Federal TVET Teachers Training Institute
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Basics of Architectural
Design
Basic Design What is Architecture
Definition of Architecture
Elements of architecture
Space defining elements
Opening in space defining elements
Spatial relationship
Spatial organization
Primary forms
Transformation of forms Introduction to Architecture
Basic Design What is Architecture
Definition of Architecture
Originated from the Greek word Architekton
Archi – great tekton – builder
Architecture is the art and science of building
It is the conscious creation of utilitarian spaces with
the deliberate use of material
Architecture should be technically efficient and
aesthetically pleasing. Introduction to Architecture
Basic Design What is Architecture
Definition of Architecture
1. “The art and science of designing and erecting
buildings.”
2. “A style and method of design and “Buildings and
other large structures”
Basic Design What is Architecture
Art and science regional identity reflection of place
and time
Cultural Artifact:
Gives us insight about the culture that created it.
“a projection of a society on the ground” Illustrates
cultural values, beliefs and ambitions
Basic Design What is Architecture
EVALUATING ARCHITECTURE
Form – square/rectangle, large/small, solid/open
Function - building type mausoleum, temple or palace
Material – stone, metal, glass, crude or finished
Material – material determined by resources – shape is
often associated with technology and workforce
PLACE / TIME
Where – type of settlement; urban, suburban, rural
Where – climate: arctic/equator, desert/jungle
Where – site specifics, view, roads, neighboring
structures
Basic Design What is Architecture
Definition by the Roman architect
VITRUVIUS in the 1st century AD
Vitruvius said that architecture was :
a building that incorporated:
Utilitas ... Firmitas … Venustas
Commodity ... Firmness ... Delight
Utility ... Structure ... Attractive
Use ... Construction … Appearance
Function ... Technology ... Aesthetic
Basic Design The difference B/n Architecture &
Building
Any Building ≠ Architecture
Architecture = Design BEFORE Building
Architecture is Design:
Buildings, Spaces and Environments According to
Human Needs Using Technology and Science, With
Aesthetic Qualities.
Design
The word ‘design’ as defined in the Longman Dictionary of
Contemporary English (1987) has the following meanings. As a
noun, it means:
A drawing or pattern showing how something is to be
made;
The art of making such drawings or patterns;
The arrangement of parts in any man-made product, such
as a machine or work of art, as this influences the product’s
practical usefulness;
A decorative pattern, esp. one that is not repeated;
A plan in the mind.
The word design is also used as a verb with the following
meanings. To make a drawing or pattern of something that
will be made or built for a certain purpose or use.
PRIMARY ELEMENTS
Primary Elements
Point
Point in geometry is a location. It has no size i.e. no
width, no length and no depth. A point is shown by a
dot.
Marks a position in space
Conceptually, it has no length,
width or depth
It is static, centralized and
directionless
As the prime element in the
vocabulary of form, it serves to
mark:
THE TWO ENDS OF A LINE
Primary Elements Point
To mark a position in space or on the ground plane, a
point must be projected vertically into a linear form
POINT
Obelisk
POINT IS
EXTENDED
BECOMES A LINE WITH LENGTH, DIRECTION AND POSITION
Architectural use of points & dots
Architectural use of points & dots
Primary Elements Line
Line - is a mark on a surface that describes a shape or outline. It
can create texture and can be thick and thin.
Vertical – Represents dignity, formality,
stability, and strength
Horizontal – Represents calm, peace,
and relaxation
Diagonal – Represents action, activity,
excitement, and movement
Curved – Represents freedom, the
natural, having the appearance of
softness, and creates a soothing
feeling or mood
Primary Elements Line
A line is a critical element in the formation of
any visual construction
It can serve to: join or link other visual
elements
support visual elements
surround or intersect other visual elements
A line describe the edges of and give shape to
planes
articulate the surfaces of planes
Primary Elements Line
The orientation of a line affects its role in a
visual construction
A vertical line can express a state of
equilibrium with the force of gravity,
symbolize the human condition, or mark a
position in space
A horizontal line can represent stability, the
ground plane, the horizon, or a body at
rest
An oblique line may be seen as a vertical
line falling or a horizontal line rising
Vertical elements have been used throughout history to commemorate
significant events and establish particular points in space
Primary Elements Line
Vertical linear elements can also define a transparent volume of
space, as in the example above, the four minarets outline a
spatial field which the dome of Hagia Sophia rises in splendor
Hagia Sophia,
Constantinople
Primary Elements Line
Primary Elements Line
Two parallel lines have the ability to visually describe a
plane
The closer these lines are to each other, the stronger will be
the sense of plane they convey
Primary Elements Line
Patterns and illustration using lines
Primary Elements Line
Use of Lines in Architecture VERTICAL LINES
Primary Elements Line
Use of Lines in Architecture HORIZONTAL LINES
Use of Lines in Architecture DIAGONAL LINES
Use of Lines in Architecture CURVED LINES
ASSIGNMENT
Make Different Pattern using Points and Dots
Make Different Pattern using Different lines
