Introduction to Architecture

AR124 – Theory of Architecture 2

 Introduction to Architecture

AUTHORSHIP AND DISCLAIMER

This work is prepared by Ar. Noel T. Amor, Jr.
Designed for UM-CAFAE Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Program. For questions and corrections, contact the author at
[email protected].
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

❑ Acquire sufficient knowledge in assessing current

thoughts on architectural design.

❑ Understand and apply the analytical tools in determining

the relevance of architectural design theories to cultural
development.

❑ Comprehend and utilize the critical methods for analyzing

design concepts in relation to national development.
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Introduction to the course; class requirements, class
consultation of rules
2. Architectural Design Process and Methodologies;
3. Conceptualization Techniques of Architectural Design;
4. Masters of Architecture
5. Functional concepts and the interior Environment;
6. Value, Aspirations and culture;
7. Design and public policy;
8. Activity Analysis and linkages for efficiency in shelter
9. Environmental concepts of Architectural Design;
10. Energy Conservation and the Design Process
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Introduction to the course; class requirements, class
consultation of rules
2. Architectural Design Process and Methodologies;
3. Conceptualization Techniques of Architectural Design;
4. Masters of Architecture
5. Functional concepts and the interior Environment;
6. Value, Aspirations and culture;
7. Design and public policy;
8. Activity Analysis and linkages for efficiency in shelter
9. Environmental concepts of Architectural Design;
10. Energy Conservation and the Design Process
INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE

PROBLEM ARCHITECTURE

SOLUTION
INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE

ACT OF CREATING ARCHITECTURE – a problem

solving or design process

“Art is solving problems that cannot be formulated

before they have been solved. The shaping of the
question is part of the answer.”
– PIET HEIN , a Danish poet
INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE
Broadening & enriching a vocabulary of design through

1. The study of essential elements and principles

2. The exploration of a wide array of solutions to
architectural problems developed over the course
of human history
INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE
WHAT IS A THEORY?
Definition (1): A body of related facts or principles used to explain a
phenomenon and is the basis for future action. It is an analysis of a
set of facts in relation to one another.

Definition (2): It is a belief, policy or procedure proposed or followed as

basis of action.

Definition (3): An ideal or hypothetical set of facts, principles or

circumstances of a body of fact on science or art.

Definition (4): A plausible or scientifically accepted general principle or

body of principles offered to explain phenomenon
INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF A THEORY?
❑ Descriptive - explains phenomenon or events; they’re
neutral and do not lean towards any ideology

❑ Prescriptive - prescribes bases or guidelines (ex:

building laws)

❑ Critical - challenges relationships between

architecture & society
 WHAT IS
ARCHITECTURE ?
DEFINITION OF ARCHITECTURE
Architecture has its origin in the Latin
word "architectura," which comes from
the Ancient Greek term "arkhitéktōn"

arkhi – chief, principal, early, primitive

téktōn – artisan/craftsman, in particular a carpenter,

woodworker, or builder.
MASTER
BUILDER
DEFINITION OF ARCHITECTURE
the art and science of designing and
constructing buildings

It is the conscious creation of utilitarian

spaces with the deliberate use of material

Architecture should be technically efficient

and aesthetically pleasing
DEFINITION OF ARCHITECTURE
ARTS - The conscious use of skill, craft, and
creative imagination in the production of what is
beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary
significance.

SCIENCE - A branch of knowledge dealing with a

body of facts or truths obtained by direct
observation, experimental investigation, and
methodical study, systematically arranged and
showing the operation of general laws.
INTRODUCTION TO Marcus Vitruvius Pollio
(Roman Architect in 1st century
ARCHITECTURE AD) said that architecture was
a building that incorporated:

❑ UTILITAS
- utility, function, use
❑ FIRMITAS
- structure, construction,
technology
❑ VENUSTAS
- beauty, attractive, aesthetic
INTRODUCTION TO Vitruvius’ The Ten Books
ARCHITECTURE on Architecture
“De Architectura”
Purpose:
❑ A comprehensive tool for Caesar
Augustus to enable his buildings
worthy throughout the Empire, in
great praise of Caesar.
❑ For Vitruvius to rise to posterity in
History
❑ A return of Gratitude for his
pension.
Commonly known as Vitruvius,
was a Roman author, architect, Biography of
civil and military engineer during Marcus Vitruvius Pollo
the 1st century BC, known for his
multi-volume work entitled De
Architectura.

