Theory of Architecture -principles of Design

2. Principles of Architecture
• Understanding fundamental principles such as proportion, scale, balance, symmetry/asymmetry, rhythm, axis,
hierarchy, datum, unity, harmony, dominance, climax –Movement with reference to the architectural form
and space –detailed study of relationship between architectural form and circulation –Types of circulation –
Building approach and entrance, path configuration and form, path space relationship, orientation.
• Proportion is the equality between two ratios in which the first of the four terms divided by the second equals
the third divided by the fourth.

3. Material Proportion
• All materials have rational
proportions and size
• Inherent strength & weaknesses
• Brick perform better under
compression, So, size and mass of it
are designed in a way to take max
advantage of it. Where as wood is
fairly flexible material and can be
used in linear shapes such as posts
beams or as a planer sheets.

4. Structural Proportion
• Structural members are proportioned based on their functional requirements strength and limitations For eg,
beams are more deep than that of width while columns are more thick comparitively

5. Manufactured Proportion
• It is based on factors such as ease of transportation packing efficiency. For example Doors and windows
which needs to be fitted in modular masonry openings

6. Proportioning systems
• Throughout history, it has been realized that a proportion system can assist both the ordering and also the
perception of buildings. Proportioning systems provide an aesthetic rationale for the dimensions of form and
space. A number of theories of ‗desirable‘ proportions have been developed in the course of history.
• Golden Section
• Classical Orders
• Renaissance Theories
• Modular
• Ken
• Anthropometry
• Scale

7. Proportion : Golden Section
• The Golden Section can be defined as the ratio between two sections of a line, or the two dimensions of a
plane figure, in which the lesser of the two is to the greater as the greater is to the sum of both.
• It can be expressed algebraically by the equation of two ratios:
THE PARTHENON, ATHENS

8. Proportion : Classical Order
Tuscan Order Doric Order
Ionic Order
Corinthian Order

9. Proportion : Renaissance Theories
• Proportion : Modular ( Modular Man By Le Corbusier) Proportion : Anthropometry
• Proportion : Ken (Japanese Method)
A Japanese unit of measure for building
construction and aesthetics of structure,
materials, and space.
Le Corbusier based his measurements on mathematics and
proportions of the human body. According to the Golden Section,
the basic grid measures 113, 70, and 43 cm and 113, 183, and 226
define the space that humans occupy.
This demonstrates the measurement of things we handle, the height and
distance of our reach, and the dimensions of the furnishings we use affect
the proportions.

10. • While proportion pertains to an ordered set of mathematical relationships among the dimensions of a form
or space, scale refers to how we perceive or judge the size of something in relation to something else. In
dealing with the issue of scale, therefore, we are always comparing one thing to another.
Proportion : Scale

11. Scale
• Mechanical Scale
• The size or proportion of something relative to an accepted standard of
measurement.
• Visual Scale
• The size or proportion an element appears to have relative to other elements
of known or assumed size.
• Human Scale
• Based on the dimensions & proportions of the human body