Unit+04

= COMPOSITION: and THE ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN =

=== Architects use the elements and Principles of Design in BOTH two and three dimensions.They use them in 2d when we are developing ideas (ideation and prototyping) in the form of sketches and concept drawings, and then in final measured drawings to guide the construction. We use them in 3d when we make models to develop architectural designs and, of course, when and if a structure is actually built. Both drawings of various kinds and models are important parts of the design process. In Architecture, we are primarily concerned between the relationships between forms and also between forms and the spaces they create and embedded in. ===

=** Composition is the overall arrangement of the Elements of Design according to the Principles of Design. **=

**Important note!**

====** The Elements and Principles of Design can be interpreted differently from person to person and between and across professions. You will see many different arrangements and orderings of the Elements and Principles. Don't worry too much about this. In time you will develop your own sense of what constitute the Elements and Principles. **==== ==== **The Elements and Principles of Design are not rules, in the typical sense. The Design Police will not arrest you for "violating" them! They are better thought of as guidelines that have been developed over thousands of years and embody the shared knowledge of many artists, designers and philosophers. It is important to know and understand them and how they work together - even if you intentionally choose to bend or even ignore them.** ====

“ The elements of design are the building blocks from which compositions are made. The principles of design describe ways in which these building blocks can be combined. ** Unity ** and ** Variety ** are the overriding principles of three-dimensional design. Any composition gains when unity and variety are appropriately balanced. ** Balance **, ** Scale ** , ** Proportion ** , ** Emphasis ** , and ** Rhythm/Repetition ** are commonly listed as the other principles of design. These design principles can be used to create ** Unity ** and ** Variety ** .”

Mary Stewart // Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design //

**Activity 1** View the Power Point by clicking on the link below. Take notes and post them to your e-portfolio.

Elements and principles as Applied to Architecture

Click on the following links to explore more specific information on the Elements and Principles as they apply to architecture. **In the first link view the first five short videos: Symmetry, Asymmetry, Proportion, Scale and Form.** Also view the links to the animated short clips: **Elements, Point, Line, Plane** TAKE NOTES AND POST TO YOUR E-PORTFOLIO
 * Activity 2 **

Understanding architecture

Elements -Ching Point - Ching Line- Ching Plane - Ching =**Some conditions of architecture**=

**Architecture deals with the real physical environment. It is impacted by: space and solid mass, gravity, light, weather and time.** ===Architecture deals with individuals and societies. It is responsive to the needs and desires of humans, their beliefs, ideas of beauty and other socially constructed considerations. Architecture's outward forms vary with the particular cultural conditions - it is unavoidably political and is often a reflection of power (both political and financial).=== Adapted from Unwin.

=The Basic Components of Architecture ( from Simon Unwin - //Analyzing Architecture - 4th ed// )=



The conditions and the person.
The **Person** represents the life or lives that is to be accommodated and impacted by the architecture The **Conditions** are the world around: the **ground**, the **space** ( to be shaped into place), **gravity** (holds things down or makes them fall down), **light** (how we see things and **time** ( we move through space which takes time)



The defined area of ground.
The **site** (place) within which the architecture resides. The site may of any size and configuration, and of any topography including the natural or built elements within it.



The Platform
A defined area raised above the surrounding ground. High or low, big; a stage, the base of a building, or small; an alter, a table, a step or shelf.



The Marker
A marker identifies place. It stands out from its surroundings. It often has symbolic significance.Examples are: a flag pole, a large statue or stone, sometimes architecture itself is a marker such as a very tall or prominent building ( a church or a school)



Focus
The element that concentrates the attention of the person in the dwelling. The word focus comes from the Latin word for hearth ( as in fireplace) The hearth was often the focus of a dwelling. The focus of a building could also be an altar ( in a church or temple) or a place for a special object.



The Wall
Walls can be any element that divides one space from another, that defines a space in relation to other spaces or the outside. It can constrain or enclose, exclude or protect. Wall are also structural elements which hold up the........



Openings
Doors and windows allow access to enclosed spaces, form pathways, frame views to the outside or to other enclosed spaces. They also allow for ventilation and light



The Roof
The roof defines the space underneath it and protects from the elements. It must be supported by either walls, columns or posts.

The Path
The path is a route along which things move. It often serves as a transition from outside to inside and an introduction to the building itself. It may be straight or winding, level or sloped, it may be formally defined by materials such a stone, gravel or wood, or informally defined by the wear of feet or vehicles over time. Paths may include bridges, benches and other objects.It may be incorporated into the architecture itself.

Elements listed above may exist alone or in combination with other elements.


=**PROJECT - OBJECT/ ENCLOSURE**=





== In this project you will create a place by using basic elements of architecture to enclose space and to give it a function. Functionality is a prime characteristic that often differentiates architecture from sculpture and other forms of 3D work. That being said, the structure(s) that you create may be ARCHITECTONIC (suggesting the qualities of architecture) rather than a literal building. Approach this project creatively as an exploration of form(s) that shape space into a place. Think about: what is a roof, wall, path and how can these elements be interpreted in a new way? As you work through the design process, use your statement defining "what is architecture" to guide you in your design decisions. ==

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF STUDENT WORK:



===In this project you will explore the basic components (or elements) that used together, create an architectural structure. Out of the materials and following the directions provided, your will construct a structure on your area of land (the site). The function of this structure is to provide a place for an object that is hidden and remains unknown to everyone but the creator of the project. **You must provide visual clues within structure (using different materials, shapes etc.). Your classmates will attempt to guess the identity of the hidden object.**===

Step 1
The object must be small enough to fit and be easily enclosed in the palm of your hand. Do not show this object to anyone in the class. Do not use obvious things like money, or clearly meaningless or arbitrary things. Take the time to find, select or make an object that has a specific personal meaning for you.
 * Find or create a small object that has significance to you and design a container to protect it.**

Design and create a container for the object that completely hides the object from view. It should be no bigger than is absolutely necessary to enclose the object. **Brainstorm the design of this container by drawing your ideas in your sketchbook, scan and post to your e-portfolio.** Create the container and place your object inside the container.

