) evaluation based on Interpreting
goals Presenting
- Iteration
Cycle’s feedback Role of the program of the document
Design process  States the mission (purpose) of the project
  Serves as repository of all facts pertaining Political Social
to the project
 Documents all decisions regarding scope Site:
and direction of project Climate Air quality
 Is a legal contract between architect and Geography Hydrology
client defining existing conditions and Geology Topography
designed project outcome. Vegetarian Facilities
Utilities Access
Main areas of concern Visual Resources
 Issue based program analysis of the Codes
existing state
 Required state program: projection of what Users:
future state should be Activities Abilities
Parts of an Issue based program Age group Personalities
 Fact: analysis of the existing re objective, Anthropometrics Roles
specific and verifiable by some Organization Values
measurement of observation Disabilities Rules
 Their existence is not subject to judgement Perceptual
but their use and interpretation is based on
values

Required state program

Context:
Cultural Demographic Translation
Economic Ethnical
 A vision of an alternative environment
accompanied by a proposal on how this
alternative environment can be realized
Design Philosophy
A statement of the belief’s values or
viewpoints from which the development of design
solutions take off. Often formed out of universally
held principles and thus become bases for
socially desirable design objections.
Reserve: state in which a person employs
psychological barriers to control unwanted
intrusions
Soft architecture: the building or
environment can be personalized without
damage to them or without difficult surgery

The concept of privacy

Privacy: the ability of an individual or
groups of individuals to control their visual,
auditory and olfactory interactions with others:
the ability to have options and to achieve desired
levels interactions

Kinds of Privacy
Solitude: state of being free from
observation by others
Intimacy: state of being with another
person but free from the outside
Anonymity: state of being unknown even in
a crowd