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INDUS UNIVERSITY
Learn Well To Live Well
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COURSE BRIEF
• Semester 4th
• Credit Hours 2
• Course Name Psychology of space
Faculty of Art & Design, Indus University 3
MARKS
DISTRIBUTION
• Assignment 15 marks
• Presentation 10 marks
• Quiz 10 marks
• Mid Exams 25 marks
• Final 40 marks
Faculty of Art & Design, Indus University 4
LECTURE 3
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DIFFERENT PSYCHOLOGICAL
THEORIES
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Design Theories
Architectural or Design theories are formulated by eminent architects and
theorists based on various beliefs, studies, experiments, research, and analysis.
They are taught in architectural schools that include its principles, systems,
processes, understanding of architecture, philosophies, objectives, etc., and are
published in books, magazines, newsletters during these modern times.
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Design Theories
Architectural theories are also stated by eminent architects from Vitruvius in the
past to Frank Llyod Wright, Frank Gerry, Philip Johnson in the 19th and
20th centuries. Out of many, few of the well-known architects and architectural
design theories are:
1. Le Corbusier – Five points of architecture
2. Louis Sullivan – Form ever follows function
3. Vitruvius – 3 principles theory
4. Mies Van Der Rohe – Universal space theory
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1. Le Corbusier’s design philosophy
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1. Le Corbusier – Five Points of Architecture
Along with Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier was
instrumental in the creation of the International Style. This was a
movement defined by rectilinear forms, open interiors and 'weightless'
structures. Le Corbusier laid out these tenets in his five principles of new
architecture, published in 1927.
1. The Pilotis
A grid of columns to replace
load-bearing walls, allowing
architects to make more use
of floorspace.
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1. Le Corbusier – Five Points of Architecture
2. Free floor plans
Flexible living spaces that could adapt
to changing lifestyles, thanks to the
absence of load-bearing walls.
3. Roof gardens
A flat roof covered in vegetation,
which keeps moisture consistent and
regulates temperature.
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1. Le Corbusier – Five Points of Architecture
4.The Free Façade
The structure separates from the façade,
relieving it of its structural function.
Flexible living spaces that could adapt to
changing lifestyles.
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1. Le Corbusier – Five Points of Architecture
5. Ribbon Windows
The second principle of architecture
is ribbon windows, aka horizontal
windows. These windows span from
one end to the other end of the
facade.
Ribbon windows don’t only allow
ample natural light but also provide
stunning panoramic views of the
surrounding environment.
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1. Le Corbusier – Villa Savoye
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Villa Savoye
Designed in 1929, Villa Savoye is one of the most celebrated Le
Corbusier works where 5 principles of architecture are clearly seen.
It’s a masterpiece of modern architecture.
The structure rising over the pilotis has wide ribbon windows and a
free plan setup. Inside, there is a ramp that continues uninterrupted
from the ground floor to the terrace roof.
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2. Louis Sullivan – Design Philosophy
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2. Louis Sullivan – Form Follows Function
The famous phrase often heard is the “form follows function” coined by
architect Louis Sullivan. It states that the shape of the building should
relate primarily to its function.
The phrase “Form Follows Function” is a self-explanatory term. This
means that the functionality of the building should be a deriving factor.
Major design decisions should be made based on the function, and
form should be derived organically as the process goes on. The form
should never be considered important.
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2. Louis Sullivan – Form Follows Function
Taking the example of a clock, the digital clocks are the most functional
designs, but if one goes for an analogue clock various options with
different ornamentation styles are seen.
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2. Louis Sullivan – Wainwright Building
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2. Louis Sullivan – Wainwright Building
The Wainwright building is one of the
compelling examples of the form
following function. The exteriors and the
façade reflect the internal functions of
spaces. Here, the functions of lower
floors, central floors, and the top attic
area are quite different.
The façade with terracotta as the
primary material; comprises three parts
with distinct lighting and openings
configuration based on the interior
functional aspects.
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3. Vitruvius – Design Theory
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3. Vitruvius 3 principles theory
“All buildings must be executed in such a way as to take account of
durability, utility & beauty.”- Vitruvius
Vitruvius, the famous ancient Roman architect believed that an architect
should focus on three central themes
when preparing a design for a
building: firmitas (strength), utilitas (functionality),
and venustas (beauty).
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4. Mies Van Der Rohe – Design Theory
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4. Mies Van Der Rohe – Universal space theory
The principle of “less is more” served as the foundation of Mies van der
Rohe’s architecture. He valued uncluttered, wide spaces without any
ornamentation. He usually used expansive spaces with minimal walls,
which provided him the greatest amount of freedom in how the space
might be used.
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4. Mies Van Der Rohe – Farnsworth House
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4. Mies Van Der Rohe – Farnsworth House
The walls are made of transparent plate glass, while the supporting structure is
made of steel pillars allowing transparency and blurring the boundary between
interior and exterior surroundings.
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4. Mies Van Der Rohe – Farnsworth House
The interior of the
house is
minimalistic and
functional, with a
single open-plan
space that contains
a living area,
dining area, and
sleeping area.
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Thank You
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