“SPACE AND STRUCTURE”
ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES
Kiflemariam G.
Arch – 2071 Architecture Basics – Design Studio I
Structure
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Technology
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Structure
Structure can be defined as Physical and Conceptual.
Physical Definition
Structure is constituting the physical load-bearing system
of forces that frames architecture in view of its resistance
to gravity.
• Series of columns and beams, usually organized in
a grid formation,
• Takes the weight of the building.
• The walls, which take no structural load, can be
divorced from the structure and so the choice of
cladding material is almost unlimited.
Conceptual Definition
Structure can be expressed as circumscribing a
deep-level syntax.
• An expression from linguistics, that demarcates the
underlying relationship of parts within a given entity.
• The resulting product suggests readings at both
abstract as well as concrete levels, aiming at a state
that is, a condition both concrete and abstract at the
same time.
Structure and Space
FORM understood as the shape or three dimensional massing, but
also encompasses additional architectural aspects.
SPACE in Architecture is: an area of land enclosed, defined or
adapted by people for human purposes,
• a place for outdoor activities
• an enclosure
• the ‘opposite’ of form or mass.
Architectural form is an inclusive term that refers
primarily to a building’s external outline or shape, and
to a lesser degree references its internal organization
and unifying principles.
SPACE –the unlimited continuous three-
dimensional expanse in which all materials objects
exists and all events occur all of the area in and
around a structure or the volume between specified
boundaries, and the external or linear distance
between two points or objects.
The introduction of a free standing
element /a column, a tree, a human
being, a wall,…/ we start to define
space.
Vertical Planes could be organized so as to
define well contained and discernible spaces
We can further reinforce the definition of space
through the use of designated overhead planes
Spatial Size:
The size of defined space in relation to people has a
strong effect on their feelings and behavior.
Gaiety
Free spaces. Smooth, flowing forms and patterns. Looping, tumbling,
swirling motion accommodated.
Dynamic Action:
Bold forms. Heavy, structural
cadence. Solid materials such as
stone, concrete, wood, or steel.
Rough, natural textures. Angular
planes. Diagonals. The pitched
vertical. Concentration of interest on
focal point of action.
Abstract Expressions
Abstract Expressions
Envelope
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Envelopes
Envelopes/Enclosures are all of the elements of
the outer shell that maintain a dry, heated, or
cooled indoor environment and facilitate its
climate control.
Envelopes
The many functions of envelope can be separated into
three categories:
• Support (to resist and transfer structural and dynamic
loads),
• Control (the flow of matter and energy of all types),
• Finish (to meet desired aesthetics on the inside and
outside)
Envelopes
Thank you!
Exercise
• In this exercise, we will examine the role of technology in
architecture, understood here as the relationship between
thinking and acting; since the design process involves the
examination of both the abstract and the concrete aspects of
architecture, this broad understanding of technology offers a
means to negotiate between the two realms.
1. Arrangement of the parts of a whole in relationship to each other,
an articulated construction, internal articulation.
2. Systems consisting of parts that are dependent on the other.
Exercise
• The exercise introduces an expanded notions of structure that
includes both the conceptual structures of the work and its
attendant physical structures.
• These structures should be placed in relationship to each
other such that one can read the output in both an abstract
and a concrete manner.
Exercise
Input
Diagrammed Program and Circulation System.
Output
Spatial-Structure model
Procedure
Sketches, use sketches to develop the basic structures of your
project .
Translates sketches into models.
Criteria
Coherency of the structure, both physically and in terms of
context, spatial structuring and its implementing, quality of
the model and degree of abstraction of the work.
Outputs
Outputs
Good Luck!
