THEORY OF

ARCHITECTURE
RESEARCH QUIZ NO. 1

STUDENT INSTRUCTOR

JOSHUA DARVIN B. TATTAO BSA-1B AR. EDISON R. MALUPENG

Protective Architecture: Designing
Structures to Resist Threats
Architecture and design is a very fluid concept that moulds itself into every project’s
requirements and specifics. Although rare, many typology-specific infrastructural projects
require tailored protective features, especially against man-made and natural calamities. This can
include natural calamities like tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, etc., and man-made calamities such
as unintentional damage due to leakage of hazardous/ toxic substances in industries, intrusion,
deliberate sabotage, terrorist activities etc. The impact of natural disasters such as earthquakes
and tsunamis can cause heavy damage to key facilities by their sheer impact on structures or
disruption of safety services leading to a chain reaction of other dangerous events such as fires,
internal explosions in case of hazardous materials stored within industries and falling debris,
which can affect the safety of the users. Damages, whether due to natural or man-made events,
potentially mean huge financial losses for stakeholders considering the huge capital investments
made by stakeholders of industrial, critical arterial and infrastructural facilities. Secure protective
design creates practical, technologically advanced solutions for physical security and structural
protection against these threats.
For such facilities, the requirements and considerations for design and construction are plenty
and extremely crucial. One of the most important considerations is analysing the type of threat
and the structure’s response level to it. Through innovative technologies and softwares today, it
has become easier to analyse the impact on the structural components of the building and design
accordingly. The type of threat and its overall impact needs to be studied for accurate planning,
material selection and overall design. Apart from structural and loading considerations, human
life, safety and evacuation must also be considered.
Planning and zoning play an important role in protective architecture. Designing for
predictable and unpredictable events can mean flexibility and adaptability in design. Zoning and
layout need to be planned based on threat analysis, ease of evacuation and safety of users.
Depending on the requirements, design interventions in elements such as glazing, cladding, and
partitions may be required to resist external impact. Fenestration planning also includes smaller
windows capable of resisting impacts, heavy metal doors, etc. Pre-fabricated structural elements
assembled on-site is one of the best options for such structures. The design interventions
generally depend on the building typology, function, location, threat level and required response
level (low, medium, high).
When it comes to protective architecture, structural integrity is crucial for user protection and
preventing loss of life. It is a very specialised and unique typology of design which requires a
plethora of considerations and interventions due to its impact on human life. The designs on all
levels, from planning and layout to services and maintenance, need to be strategised
meticulously, with an in-depth analysis of threats, material and strength, impact response, and
evacuation through simulations on each and every component and stage of the design.

Structural Architecture: The backbone

of the built environment
While the aesthetics, form, and functionality of buildings often capture our imagination, it is
the invisible hand of structural design that ensures these creations not only stand but endure the
tests of time and nature.

Structure in architecture is more than just a skeletal framework; it weaves together science and
art, marrying form and function in a harmonious relationship. Structure in architecture refers to
the way in which the fundamental components of a building or other man-made structure are
arranged and interconnected. The term is also used to refer to the strength and stability of a given
structure. A well-designed and well-constructed structure will be able to withstand the forces to
which it is subject and will not collapse.

Structure in architecture refers to the way in which the various elements of a building are
organized and interconnected. The term can refer to the overall layout of a building, or to
individual elements such as the roof, walls, and foundation. The structure of a building is a
critical factor in its ability to resist the forces of nature and to support the weight of its
inhabitants and contents.
Building structures are the foundation, floor, ceiling, roofs, exterior walls, exterior glass and
mullions, columns, beams, shafts, stairs, stairwells, elevators, building mechanical, electrical and
telephone closets, common areas, public areas, and any other structural components in a
building. These are the basic things that make up a building and keep it standing.

