TAMILNADU PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

ARCHITECTURE
(DEGREE STANDARD) CODE: 401

UNIT – I: INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE

Definition of Architecture - Integration of aesthetics and function.

Elements of Architecture – Form, Space, light, colour, etc. Principles of
Architecture – Proportion, Scale, balance, rhythm, symmetry, hierarchy,
pattern and axis. Understanding of organization of form and space,
volumetric study, architectural characteristics & style of buildings with
examples. Understanding user circulation and spatial requirement for all
types of buildings. Universal design principles and Barrier free
environment. Functional aspects of architecture – site, structure, skin,
circulation etc. Principles of composition and relationship between human
activities and anthropometrics. Computer application in Architecture-
Architectural graphics -Drawing & visualization tools – image editing, 2D
& 3D modelling, 3D visualization.

UNIT – II: HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE & CULTURE

Historical development of Egyptian, West Asian, Greek & Roman

Architecture with examples. Historical development of Buddhist
Architecture with examples. Evolution of Hindu Temple Architecture –
Dravidian and Indo-Aryan Periods- Outstanding examples of these
periods. Historical development of Indo- Islamic Architecture – Delhi
Sultanate, Provincial & Mughal styles with examples. Modern Architecture
- development of theories, various philosophies & schools of thoughts,
works of modern architects. Post Modern Architecture - various
philosophies, works of postmodern architects. Architecture of India under
Colonial rule. Post-independence architecture in India - works of Indian
Architects. Contemporary World Architecture & recent trends

UNIT – III : MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

Properties, characteristics, strengths, manufacturing, components &

applications of materials, construction methods and techniques, detailing
for the following : Stone – Brick & Clay Products – Lime – Cement –
Mortar – Timber – Concrete – Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals – Glass –
Plastics – Asphalt, Sealants & Adhesives – Protective and Decorative
Coatings – Surface finishing & flooring materials - Water Proofing and
Damps Proofing Materials – Rural Building Materials(Bamboo, Soil, etc.).
Building structural systems, prefabrication of building elements;
principles of modular coordination-construction planning and equipment.
Principles and design of disaster resistant structures. Temporary
 structures for rehabilitation. Specification – necessity, importance, types
& classification – Specification writing - Estimation (Approximate &
detailed) – Current trends. Advanced construction technologies -
Construction systems & Practice – Construction methods & equipments,
Construction Technology for High-rise buildings, Construction
management.

UNIT – IV: BUILDING SYSTEMS AND SERVICES – CURRENT

DEVELOPMENT & NEW TRENDS
Water Supply and sanitation systems: Sources, Quality, treatment
methods and distribution systems of water- water requirements for
firefighting systems and different building typologies – Primary and
Secondary waste water treatments, Modern types of sewage treatment
plants. Choice of pipe materials, fittings & fixtures - Systems of water
supply and sewage disposal in all types of buildings. Water harvesting
systems – Principles, planning and design of storm water drainage
systems. Solid Waste – Methods of solid waste management- collection,
transportation and disposal– Recycling and Reuse of Solid waste – MSW
rules. Electrical installations in buildings- Single/three phase supply -
Planning electrical wiring for building - Building safety and security
systems- Building Management systems, Building automation. Lighting –
Design, Installation & Application in buildings. Mechanical ventilation
techniques: Air conditioning – Systems & Applications configuration, sizing
& space requirements. Vertical transportation systems – Design criteria &
installation of Elevators, Escalators & moving walkways. Fire safety and
firefighting systems – requirements and norms , NBC guidelines.
Architectural Acoustics – Fundamentals, Importance of shape volume,
treatment of interior surfaces. Relevant National and state level
legislations and guidelines.

UNIT – V: HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PLANNING

Origin of Human settlements In India & the rest of the world – River valley
civilizations(Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, Egyptian & Chinese) – Traditional
planning principles in India – approaches & concepts – Classical & Medieval
planning in Europe and India - Evolution of modern planning theory,
concepts and works of town planners - Planning models. Elements of
Human settlements – functions & linkages, Structure & form. Types of
plan like Regional plan, Perspective plan, Master plan, Zonal plan etc.
URDPFI and RADPFI Guidelines, DCR,CRZ for coastal areas; JNNURM,
AMRUT, Zoning regulations, SEZ, PUD,TOD; Contemporary Urban
planning – Issues and Trends. National and state level government
organizations -initiatives, schemes and projects.
UNIT – VI: URBAN STUDIES – Urban Design, Urban Housing &
Conservation

Urban Design – need, aspects, scope & components of urban space –

Indian Urbanism - Theorising & Reading urban space – Imageability &
townscape elements, social aspects of urban space, gender & class –
URDPFI guidelines. Urban Renewal, Redevelopment, Rehabilitation &
Conservation, TDR . Urban Public spaces – Universal design, pedestrian
friendly environment, streetscapes. Housing in the Indian Context,
Socio-Economic aspects, Housing standards, Site Planning & Housing
Design. Vernacular architecture of India and Heritage tourism; Smart city
and Sustainable urban development. Conservation in India –
Understanding the need & purpose, definition, Adaptive re- use,
International agencies & their role – Policies & legislations, case studies
– Conservation practice and Planning; National and state level
government organizations – Initiatives, schemes and projects; Relevant
National and state level legislations and guidelines

UNIT – VII: ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, SITE PLANNING &

LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY

Environment, Ecosystems & bio-diversity – Environmental Pollution,

Human population & social issues with relation to the environment –
Environmental laws in India. Site Planning – Introduction to basic
terminologies, Methods of surveying, Instruments & Application,
Levelling, Site Drawings, Importance of Site Analysis – On-site & off-site
factors, Study of micro climate, Site Diagramming, Site Context, Site
planning & Site layout principles. Topographical study and Contour
Analysis. Introduction to Landscape Architecture – Elements of
Landscape Design – plant material, water & landforms, Garden Design –
Japanese, Italian Renaissance & Mughal, Site Planning – Organization of
spaces – circulation, built form and open spaces, site planning and micro
climate, site planning for neighborhood parks, children’s play area and
campus development – Landscaping of Functional areas – Urban open
spaces and principle of urban landscape – Street landscaping, landscape
design for waterfront areas and functional areas in urban centers – green
roofs and walls.
UNIT – VIII: CLIMATIC DESIGN & ENERGY EFFICIENT
ARCHITECTURE

Climate & Human comfort, Visual and Acoustical comfort in built

environment. Solar Control, Heat flow through materials & building
envelope design, Air movement patterns through natural & built forms,
Design strategies for different climate types. Energy Efficiency –
Importance & Significance, Passive Heating & Cooling techniques, case
studies, day Lighting & Natural ventilation, Use of Renewable energy
systems – Current & future trends. National and state level government
organizations -initiatives, schemes and projects. Relevant National and
state level legislations and guidelines.

UNIT – IX: PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND CURRENT TRENDS

Project Management – Introduction, Project programming & Critical path

method, Cost model analysis, Programming evaluation review technique
– PERT network - Project feasibility study- Facility Programming and
Planning. Computerized Project Management, Current trends- various
international and national agencies- Funding and implementation
procedure.

UNIT – X: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND ETHICS

Understanding the basic concepts and terminology in architectural
practice -Architectural profession – Code of conduct & ethics and
profession.Role of Architects in conceptualizing, design proposal until the
execution procedure.Role of COA & IIA – Architect’s Services, Scale of
fees, Architectural Competitions - Tender & Contracts – Legal aspects –
Important Legislations & current trends.

Note: Medium of Instruction is English only.