Unity University

Department of
Civil Engineering

Fundamental of Architecture

Alemu Merga(PPAR)
May 2021
 Definition of Architecture
Architecture
1. The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings.
2. The style in which a building is designed and constructed.

Architecture is about form and space making, but it also

deals with function and how function affects form.

The etymology of the word ‘architecture’ can be

defined as arkhi meaning chief and tekton
meaning builder or carpenter. This definition
demonstrates the fundamental basis of
architecture. As chief builder an architect needs to
have an overview of building, both as an object
produced and as an activity of construction.
 Definition of terms in Architecture
Orientation
In terms of architecture and building, orientation
describes an understanding of how a building’s
position on a site can influence specific factors
concerning its design. How light affects our
appreciation of buildings, and the activities we
experience within them, is one of the most
fundamental aspects of architectural design. Natural
light in interior space brings life, a moving dimension
and a connection with time and the outside.
 Definition of terms in Architecture
Symmetry
Symmetry is an organizing system that reflects either a plan,
or elevation around a central line or axis. An axis connects two
or more defined points and can regulate elements such as
windows and doors (which will affect experiences such as
views and vistas, and the entrance to and exit from buildings).
Proportion
Proportion describes the relationship of parts to a whole. With
in architecture proportion is the relationship of scale and the
hierarchy of a building or structure’s elements to its whole
form.
 Definition of terms in Architecture
Site
Architecture belongs somewhere, it will rest
on a particular place: a site. The site will
have distinguishing characteristics in terms
of topography, location and historical
definitions.
Climate
Climate is a key contributing factor to the
specific nature of site, and climatic
variations influence many factors associated
with architecture. Buildings will serve as a
Placing Architecture
 Placing Architecture
In architectural terms, ‘context’ generally
refers to the place in which architecture or
buildings are located. Context is specific
and significantly affects how an architectural
idea is generated.

Many architects use context to provide clear

connection with their architectural concept,
so the resultant building is integrated and
almost as part of its environment.
 Over View of Architectural Design Process
Architecture, as many other design
disciplines, starts with concepts or
ideas that initiate the creative
process of thinking.
 These concepts can come from other (past or
present) forms of architecture or architects, or
from metaphors or analogies.
 Over View of Architectural Design Process
Architectural Design Process:-
.a sequence of problem-solving and creative
steps used by the designer to develop an
appropriate design solution for a given client and
site.
 It helps to organize information and thoughts.
 It provides an orderly approach to solving
problems at appropriate times that leads the
designer to develop an appropriate solution for
the unique needs of the client and the particular
conditions of the site.
 It helps the designer to explain reasons for the
design solution to the clients.
 Over View of Architectural Design Process
Architectural Design Process:-
 In building design, a logical design process includes
the following major phases:
1. Research and preparation
2. Design
3. Construction documentation
4. Implementation
5. Maintenance
6. Evaluation
 In one form or another, each of these phases is
essential in the realization of quality building
designs.
 Class work

Discuss in group of(4-5)

on each phases of
Architectural Design
Process.
1. Research and Preparation phase
 The designer is “getting ready.”
 Necessary information required later as
background information in the design phase is
collected and evaluated
i. Meeting the clients
ii. Signing the contract
iii. Preparing the base map
iv. Conducting a site inventory
and analysis
v. Developing the design
 i. Meeting the clients
 The design process for a design project
commonly begins with a meeting between the
clients and designer.
 It is a time when both parties can get to know
each other and discuss the prospect of
preparing a design for the site.
 At this meeting, the clients typically convey
information about their needs, desires,
problems, and budget.
 The designer may ask a number of questions to
learn important information about the clients. In
turn, the designer describes the types of services
that can be offered, the process used to prepare
a design, and the general costs for the design
 ii. Signing the Contract
 If the two parties are in agreement, the designer
prepares, signs, and submits to the client a
written “Proposal for Design Services” that
clearly specifies:-
 scope,
 schedule, and
 costs for intended design services.
 This is sent to the clients a few days after the
meeting.
 If the clients agree with the proposal, they sign
and return it to the designer.
 At this time, the Proposal for Design Services
becomes a legal contract for design services to
begin.
 iii. Base Map Preparation
 Before any design work can begin, a base map
showing existing site conditions and
features of the site is needed.
 The clients should supply information about their
site including house plans, property survey,
and topographic survey. If this information is
complete enough, the designer is able to draw a
base map of the site at an appropriately
selected scale.
 If this information is not readily available, the
designer may need to take and record
measurements of the house and site.
 These measurements may then be used to
draw a base map.
 iv. Site Inventory and Analysis
 The designer should conduct a site inventory and
analysis (sometimes called a site study).
 In this step, the designer analyzes important
existing site conditions that may influence the
design, such as:- • topography,
• site location, • drainage,
• character of the surrounding • soil,
neighborhood, • vegetation,
• zoning ordinances, • climate,
• building codes, • utilities, and
• views.
 The designer should become very familiar with
the site and thoroughly understand the site’s
character, its problems, and its potentials.
 v. Design Program
 The last step of the research and preparation
phase is the development of the design program.
 A design program can be defined as a list or
outline of the elements and requirements
the design solution should incorporate.

 The design program serves as a combined

summary of the site analysis and client
interview.

 Later in the design process, when a preliminary

design has been completed, the program serves
as a checklist for the designer to determine
whether or not everything necessary was in fact
THANK YOU