Lec 1 introduction to the subject

1. THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE
INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBJECT
LEC 1
Oct 28,2015

2. WHAT IS THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE?
• Architectural theory is the act of thinking, discussing,
and writing about architecture
• Taught in most architecture schools and is practiced
by the world's leading architects
• In easy words, reasons and logics behind any
architectural style, what were the reasons for
adopting one particular style for architects in their
respective time… what causes the transformation
from one style to another to another….

3. WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?
• Every one has its own definition
• Write ur own one…
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HISTORY OF
ARCHITECTURE AND THEORY OF
ARCHITECTURE
Theory of Architecture is not History of Architecture
by another name. History deals with buildings and
the various styles of architecture which have arisen
throughout time. History in this sense is a
DESCRIPTION of the architectural facts.

4. Theory attempts to provide an EXPLANATION for those facts. It
looks at the reasons why buildings look the way they do and
why architects have chosen to design their buildings in
particular ways. It also looks at the reasons why architectural
styles have changed over time and the assumptions and
attitudes of architects which influenced their thinking during
particular periods and led to those changes. Equally it looks at
the sources for the ideas that architects use in the design of
their buildings. Where do architectural ideas come from? How
theory influenced the practice of architecture by introducing
new perceptions of the same events - new way of looking at
reality and therefore new ways of representing that reality in
built form.

5. WHY ARCHITECTURE THEORY IS VITAL?
• Good theoretical knowledge in the architecture
field is necessary
• When you're projecting architecture, the
theoretical field makes you understand the real
debate : why making architecture ? How can we
make architecture ?
• It's very useful to improve your own design and
the way you present your concept.

6. • The more you read theoretical essays, the
more you learn how to understand them.

7. WHERE DO ARCHITECTURAL IDEAS COME
FROM?
• Inspiration
• Observation
• Conditions(functional, aesthetical, social, structural,
economical, environmental, climatic)
• Creativity

8. BUILDING STYLE AND ARCHITECTS
• INTRODUCTION OF A BUILDING
A building or edifice is a man-made structure with
a roof and walls standing more or less permanently in one
place, such as a house or factory
• PURPOSE OF A BUILDING
Buildings serve several needs of society – primarily as shelter
from weather, security, living space, privacy, to store
belongings, and to comfortably live and work.
Delight- visual delight, comfort delight, stimulates senses

9. • ROLE OF AN ARCHITECT
Now recognized as separate field
• ARCHITECTS ABILITY
Rational, creative, innovative thinking
Spatial ability
Communication skills
• PRESSURE ON ARCHITECTS
Social, political, moral, cultural, economical
• PUBLIC AWARENESS AND ARCHITECT RIGHT
Some of the architects consider sum buildings to be
anachronism
Architects right to self expression in design
Relationship of field architects with researchers