Vitruvius served as an
artilleryman, the third class of
arms in the military offices. He
probably served as a senior officer
of artillery in charge of doctores
ballistarum (artillery experts) and
libratores who actually operated
the machines.
 Biography of
Vitruvius' De Architectura was
widely copied and survives in Marcus Vitruvius Pollo
many dozens of manuscripts
throughout the Middle Ages,
though in 1414 it was
"rediscovered" by the Florentine
humanist Poggio Bracciolini in
the library of Saint Gall Abbey.
Leon Battista Alberti published
it in his seminal treatise on
architecture, De re aedificatoria
(c. 1450).
The first known Latin printed Biography of
edition was by Fra Giovanni
Marcus Vitruvius Pollo
Sulpitius in Rome, 1486.
Translations followed in Italian,
French, English, German,
Spanish and several other
languages. The original
illustrations had been lost, and
the first illustrated edition was
published in Venice in 1511 by
Fra Giovanni Giocondo, with
woodcut illustrations based on
descriptions in the text.
Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book I – Summary
Vitruvius believes architecture requires
Architecture knowledge of many fields – practice/
“De Architectura” craftsmanship and theory. Architects
should have education in drawing,
Book I geometry, history, philosophy, music,
medicine, law, etc.
1. The Education of Architect
❑ He explains why different areas of knowledge
2. The Fundamental Principles of
is useful for architects.
Architecture ❑ Vitruvius argues architects need wide
3. The Departments of Architecture knowledge but cannot truly master all these
4. The Site of a City arts.
❑ He promises his writings will prove useful not
5. The City Walls
just for builders but for all scholars. The work
6. The Directions of the Streets; with covers the theory and efficacy of
Remarks on the Winds architecture.
7. The Sites for Public Buildings
In summary, Vitruvius advocates broad
learning across disciplines to properly
practice architecture
Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book II – Summary
The Origin of Building and Building
Architecture
Materials
“De Architectura”
❑ Vitruvius discusses the origins of early
developments of buildings and the
Book II
building materials.
1. The Origin of the Dwelling House ❑ He states that primitive men originally
2. On the Primordial Substance lived in the woods and made use of
According to the Physicists materials available in the locality to
construct their houses.
3. Brick
❑ Later, as building materials and better
4. Sand
tools were invented, more sturdy
5. Lime
building were also developed.
6. Pozzolana
7. Stone In summary, Vitruvius traces early
8. Methods of Building Walls architectural history starting from
9. Timber primitive origins up to the formal Greek
10. Highlands and Lowlands Fir orders of architecture.
 Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book III – Summary
Designing Temples and Places of
Architecture
Worship
“De Architectura”
❑ Vitruvius discusses Greek temples and
religious architecture.
Book III
❑ He describes the ideal site and
1. On Symmetry: In Temples and in the orientation for temples based on
Human Body symmetry, proportion and astronomical
2. Classification of Temples principles.
❑ Dimensions and proportions followed
3. The Proportions of Intercollumniation
precise ratios. For example, column
and of Columns
height was based on a proportion of the
4. The Foundations and Substructures
lower diameter.
of Temples
5. Proportions of the Base, Capitals, and In Summary, Vitruvius provides a
comprehensive guide to temple design,
Entablature of the Ionic Order
proportions and layout according to Greek
architectural principles.
 Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book IV – Summary
Proportions and Symmetry For Temple
Architecture
Design
“De Architectura” ❑ Vitruvius emphasizes the importance of
mathematical proportions and symmetry in
Book IV temple design to achieve harmony and
balance.
1. The Origins of the Three Orders, and
❑ He describes different temple styles,
the Proportions of the Conrinthian including the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian
Capital orders, and provides guidelines for their
2. The Ornaments of the Orders specific characteristics and measurements.
❑ The book discusses the proper construction
3. Proportions of the Doric Temples
of temple foundations, ensuring stability
4. The Cella and Pronaos and durability.
5. How the Temple should Face
In Summary, Vitruvius provides a
6. The Doorways of Temples
comprehensive guide to the design and
7. Tuscan Temples
construction of temples, reflecting his deep
8. Circular Temples and other Varieties
understanding of architecture.
9. Altars
 Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book V – Summary
Proportions and Symmetry For Other
Architecture
Buildings
“De Architectura”
❑ This chapter covers the design,
proportions and ornaments of buildings
Book V
other than sacred temples.
1. The Forum and Basilica ❑ For public buildings like basilicas,
2. The Treasury, Prison, and Senate Vitruvius gives guidelines on width
House relative to length.
❑ For private buildings, symmetry and
3. The Theater: Its Site, Foundations, and
design should match function and
Acoustics
status of the owner.
4. Harmonics
❑ Decorations and ornaments should be
5. Sounding Vessels in the Theater appropriate to the building’s purpose.
6. Plan of the Theater For example, forums and public spaces
7. Greek Theaters can have more ornate columns,
8. Acoustics of the Site of the Theater pediments, friezes etc.
 Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book V – Summary
Proportions and Symmetry For Other
Architecture
Buildings
“De Architectura”
❑ Theatres have their own proportional
systems. Seating area dimension ratios
Book V
follow mathematical acoustic principles.
9. Colonnades and Walks ❑ Vitruvius discusses the design principles
10. Baths for constructing theaters, including the
11. The Palaestra proper layout for acoustics and
visibility.
12. Harbours, Breakways, and Shipyards
❑ The book details the construction of
public baths, including the various
rooms and their purposes.

