Unit 1 Summary: Concepts For Design

 Concepts Form Design

Object, space, building, place uses surrounding resources to further understand something by not just looking at it contextually, but also branching outwards to look at how it relates to where it belongs in general, where it is in a structure and then where that overall structure is located in relation to the world.  This helps relate all the components together to get a better understanding of the object.

The buildings in which these objects and spaces reside can come in many different forms.  Circles are used to represent connections, unity and harmony.  They emphasize a central location because if something is placed in the center it is equal distance from the edge and vise versa.  Circles were very prevalent in early architecture seen through Stonehenge and the British Isles and also occur naturally like the shape of the sun, moon and sacred spots. Groups are another connecting form that surrounds a space or object.  Groups require more than one form, but that form is generally repeated in a rhythmic way to emphasize a point.  In nature, groups can be found in groves of trees, bushes, flowers or rock formations.  In architecture, groups are seen in rows of columns like the Greek temples or through window placement.  In all of these examples, verticality and repetition are stressed.  Stacks are the third way in which a form can be ordered.  Generally stacks are used in protection such as Mountain ranges and hill formations or used for balance as in gathering multiple items together in one pile.  Temples, towers, step pyramids and triangular shaped forms take on the stacking principle.  The fourth group is people because I believe they are a combination of all three but also fit in their own category. Humans have a circular head with the nose centered in the circle and other facial features radiating around it, groups or pairs of straight limbs and proportionally our body parts are stacked on top of each other so that when we stand straight up, we have a general triangular shape to our torso and up.  Another way to think about these is through contrast and emphasis, unity and harmony, and balance and proportion. 

In objects, spaces, buildings, and places, many steps have been taken to create the “thing” that exists today.  Ideas were thought of but not all that is thought of gets produced.  Prototype means before. When referring to a prototype, it usually references one of the first attempts at something.  Not everything is ideal, perfect or sound but general concepts and designs are clearly seen.  Archetype is considered ideal or the best. Many prototypes have to be made in order to create the archetype.  The hybrid is the “in between” category that contains the attempts that follow the prototype but do not yet reach the archetype.  They usually hold many different concepts or ideas as they are being weeded out. 

Some factors that contribute to whether something is a true archetype are whether it has all three components of commodity, firmness and delight. Commodity refers to the function or useful arrangement of a space.  Firmness refers to the safety and structure stability of the building. Delight refers to the beauty or sense of the space.  All three of these words work together to create a great space.  The space has to be functional, where what it was designed for thrives and people can move around freely without anything hindering them. Most importantly though, it has to be safe structurally. Whether it have arches, beams, or flying buttresses all of these elements must work together so that a space does not collapse.  Overall a space must feel inviting, welcoming or achieve a general emotional response.  It must also be well designed to the eye and pleasant to look at.   We can look at many objects, spaces, buildings and places  around us and can recognize circles, groves and stacks as well as determine if it functions well, is structurally sound and is pleasing to look at.  If it meets all the criteria, I believe it is a true archetype and a well designed building that others can be recreated or formed from.  

 

  Object: Column

Commodity: Functions as a boundary or boarder that destingushes or breaks up spaces

Firmness: Adds structural support to help bear the weight of the roof

Delight: Slender, ornate design  adds formality to a building.

                                                                                                                    

                                            Space: They outline and create a"negative"

                                            space with their positive form

              

 

                                           Building ->Parthenon: Use in many Architecture forms     

                                           but started as a Greek idea

                                                          

                                                 Place: Located in Athens Greece 

source: www.google.com/images