There are five basic structures or framing types: (1) wall-bearing, (2) reinforced concrete, (3)
structural steel, (4) a combination of these types, and (5) tensile structures. Each type has its own
advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which type to use depends on the specific
project.The architectural principle of firmitas, utilitas, and venustas is often referred to as the
Vitruvian Triad. This principle was first put forth by the Roman architect Vitruvius in his treatise
De Architectura. These three principles are essential to creating a successful and well-designed
building. Firmitas refers to the durability of the structure. The building should be able to stand
up to the elements and remain in good condition. Utilitas refers to the usefulness of the structure.
The building should be designed for the people who will be using it and function well for them.
Venustas refers to the beauty of the structure. The building should be pleasing to look at and
raise the spirits of those who see it.

Decorative Architecture: Highlighting

the Beauty of Buildings
Architecture is more than just the construction of buildings. It is the art of designing and
creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful. One of the key components of architectural
design is the use of decorative elements that add visual interest and highlight the unique features
of a building.

Decorative architectural elements can take many forms, from intricate carvings and moldings
to colorful tiles and stained glass windows. They serve as a way to distinguish one building from
another and to reflect the cultural and artistic styles of a particular time period. Decorative
elements are not just ornamental additions to a building, but are an essential part of the overall
design. They can be used to:

Highlight key features of a building, such as columns or arches

Add visual interest to otherwise plain or monotonous surfaces

Provide a sense of continuity and flow throughout a building

Reflect the cultural and artistic values of a particular time period

Without decorative elements, a building can feel flat and lifeless. They are a way to add
personality and character to a space, and to make it feel welcoming and inviting.

Types of Decorative Elements

Decorative elements can take many forms, from small details to large-scale installations. Some
of the most common types of decorative elements include:
Moldings and trim

Carvings and sculptures

Tiles and mosaics

Stained glass windows

Ironwork and metal details

Paint and murals

Each type of decorative element has its own unique characteristics and can be used to achieve
different effects. Moldings and trim, for example, can be used to highlight architectural features
such as doorways and windows, while tiles and mosaics are often used to add color and texture
to walls and floors.

As architecture continues to evolve, so too will the use of decorative elements. New materials
and technologies are making it possible to create intricate designs and patterns that were once
impossible to achieve. At the same time, there is a growing appreciation for the value of historic
architecture and the need to preserve it for future generations.

Whether through the use of traditional or modern decorative elements, architects will continue
to use design as a way to create beautiful and functional spaces that inspire and delight.

Circulatory Architecture: Circulation

diagrams
Architecture may (for the most part!) be pleasing to look at, but aesthetics mean very little if
the buildings fundamentals don’t work, and this starts at the very beginning of a project with an
architecture circulation diagram.

Circulation Diagram
When most people hear the word circulation, they think of blood moving through the body, or air
moving around a room. Circulation in architecture is very similar, but instead it refers to the
manner in which people move through a building.

An architecture circulation diagram is a graphical representation of this movement, in relation to

a building, complex, or urban development. These diagrams can be used during the design
process, or for built projects to analyze the effectiveness of a plan.
The main purpose of these diagrams is to map out the behavior and pathways of a building’s
intended users. This helps architects understand the benefits and challenges of a building’s
layout, to determine a design that best suits the needs of the program.

How does circulation affect design?

A smooth flow of people ensures the design works well for its intended users. A
successful floor plan allows people to easily find their way, with minimal obstruction or
resistance.

Circulation directly impacts ease of movement or congestion within a building, from the
point of entry, to the distribution of people to different rooms and areas. It can facilitate
how people interact, how visitors come and go, and how the public traverses through or
around the building.

Why is it important?
Circulation is one of the key components of the architectural experience. A circulation
diagram can provide a snapshot of this experience from beginning to end, and it can be an
accurate representation of the plans in action.

Optimizing circulation can benefit all users, including passersby, residents, visitors,
employees, and the general public. It can also contribute to shaping the urban fabric of a
city. Imagine a large park in a city center with walkways, vegetation, and water features.

Now imagine putting a highway through the middle of it. Cars might have a new route to
drive through, but the circulation for pedestrians is severely interrupted. Effective
circulation can make lives more comfortable and efficient.