In Summary, this chapter covers

proportional systems and ornamentation
guidelines for public, private and theatrical
architecture beyond Greek temples.
 Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book VI – Summary
Home Design, Decoration, and
Architecture
Furnishings
“De Architectura”
❑ Vitruvius begins with guidelines on
choosing the appropriate site for a house,
Book VI considering factors such as climate,
1. On Climate as Determining the Style of orientation, and the surrounding
the House environment.
2. Symmetry, and Modifications on it to suit ❑ Vitruvius describes ideal plans and
the Site layouts for homes of the wealthy as well
as more modest dwellings.
3. Proportions of the Principal Rooms
❑ Main rooms should face east for light and
4. The Proper Exposure of the Different
warmth. Kitchens, baths and other service
Rooms
rooms should be placed to the north.
5. How the Rooms should be suited to the
Station of the Owner In Summary, Vitruvius provides guidance
6. The Farmhouse on decorating and furnishing homes with
7. The Greek House style and attention to functionality.
8. On Foundations and Substructures
 Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book VII – Summary
Interior Finishes and Decorations
Architecture
❑ This book covers various materials and
“De Architectura” techniques used in constructing
buildings, from the preparation of lime
Book VII and plaster to the painting of walls and
1. Floors ceilings.
2. The Slaking of Lime for Stucco ❑ Vitruvius discusses the types of lime,
and the processes involved in creating
3. Vaulting and Stucco Work
high-quality plaster for walls.
4. On Stucco Work in Damp Places, and
❑ Instructions on applying stucco to walls
on the Decoration of Dining Rooms
and the different methods to ensure
5. The Decadence of Fresco Painting durability and aesthetic appeal.
6. Marble for use in Stucco ❑ Walls can be decorated with stucco,
7. Natural Colours polished marble, or artwork depicting
8. Cinnabar and Quicksilver nature, mythology or philosophy.
9. Cinnabar (continued) ❑ Floors are made of mosaic, marble tiles,
or patterned cement.
 Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book VII – Summary
Interior Finishes and Decorations
Architecture
❑ An in-depth look at the preparation
“De Architectura” and use of various pigments, including
natural and synthetic colors, for painting
Book VII murals and decorations.
10. Artificial Colours. Black ❑ Vitruvius describes techniques for
11. Blue. Burnt Ochre polishing and finishing marble and
other stones used in interior decoration.
12. White Lead, Verdigres, and Artificial
❑ Detailed guidelines for creating
Sandarach
intricate mosaic floors and other
13. Purple
decorative elements using small pieces
14. Substitue for Purple, Yellow Ochre, of colored stones and tiles.
Malachite Green, and Indigo
In Summary, Vitruvius provides a
comprehensive guide on the art and
science of interior decoration in ancient
architecture
 Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book VIII – Summary
Water Supply and Drainage for
Architecture
Buildings and Towns
“De Architectura”
❑ Vitruvius describes locating, digging and
lining wells for clean water supply. Wells
Book VIII should not be near sewers, cesspools,
1. How to Find Water baths or marshes.
❑ Rainwater collection systems include roof
2. Rainwater
gutters, cisterns and reservoirs. Proper
3. Various Properties of Different Waters drainage prevents erosion and sinkholes.
4. Tests of Good Water ❑ Vitruvius provides technical details on
5. Levelling and Levelling Instruments materials, slopes and capacities of water
6. Aqueducts, Wells, and Cisterns systems. Lead pipes are common.

