Architecture Design Factors

Lecture 05
 Architecture Design Factors
• Mass

• Unity

• Texture

• Form & Shape

• Proportion & Scale

 Architecture Design Factors
• Contrast & Harmony

• Balance & Symmetry

• Pattern

• Rhythm

• Emphasis & Dominance

 Architecture Design Factors
• Geography

• Climate

• Religion

• Culture

• Technology
 Mass
• This factor makes the building to look
strong and durable.

• The massive size of building is often

important to make it look durable and
long lasting.

• The various elements of a building

help to form a composition of mass.

• By arranging them carefully we can

produce a dominant or focal point of
interest.
 Mass
• The focal point of interest may be a solid
element or a single line which may be
called the center of gravity of the
composition of the mass.

• To get the satisfactory and good

composition of mass, the center of gravity
should not be awkwardly situated at the
extremity of the composition as it lacks
the sense of stability.

• A building with unequal masses on either

side will be lacking in stability and
produces the sense of discomfort.
 Unity
• The principle of Unity deals with visual
composition in design.

• Composition means the relationship

between the visual elements.

• The brick work, timber and concrete

which we use as building materials for
protection from weather or for
structural support form the visual
composition of architectural
composition.
 Unity
• To get a good composition, the
elements of unity should be chosen
carefully.

• Unity therefore deals with the

arrangement of building materials and
building parts (floor, wall, roof, column,
beam, etc) to create a good
composition.

• Unity is achieved by consistent use of

lines, color, material and texture within
a design.
 Texture
• The word texture generally refers to the appearance and feel of a
surface.

• However, it could also mean the physical composition or structure of

something, especially with respect to its size, shape and arrangement
of its parts.

• Decorations and carvings in buildings can create an effect of texture.

 Form & Shape
• It is the shape given to the
architectural feature in a
building.

• Forms should follow functions.

• Forms used in a building must

be suitable for which it is made.

• Every form is equally good

provided, it is used in the right
place.
 Form & Shape
• Pyramidal, rectangular, square
forms represent stability and
firmness e.g. rectangular
openings are best suited for
doorways.

• Curved forms represent more

softness, delicacy and elegance.
Hence they are best suited for
columns and arcades.

• A skillful combination of both will

produce the characters in a
building.
 Proportion & Scale

• It is the ratio and comparative size of

individual parts of the composition.

• It is not the actual size but the relative size of

one part to another.

• In architecture, proportion is usually used to

describe the relationship between the size of
spaces and masses and the size of the human
body. However, this kind of proportion is
called scale.
 Proportion & Scale
• Sometimes a building is intentionally designed
out of proportion to the human scale in order
to emphasize things or an architectural idea.
For example, a very high minaret in a mosque
or a tower of a cathedral makes people feel
quite insignificant in comparison to the
remarkable power of God.

• Pleasing appearance of the architectural

building can be obtained by proportional
divisions.

• A correct combination of these will create

harmony in a building which can please
everyone.
 Proportion & Scale
The Golden Ratio and Architecture:

• The golden ratio (also called the golden rectangle) is a proportioning

system that governs the relationship of smaller parts to the whole.
• It has long been believed to produce some of the most aesthetically
pleasing shapes in nature, and as such has been used in many works of
art and architecture. The ratio is AB:BC=BC:AC=1:1.618.
 Proportion & Scale
The principles of the Golden Ratio are visible in the façades of
ancient Greek temples AB:BC=AC:BC=1:1.618.
 Balance & Symmetry
• Balance is an important tool, which create visual weight as well as a
feeling of stability to the building.

• In architecture, balance can be recognized, if the shapes on one side of

an imaginary centerline drawn through the façade appear to have the
same weight as those shapes on the other side.

• Balance could be symmetrical or asymmetrical as long as the building

expresses and maintains a sense of equilibrium.
 Balance & Symmetry
• In case of symmetrical type, the focal point of interest is
placed exactly in the center of composition.

• The center of interest should be brought very close to the

center of gravity of the composition by balancing the
arrangements of various elements.
 Contrast & Harmony
• Good architecture is devoid of monotony i.e. repetition of
same elements.

• Contrast is another important element, which create a visual

variety, excitement and interest to the building.

• Contrast can be recognized in a building, when two adjacent

parts are very different from one another, different materials,
colors and textures.
 Contrast & Harmony
Contrast in form: this is done by providing cylindrical, spherical,
cubical forms in a building.

Contrast in mass and bulk: it can be achieved by providing big

domes with two small domes on either side of it.

Contrast in color: the effect of color is very important in general

appearance of a building.

Contrast in texture: this is done by proving textures like smooth

or rough surfaces i.e. stone work or plastering
 Pattern
• In architecture, pattern is the
repetition of all or some of the
elements of design, such as lines,
shapes, and forms.

• Patterns can be formed of regular

or irregular shapes and it helps the
architect to create visual interest
to the viewers and passers-by.
 Rhythm
• In a building or a project, rhythm
can be defined as the regular
repetition of patterns, which
create an architectural
composition and add movement
and excitement to the physical
appearance of a building.
 Emphasis & Dominance
• ‘Dominance’ is an important principle of
design that relates to the visual weight of
an architectural composition.

• ‘Emphasis’ refers to the object or element

which first catches the attention of the
viewer.

• An architect needs to create an area of

emphasis or a focal point, which is
considered as the visual starting point
from which the eye will begin the journey
of recognizing the whole architecture
work.
 Geography
• The geography of a place is an essential factor in architecture.

• It’s where architects can base their design elements.

• Some of the things that should be thought of when it comes

to geography are the topography or the location of the place
they wish to construct a building on.

• This is one of the first things that surveyors do, which is to

evaluate a location first before building.
 Climate
• Climate is all about the
weather conditions of a
place.
• With this, architects have
the choice of making designs
that are tough if the weather
conditions of the location
are harsh.
• On the other hand, a
different design is made if
the location is sunnier than
usual.
 Religion
• Sometimes no special
requirements pertaining to
religion are required by public
or community.

• Aside from that, there are

locations where religion is a big
deal to the community that
constructing a building that
may seem offensive is a not
acceptable.

• With that, considerations are

specified.
 Culture
• Like with religion, culture is another
determining factor in designing a
building.

• Architectural requirement is to bend

the design aesthetic and talk to the
clients on how to make the building
follow those requirements.

• The relationship between culture and

architecture “Architecture is the
portray of a nation’s culture
integrated with all aspects of human
life and has a profound impact on it.
Architecture is the results of the
culture of the society” (Parvizi, 2009)
 Technology
• Technology has paved the way for
many buildings and
establishments to be fully-
functional.

• Having a building automation

system is one obvious sign that
technology helped in making
structures systematized and
functioning to their full capacity.

• Additionally, technology makes it

easier for everyone coming in the
building or the ones using it to
access areas or feel comfortable.