Building Planning Principles Properties of Form Elements of Design Principles of Design Form follows Function ~
Architectural Design Overview
Architectural design integrates fundamental principles and practices that guide the creation and development of built environments. The coursework focuses on understanding the core concepts, techniques, and methods that shape architectural solutions for diverse functions and contexts.
Key Modules and Learning Goals
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Introduction to Basic Design Concepts
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Explore elements and principles of design within architecture.
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Practice two- and three-dimensional compositions to achieve harmony, balance, and contrast.
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Study scale, proportion, and interrelationships of forms through architectural applications such as building blocks and spatial configurations.
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Engage in anthropometric analysis to understand impact of posture and activities on design.
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Applying Principles in Measured Drawings
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Document and draft measured drawings of small structures such as kiosks, bus shelters, and entrances.
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Utilize principles learned to create practical two- and three-dimensional designs.
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Recommended Books
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Architecture: Form, Space and Order by Francis D.K. Ching
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Architectural Graphics by Frank Ching
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Drawing a Creative Process by Francis D. Ching
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Graphic Thinking for Architects and Designers by Paul Laseau
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Time Saver Standards for Building Types and Architectural Design Data by C.D. Joseph & Callender John
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Neufert’s Architect’s Data
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Structure in Nature – Strategy for Design by Pearce Peter
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Architectural Design by Pickering, Ernest
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Elements of Architecture by Von MeissPieree
Course Themes and Advanced Topics
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Form & Function Interdependence
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Analyze how a building’s shape relates to its purpose.
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Create diagrams, matrices, and flowcharts to depict functional relationships and spatial organization.
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Understand the concept of “form follows function” and its reverse.
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Design Assignments
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Address varied projects such as homes, schools, health centers, post offices, mobile homes, and children’s centers.
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Each project undergoes five stages: reference study and idea exploration, concept formulation, two reviews, preliminary submission, and final submission.
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Evaluation based on originality, drawing presentation, graphic presentation, and use of models/animations.
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Further Reading
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100 Ideas That Changed Architecture by Richard Weston
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Landscape Graphics by Grand W. Reid Asla
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A Comparative Analysis of 20th Century Houses by Hideaki Hareguchi
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Tropical Asian House by Robert Powell
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The Essential House Book by Terence Conran
Site Planning & Vertical Circulation
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Understand site planning concepts specific to hostels, shopping areas, motels, guest houses, embassies, and clubs.
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Grasp vertical circulation and other advanced principles in architectural design.
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Utilize reference books like Form Defining Strategies: Experimental Architectural Design and Site Planning by Kevin Lynch.
Design Assignment Structure
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Each semester includes at least two major design assignments.
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Each assignment covers: reference studies & exploration, concept formulation, reviews, preliminary, and final submissions.
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Grading is based on originality, graphical communication, and model presentation.
Quick Navigation to Related Topics
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Building Planning Principles
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Properties of Form
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Elements of Design
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Principles of Design
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Form follows Function
Explore More
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Smart Materials in Modern Building Construction
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Parametric Thinking in Architectural Design
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Psychological Impact of Spatial Perception
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Vernacular Wisdom and Materials
Summary
This page distills architectural design coursework into foundational principles, assignments, thematic projects, and recommended readings, preparing students for practical application and critical analysis in architecture.
Recommended References for Architectural Design
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Architecture: Form, Space and Order – Francis D.K. Ching
Explores the fundamental vocabulary of architectural design, analyzing forms, spaces, and ordering principles in architecture. -
Architectural Graphics – Francis D.K. Ching
A primer on drawing techniques and visual communication for architects, including measured drawings and graphical standards. -
Drawing: A Creative Process – Francis D.K. Ching
Encourages imaginative problem-solving in design through drawing and sketching as a creative tool. -
Graphic Thinking for Architects and Designers – Paul Laseau
A guide to visual thinking processes essential for architectural conception and development. -
Time Saver Standards for Building Types – C.D. Joseph and Callender John
Comprehensive technical reference for building layouts, standards, and design guidelines. -
Architectural Design Data – John Hancock Callender
Useful tables and data for designing architectural elements and building structures. -
Neufert’s Architect’s Data – Ernst Neufert
A reference for planning and design data, dimensional standards, and spatial requirements in architecture. -
Structure in Nature: Strategy for Design – Peter Pearce
Investigates natural systems for inspiration in creating design strategies and efficient structures. -
Elements of Architecture – Pierre von Meiss
Detailed exploration of architectural elements and compositional strategies. -
Architectural Design – Ernest Pickering
Provides insight into creative processes, design practices, and conceptual development. -
100 Ideas That Changed Architecture – Richard Weston
Key concepts and innovations that have shaped architectural thought and practice. -
Landscape Graphics – Grant W. Reid ASLA
Techniques for graphical representations crucial to landscape planning and architectural site design. -
A Comparative Analysis of 20th Century Houses – Hideaki Hareguchi
Analytical comparisons of significant modern residential design. -
Tropical Asian House – Robert Powell
Studies of residential architectural responses in tropical Asian contexts. -
The Essential House Book – Terence Conran
Guidelines and examples for essential aspects of residential design. -
Form Defining Strategies: Experimental Architectural Design – Various Authors
Innovative approaches to experimental architectural design methodology. -
Site Planning – Kevin Lynch
Essential theory and practice for planning architectural sites.
These references offer comprehensive support for both the theoretical and practical aspects of architectural design, addressing measurement, drawing, form, function, and technical standards.