Iconography and Symbolism in Architecture

AIM:
To study the effect on Architecture and its evolution, through the visual representation of an idea.

OBJECTIVE:
Following are the main objectives to be achieved during the course of this dissertation study: Define Iconography and Symbolism. Analyse the symbolic content. To understand the relationship between iconography & symbolism and architecture To know their influence on Architecture and vice-versa. To be able to recognise, how through evolution and mans ever changing ideology, directly affects his built environment which in turn affects and defines him.

METHODOLOGY:
For advancing in the correct direction, the objectives are studied and the analytical tasks have been drawn in the following manner: Searching for literature and books available on the subject and picking up relevant examples. Discussing the examples with the guide and zeroing in on the issues and areas of the research.

Analysis of the case studies will be of the buildings in Delhi. It will include
- Internal logic behind the form. - The connection between the intended and interpreted. - The forms and spaces being used to create the symbolism.

 Drawing conclusion from the studies in terms of effect of such architecture, its relevance to our country and its limitations.

SCOPE:
The study will only be a theoretical analysis. It will not contain much or any technical data related to construction means and methods, etcetera. This research will include examples from the past centuries as well as the modern age and the present. All the interpretation of symbolic content will be the authors own.

LIMITATIONS:
Data for the research collected through books and the internet. This study will have to rely upon the critical analysis done earlier on this topic; therefore data may not be first hand. Hence most of the ideas and concepts will be taken from foreign authors or stated by the author himself after an analysis on the topic. All the interpretations of the symbolic content will be the authors own, not of a critic or an architect. Therefore others might not be content with the analysis.

Subjects intended to be covered: Taking examples from churches, religious buildings, etcetera. How the pagoda symbolises different parts of Buddha; temples as design of the universe and the human body. Iconography of Brighadeeshwara

"Duck" and "Decorated Shed"--descriptions of the two predominant

ways of embodying iconography in buildings; Types of Architecture, writings of Venturi.

Modernism and Post-Modernism: - From a universal design back to designs intended to create a
personality!

The Lotus Temple The Qutb Minar: from Symbol to Icon?

- George J Kalathil 4th Year, Sec-A