Step 2
You have each received a flat cardboard shape. This is the site that the structure will be located on. You will notice that there are curving lines that are indicated on your plot of land. These indicate the contours of the land (its flatness or slope). Using the contour lines and elevations provided turn your flat plot of land into a 3D TOPOGRAPHIC MODEL
 * Creating the site/topography:**

Step 3
Using the materials from your "kit of parts" and including ALL of the “elements” of architecture listed below design a structure that houses the object and container that you have created in Step 1. Your structure must include all of the elements and criteria (see below).
 * Design and build your structure.**

Each student will receive materials to build your structure You may use any arrangement of these elements.
 * The kit of parts:**
 * CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE CONDITIONS OF YOUR SITE AS YOUR BEGIN TO DESIGN YOUR STRUCTURE.**
 * YOU MAY USE ONLY THE MATERIALS PROVIDED TO CREATE YOUR PROJECT.**
 * YOU MUST USE ALL OF THE PARTS OF YOUR KIT**
 * YOU MAY NOT CUT UP THE CARDBOARD SHAPES INTO SMALLER SHAPES, HOWEVER, YOU MAY SCORE AND BEND THEM/ YOU MAY ALSO CUT OPENINGS INTO THEM.**
 * YOU MAY CUT THE WOODEN PARTS BUT YOU MUST USE ALL OF THE PARTS**

YOUR PROJECT MUST USE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS AT LEAST ONCE:

A RAISED PLATFORM A MARKER A ROOF WALLS OPENINGS (at least one window and one door) A FOCUS POINT A PATH

YOU MUST INCORPORATE THE ELEMENTS INTO THE FOLLOWING:

1. - A SMALL ENCLOSURE (THE INNER CHAMBER) FOR THE CONTAINER AND THE HIDDEN OBJECT. 2. - A LARGER STRUCTURE THAT CONTAINS AND ENCLOSES THE INNER CHAMBER.


 * POST THREE PHOTOGRAPHS OF YOUR FINAL DESIGN FROM DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW; FAILURE TO DO THIS WILL NEGATIVELY IMAPCT YOUR GRADE FOR THIS PROJECT**


 * CRITERIA FOR THE PROJECT**

YOUR PROJECT MUST CONTAIN YOUR SECRET OBJECT WITHIN ITS CONTAINER. THE “SECRET” OBJECT MUST BE COMPLETELY ENCLOSED AND NOT VISIBLE TO THE VIEWER. THE OBJECT AND ITS CONTAINER MUST BE ELEVATED OFF THE GROUND IN SOME WAY.

THE OBJECT AND ITS CONTAINER MUST BE ENCLOSED WITHIN AN INNER CHAMBER (A SMALL ROOM), WHICH MAY ALLOW WHICH A VIEW OF BUT NOT ACCESS TO THE CONTAINER

THE INNER CHAMBER MUST BE CONTAINED WITHIN A STILL LARGER STRUCTURE.

YOUR STRUCTURE CANNOT COME WITHIN 3/4” ANY EDGE OF YOUR PLOT.

YOUR SITE MODEL MUST HAVE TOPOGRAPHIC CONTOURS (LAYERS)

YOUR PROJECT MUST INCLUDE ALL OF THE ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS LISTED ABOVE

YOUR STRUCTURE MUST INCORPORATE VISUAL “CLUES” AS TO THE IDENTITY OF THE OBJECT WITHOUT EXPLICITLY REVEALING THE IDENTITY OF THE OBJECT.

THE TOTAL PROJECT (THE SITE MODEL, THE CONTAINER, AND THE STRUCTURES) MUST BE NEATLY EXECUTED AND WELL CONSTRUCTED

YOU MUST DOCUMENT YOUR DESIGN PROCESS AND POST THE DOCUMENTATION TO YOUR PORTFOLIO

=**PROJECT - ASSESSMENT**=
 * Below is the standard rubric that I will be using to grade this and other projects in the course. Please take some time to look at it, and make sure that you have addressed the criteria to the best of your ability.**



=UNIT REFLECTION:=

**Please respond to the following prompt.**
This unit focused on the formal elements and principles as they apply to architecture. it also referred to some of the basic physical conditions that are present in an architectural work. These along with some of the ideas covered in previous units were incorporated into the unit project. Please describe how you used this information in the design and fabrication of your structure. Were you successful in using the elements and principles? Did you successfully convey the essence of your hidden object in the structure? What were the most successful parts of your project? Which things might you do differently or improve upon were you to continue developing this project?


 * ACTIVITY 1 - NOTES FROM THE POWER POINT**
 * ACTIVITY 2 -** ** NOTES FROM __UNDERSTANDING ARCHITECTURE__ VIDEOS (4) **
 * PROJECT -** ENCLOSURE
 * UNIT REFLECTION -**