Without elements, no amount of architect’s designs can achieve unquestionable perfection of the body’s symmetry and proportions. What makes elements so essential is they are key components that are inevitably needed to create a design or artwork. They lend flexibility in design and when the right elements are used appropriately, they help architects and designers to visualize and portray their ideas in reality.
In this blog post, leading Pune Architecture Firm, Vision 7 Company explains the important elements of architectural design, and how by using them properly they can transform an architectural design into a work of admirable art.
ELEMENTS OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Before we talk and learn about the elements of Architectural Design, let us try to understand what exactly is meant by ‘Elements of Architectural Design’.
‘Elements of Architectural Design’ refer to the basic components that form the fulcrum of architectural design which the architects use to design visually pleasing building structures.
They include,
1) FORM / SHAPE
As the first element in architecture, form plays a key role in its design.
There is no one specific definition for Form. Architectural experts have defined it in different meanings and synonyms.
Some architectural experts’ have defined form as the overall shape, and appearance of a building structure including its mass, silhouette, and volume; while others term it as the configuration or shape of a building with an internal structure and external outline.
What makes Form so uniquely important is it holds a huge amount of cultural and symbolic significance; and makes buildings iconic and meaningful for its occupants. As a means for expression and the translation of concepts, it is ultimately what that fills and divides the space we inhabit.
2) SPACE
Space in Architecture does not mean an empty void or even barren area. On the contrary, it is a fundamental element that defines the functionality, hierarchy, and relationships within a building structure, that is, the areas within and around the building structure including corridors, rooms, and outdoor areas.
To an architect, ‘Space’ is anything that hosts ‘Design’. When Design is introduced to a Space, the Space acquires a character of its own. Subsequently, when this Character becomes strongly reinforced in the minds of people, the Space gravitates into a ‘Place’.
There are several ways to manipulate space. Traditionally, architects used to create rectangular spaces in plan to neatly organize the varied functions of the building. Over time, the logic underwent several changes. Then, in the early part of the 20th century, architects began to use light, material, and planning which allowed them to accommodate multiple functions in a single room using the open plan.
Another remarkable change that took place involved the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. He advocated for the use of ‘Open Plan’ in residential buildings. His architectural designs used a central kitchen space that was open to other spaces and functions of the home. His decision to remove the division between the kitchen and its associated spaces revolutionized the way architects planned spaces later.
Today, architects can manipulate space in different ways. ‘Planning’ is one of them. ‘Section’ is another that involves the architect considering the building’s section which allows them to create interesting volumetric relationships between spaces.
3) LIGHTING
Lighting has always been a fundamental element in the conception of architectural designs, for it is capable of distorting the perception of space and at times, even dramatizing the shapes and textures of the materials and enhancing their aesthetic features significantly.
The significance of its importance can be summarized from the fact that it can significantly affect the atmosphere, functionality, and mood of a space.
Lighting can be natural or man-made which means architects can create light either environmentally or artificially for architectural designs. Natural light involves the placement of exterior glazing (doors or windows of skylights) in a way that creates ample daylight effects. The better the flow of natural light, the more it will help to increase health and comfort cum mood levels for building occupants; and above all, bring added value.
On the other hand, man-made light involves the use of lights and illumination that when applied to certain compositions can cause a dramatic alteration of the overall architectural design. Whether it is to replace natural light during nights or to bring light to areas where natural light cannot reach, it has become one of the fundamental pillars of interior and exterior design
Modern artificial light can create a number of different ambiances in the same space, adapting to the atmosphere as per the person’s needs. A good example is the use of warm lighting which can create calm and cozy atmosphere while cold light can stimulate mental and physical activity.
4) MATERIAL
Material in architecture refers to the substances used to construct a structure like brick, concrete, steel, or wood.
As an integral aspect of architecture, it plays a highly important role. It not only provides meaning but also enhances the aesthetic quality of a building structure; and helps to establish a relationship between visual quality and structural stability.