In summary, this chapter covers designing

water infrastructure and decorative water
elements from a practical engineering
perspective.
 Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book IX – Summary
Measuring Time Using Sundials and
Architecture
Water Clocks
“De Architectura”
❑ Vitruvius first explains principles of
gnomonics, or determining solstices,
Book IX
equinoxes, seasonal hours based on
1. The Zodiac and the Planets sun positions.
2. The Phases of the Moons ❑ Sundials use gnomons – surfaces that
3. The Course of the Sun through the cast shadows according to sun angles.
Dials are oriented by compass points.
Twelve Signs
❑ Public water clocks feature figures that
4. The Northern Constellation
mark the hours mechanically. Dials and
5. The Southern Constellation
sounds announce times.
6. Astrology and Weather Prognostics
7. The Analemma and its Applications In summary, this chapter offers a
8. Sundials and Water Clocks technical guide to ancient timekeeping
technology using mathematics and
engineering.
 Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book X – Summary
Machinery and Engineering Devices
Architecture
❑ Vitruvius lists simple machines like
“De Architectura” levers, axles, pulleys, screws and
wedges that are the elements of more
Book X complex machinery.
1. Machines and Implements ❑ He describes ratio calculations needed
2. Hoisting Machines to properly design machines for
hauling, lifting, pressure and efficiency.
3. The Elements of Motion
❑ Water wheels, both horizontal and
4. Engines for Raising Water
vertical, are discussed as sources of
5. Water Wheels and Water Mills
rotary power. Gearing transfers and
6. The Water Screw regulates this power.
7. The Pump of Ctesibus ❑ Mills, presses, cranes and other
8. The Water Organ machines typically incorporate poles,
9. The Hodometer ropes, drivers, drums, gears and water
10. Catapults of Scorpion wheels in various combinations.
 Vitruvius’ The Ten Books on Book X – Summary
Machinery and Engineering Devices
Architecture
❑ Theatrical machinery utilizes
“De Architectura” counterweights and pulleys to fly actors
playing gods or raise ornamental set
Book X pieces.
11. Ballistae ❑ Engineers must calculate weights,
12. The Stringing and Tuning of loads and capacities using principles of
geometry and physics when designing
Catapults
machinery.
13. Siege Machines
14. The Tortoise
In Summary, the discussion covers
15. Hegetor’s Tortoise
both simple machines and more
16. Measures of Defence
elaborate mechanical devices useful
17. Note on Scamilli Impares
for construction, manufacturing and
entertainment.
 REFERENCE
• Chisholm, Hugh, General Editor. Entry for 'Vitruvius'. 1911
Encyclopedia Britanica.
https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/bri/v/vitruvius.html
. 1910.

• Vos, D. (2024, November 5). Ten Books on Architecture by

Vitruvius. Doug Vos. https://dougvos.com/10-books-architecture/
END OF MODULE 01 PRESENTATION.
Thank you for listening!