HofA Unit One: Architecture
0.0 / 5
- Created by: AmyTheDolphin
- Created on: 21-03-17 18:24
Materials, Techniques and Processes (Architectural
- What materials have been used to create the building?
- What materials are visible?
- It it one material or a combination of materials?
- How do the materials contribute to the building's appearance?
- How does the choice of material affect the building's structure?
- Is the exterior clad or rusticated. rendered, pebble-dashed?
- Are the materials vernacular (indigneous/local)?
- Is the building style vernacular or derived from vernacular styles?
- Have the materials been selected for their functional properties more than their aesthetic qualities?
1 of 9
Structure/Form
- How is it constructed (how does it stay up)?
- Is it a load-bearing construction (e.g. with solid walls) or a skeletal construction (e.g. curtain wall, which is non-load-bearing, so can be made from lightwight materials such as glass, frequently used in skyscrapers when it has an internal steel or ferroconcrete (reinforced concrete) structure)?
- Does it look prefabricated (parts manufactured off site)?
- Is it a trabeated construction? Are the columns load-bearing or decorative? Is it arcuated? Are there any vaults?
- Is there a dome?
- Is there buttresssing?
- How many storeys are there?
- What is the relationship between the structure and the decoration?
- Are there smaller structures within the main structure (e.g. an aedicule, which is a small stucture containing a statue, framed by columns supporting an entablature and a pediment. Used more frequently to describe a framed opening)?
2 of 9
Volume/mass
- Symmetrical/asymmetrical?
- Are there projections/recessions? Are spaces based on squares or another shape? Is the space contained/restricted by a roof?
- Is the building based on solids and voids?
- Is it airy or claustrophobic?
3 of 9
Architectural elements
- Has the classical language of architecture been used (e.g. dome, columns pediment)?
- Are there features associated with castles (e.g. turrets)? Or features associated with churches (e.g. spires)?
- How many architectural elements can you identify?
4 of 9
Composition
- Is there a single mass or an arrangement of parts?
- Is the building symmetrical or asymmetrical? Is there a formal or informal arrangement? A regular or irregular arrangement?
- Did it develop over time and therefore is composed of elements from multiple periods (think Ely cathedral with its Norman and Gothic elements) or is it a unified design?
- Is there an obvious entrance/several entrances?
- Is the facade balanced horizontally or vertically?
- Are a set of proportions used (e.g. the golden section, classical orders)
- How is the building articulated (how do parts inter-relate)? Is it divided into bays? Does the exterior suggest interior arrangement? Think about recession and projection.
- Is there an element of rhymn/repetition? What effect does spacing have on the compostion (e.g. intercolumnation).
- Is there interplay between curved and straight elements?
- Does the building suggest movement? How do the elements (volutes, helixs, soilds/voids/undulation) do this? What is the directionality?
- What is the arrangement of the windows (fenestration)? What type of windows are there? Are they large in relation to the wall mass? Are they pedimented?
5 of 9
Site/location
- Rural/urban?
- Is it part of a complex? Does it stand out?
- Is there a main facade? Is there a processional approach which adds grandeur? Are the gardens landscaped/formal?
- Does the structure have a relationship with its surrounding space/environment?
- How does the site affect our interpretation of the building?
6 of 9
Scale
- What has determined the building's size?
- Monumental/domestic
- Private/Public
- How does scale relate to function?
- What is its impact on the viewer?
7 of 9
Colour
- What colour are the materials used?
- Does the colour effect our interpretation of the building or help define its style (e.g. white-painted concrete is synonymous with the International Modern Movement)?
- Is colour used for decoration?
- Have materials been used in their natural state/colour or have they been altered/painted?
8 of 9
Pattern/Ornament/Decoration
- Is the decoration coherent (unified) or ecletic (from a wide range of sources)?
- Has the material been used decoratively (e.g. rustication, herringbone brickwork)? What effect does this have?
- Are features decorative, structural, symbolic, or a combination of (e.g. caryatids on the Erechtheion)?
- Are features hand crafted or mass produced? How does this affect the style of the building? Is the decoration associated with a particular style (e.g. hand crafted building may appear vernacular and individualistic such as the Arts and Crafts style).
- Are the features of the buildings standardised (e.g. classical language, Gothic) or individualised?
9 of 9
Related discussions on The Student Room
- Studying Architecture at Uni of Bath: Ask me anything »
- Do I need maths or physics for architecture in the future (uni)? »
- Architecture College Application - any tips? »
- loughborough architecture or ucl architecture? »
- newcastle uni accomodation/job »
- last minute interview prep help »
- Low gcse maths grade, could I still do architecture? »
- Switching from Architecture to Engineering »
- Can I get into Architecture with these A levels? »
- 5 reasons to study Architecture at Bradford »
Similar History of Art resources:
0.0 / 5
0.0 / 5
0.0 / 5
0.0 / 5
4.5 / 5 based on 2 ratings
0.0 / 5
0.0 / 5
0.0 / 5
0.0 / 5
2.0 / 5 based on 1 rating
Comments
No comments have yet been made