HofA Unit One: Architecture

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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?
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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)?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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