Architectural Considerations

The word "Architecture" relatgs to a process and also the end product namely a building. From a sketch plan to the completion of a given construction, aesthetic considerations are important, and an architect is called upon to use his creative talents to organise a given space to perform the desired function(s), to choose appropriate materials and use then in a truthful manner (concrete block should not be made to look like brick work), to express strength and safety through the format of his structured composition, and to maintain proportion and above all ensure that the resulting structure is a thing of beauty. 

For convenience the principles of architectural composition have been traditionally grouped as under (Sane, 1959) : 

(a)  Unity 

(c)  Contrast 

(e)  Scale 

(b)  Mass composition 

(d)  Proportion 

Unity 

Unity gives coherance to the parts, integrity to the whole building and harmony between the elements. Redundancy and deficiency in our conception affects unity. Some central or local idea is required to provide an interesting accent which establishes unity. Example of ensuring unity through a dominant central feature.

Mass Composition  

The three dimensional shape is known as a mass and modem architectural composition depends more on the arrangement of the masses for their effect than on details. The composition of masses may be either symmetrical about a central axis or uniformal. Symmetrical arrangements are suited to monuments. 

  Unity through a Dominant Central Feature

In asymmetrical designs, mechanical principle of equivalent moments is used to provide balance. Larger and heavier masses are placed nearer to the central element, while the lighter and smaller elements being disposed more horizontally.Some examples of mass composition are sketched. 

Mass Composition 

Asymmetrical composition may be dictated by topography, function and materials chosen for different parts of a building. 

Contrast 

Our everyday perception of things is a matter of contrast betwfen light and shade, soft and rough, bright and dull etc. In architectural design also, contrast is utilised to relieve monotony, to create interest and to exhibit variety. Proper disposition of solids and voids may produce the desired proportion and contrast. Colours, tone and texture of surface finishes and projections and recesses have all been utilised by architects to create interesting structures. 

Proportion 

Ancient structures were proportioned on the basis of standard geometric shapes such as square, circle, equilateral triangle and the golden rectangle [L/B = 1/0.618]. These are the days of tall apartments, and all that can be ensured is the rythmic recurrence of certain ratios among lines, areas and masses. Door and window openings, and open arches should be proportioned carefully. Fonestrations, cornices, string courses and projections can all be utilised to advantage to accentuate proportioning. An example of a building with appealing proportions.

Scale 

In architecture the term scale means a proper relationship of several parts with one another and with the whole unit in the context of the given size of the unit. The size of the image of an object on the retina of the eye varies depending on the distance of the viewer from the structure and yet there is a relationship between the image and the reality because of scale only. This is established by comparison with a known figure in the picture, say a hurnan figure. Figure 2.8 is an architect's diagram which emphasizes the intimate scale (with respect lo human figures) of  the functions and utilities of a shopping centre. 

  A Building with Appealing Proportions