The architectural design of a building must not only meet the requirements of safety, serviceability, and durability, but must also meet aesthetically thereby assuring effective structural performance through its entire service life. It is precisely for this reason, it is essential to ensure proper material selection.
Material selection has significant implications for the cost and maintenance of a building. There are certain materials that may need more maintenance or upkeep compared to others. Hence, architects need to carefully consider the long-term costs associated with their material as well as aesthetic choices.
To stay safe, material selection should ideally be done taking into account the following considerations,
- Building site selected and the nature of the surroundings’ in and around the building.
- Building type and form.
Even if some materials may be more expensive initially, but will be more durable and require less maintenance in the long run, they will make for a good selection. It is a good example of proper material selection as it will ensure significant cost savings overtime; and help to glorify the endurance and visual aspects of architectural design.
5) TEXTURE
In Architecture, Texture refers to the surface characteristics of a material, including its roughness, smoothness, and other tactile qualities. Some architectural experts define it as a proper arrangement of every object in a sequence.
The significance of texture lies in its ability to add charm, depth, and character to building structures; and can transform a room in the building from the ordinary to extraordinary in a matter of seconds by jazzing up its look and feel.
Along with Patterns, Textures can create a sense of perception in the eyes of the viewers’. When different textures are combined with patterns, they tend to project a detailed overview of the interior design and furniture; and also clearly distinguish between designs and objects.
According to experts in psychology, textures play a big role in enhancing the aesthetics of a building which in turn plays a key role in the mental well-being of the occupants in the building by spreading positive energy around it.
To balance aesthetics and functionality in architectural design, it is important to ensure proper aesthetic choices. Proper aesthetic choices will help to combine them harmoniously; create living spaces that are visually appealing and highly practical making them comfortable to live in; and above all, play a significant role in creating a positive first impression.
6) COLOR
It is well-known that Colors have a powerful effect on human psychology and a prominent role in the spaces we live and interact.
When it comes to building architectural design, colors are often seen more as a mere element of decoration. The reality however is that they play a hugely influential role. When they are applied to a form or a shape, it develops a unique character and personality of own. This is the reason why architects use colors extensively to show and perceive forms in the best possible manner.
Color in Architecture is referred to as an element that can affect the atmosphere, mood, and appearance of a space.
In Architectural Design, when colors are used
- Strategically, they help to provide emphasis to the character of a building or component.
- To heighten form and materials, they help to separate and define distinct divisions of an overall scheme.
- As a contrast, they help to highlight the unique features of a building, attract attention, and generate visual interest.
- As a harmony, they help to generate a sense of coherence, unity, and balance, with the existing context.
- As a gradient, they help to create a sense of movement or transition from one color to another. This helps to add depth, and variation to the building.
- As a pattern, they help to create a sense of order, rhythm, and structure.
- As a symbol, they help to create a sense of connection, communication, and expression.
Overall as a potent tool that influences the mood, identity, and perception of architectural structures, Colors help to bring about flexibility in design and create a visual cohesion in architectural structures.
6) SCALE
Scale in architecture refers to the size of a design in relation to its surroundings driven to create a sense of cohesiveness and unity.
In architecture, scale plays a critical role, helping to
- Facilitate precise measurements on drawings. This allows contractors and construction teams to interpret and implement the design accurately; and ensure that elements are constructed to the correct dimensions.
- Explore different design options and iterate on their ideas. This will enable architects and designers to create scaled models or drawings and swiftly evaluate the design option’s visual impact and functionality, before they commit to the final architectural design.
- Create a sense of balance, hierarchy, and visual interest in design.
- Shape the way that people experience and feel in the built environment.
- Accurately represent the dimensions and proportions of the design.
- Estimating costs and budgeting during the planning and construction phases.
In addition to the above, designers will be better able to communicate their design intent effectively to contractors, clients, and other stakeholders. This way, Scale allows everyone involved in the architectural project to visualize the proportions, spatial relationships, and overall layout of the design.
As an essential tool in architectural design, Scale allows architects, designers, construction teams, and clients to work together seamlessly to eventfully ensure that the final built architectural structure accurately reflects the envisioned design.
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