2. What architecture is (how it is judged)?
Theories (in term of which buildings should be evaluated) about
what architecture is are concerned with identifying key variables –
like space, structures or social processes.
for example, according to Bronu Zevi SPACE is the fundamental
ingredient: “to grasp space, to know how to see it, is the key to the
understanding of building.”
Theorists often rely on analogies to see/evaluate architecture.
• Analogies provide a way to design task in hierarchical order.
• So architects can know which things to think about FIRST of the
design process.
3. The recurrent analogies to explain architecture:
Mathematical analogy
Numbers and geometry provide an important basis for decision making
in architecture.
Pure form: cubes, cones, spheres, cylinders….. Most beautiful forms.
Golden section/number has most often guide. Its proportion is 1 : 1.618
Romantic Analogy
It is evocative / suggestive
an emotional response in the observer.
4. Linguistic Analogy
Convey information to observer
Mechanical Analogy
‘a house is a machine for living’
Object that are straight forward that simply express what they are and
do, will automatically beautiful.
Problem-Solving Analogy
Rational, logical, systematic approach to architectural design
Adhocist Analogy
Adhocist approach is to response to the immediate need.
Pattern language analogy
Typological , standard pattern of need. ( housing)
5. Architectural Criticism
• Criticism in architecture is
the record of responses to
the built environment.
• It includes all not just
negative ones.
• Sensitivity (Delicate discrimination;
especially of aesthetic values) rather
than judgment is the key
feature of criticism.
7. Normative Criticism
It has as its basis either
A doctrine
form follow function, less is more, function should follow form.
They should express ideology, structure, construction method,
regional climate, material ….
A system
It’s an assemblage of elements or principles that are interrelated.
A systematic critique will be more comprehensive than one based
upon doctrines.
“a building as a climate modifier, a behavior modifier, a cultural
modifier and a resource modifier”
8. Type
Its a generalized model for a specific class of things.
Typical criticism may address itself to any of three aspects
of a building: its structure, its Functional organization
and its form.
Measurement
its the assessment of a built environment against well-
defined, usually numerical standards.
Is there a fire exit within 100 feet of each room?
These are based will be stated as either minimum,
averages or preferred conditions and reflect the various
goals for the building.
Technical, functional, behavioral consideration.
9. Interpretive Criticism
• Its highly personal.
• The critic is an interpreter whose own vision is
more important than any external standards.
• It suggests a new way of seeing the object.
10. Descriptive Criticism
It seeks to identify facts that are applicable to one’s encounter with
a particular environment.
It does not judge, nor does it interpret.
It simply helps people to see what actually exits.
Its points out what the building is made of and how it is organized.
Also explains how the building or urban setting works as a
dynamic environment.
Finally it explain the process through which the building design was
generated.
