NPTEL Syllabus

Theory Of Architectural Design - Web

course
COURSE OUTLINE
MODULE I : ORGANIZATION OF FORM AND SPACE
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Architecture
Overview : This class begins with the basics on architecture which stress on
how architecture is formed based on various influences like climate, topography,
materials, socio economic conditions and other basic needs of man.
Lesson 2 - Primary Elements in Architecture
Overview : This chapter presents the primary elements of form in the order of
their growth from the point to a one dimensional line, from the line to a two
dimensional plane and from the plane to a three dimensional volume.
Point
Line
Plane
Volume
Lesson 3 - Form in Architecture
Overview : This chapter presents form as the manner of arranging and
coordinating the elements and parts of a composition so as to produce a
coherent image.
Shape
Size
Colour
Texture
Position
Orientation
Visual inertia
Lesson 4 - Organization of Form and Space
Overview : This chapter describes space as our perception of spatial boundaries
defined by the elements of form.
Positive space
Negative space
Lesson 5 - Circulation through space
Overview : This chapter describes the principle components of a building's
circulatory system that affect our perception of the forms and spaces of the
buildings.
Circulatory elements
Movement through space
Approach, Entrance and pathways
Space- path relationship
MODULE II : PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Lesson 6 - Principles of composition
Overview : This chapter deals with how to structure the elements in order to
create an architectural composition.
Axis
Symmetry
Hierarchy
Datum

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Architecture
Pre-requisites:
The course is offered as an
introductory course to
architecture.
Additional Reading:
Nil
Hyperlinks:
Nil
Coordinators:
Lect. Aju R
Dept of ArchitectureCollege of
Engineering, Trivandrum
Ms. R. Deepa Rani
Dept of ArchitectureCollege of
Engineering, Trivandrum
Prof. Shaji TL
Dept of ArchitectureCollege of
Engineering, Trivandrum

Rhythm
Transformation
Lesson 7 - Visual Perception
Overview : This chapter deals with how form and structure is perceived by man.
MODULE III : ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS
Lesson 8 - Data, Site Study, Analysis
Overview : This chapter deals with the relevance of data collection in
Architectural Design process. This session also aims to equip students on how
to go about site study and site analysis and apply them to design formulation.
Lesson 9 - Synthesis and Design Brief
Overview : This chapter deals with how to structure the elements in order to
create an architectural composition based own the various design inputs like
data, site analysis etc and form a design synthesis which will lead to design.
This also deals with how to generate design methodology to approach a design
problem based on various design inputs.
Lesson 10 - Concept and Design
Overview : This chapter deals with how to evolve a design concept based on the
requirements and various design inputs and finally to design. This chapter also
aims to further the studies on design principles and its application based on
case studies from across the world.
Course Objectives
The objective of the course is to introduce the students on the basics oF
architecture which stress on how architecture is formed based on various
influences like climate, topography, materials, socio economic conditions and
other basic needs of man. The course includes, studying the different design
elements: Point, Line, Direction, Shape, Size, Texture, Color and Form. The
course investigates and explores processes involved in Perception, Nature of
light, Movement, Color, Depth and Distance cues. Design fundamentals are
reinforced where students can experiment and explore several ideas related to
Two and Three dimensional forms. The course involves case studies and
applications of design principles in architectural design.
Learning Outcome and End use.
By taking this course students will be able to
Understand the basics of Architecture and how architecture is evolved.
Understand the various elements of Architecture.
Understand the principles of Architecture.
Understand the Design fundamentals and its applications.
COURSE DETAIL
Sl. No

1.

Topics

MODULE I : ORGANIZATION OF FORM AND SPACE

Lesson 1 - Introduction to Architecture
Lecture 1 Introduction to Architecture- Part 1
Lecture 2 - Introduction to Architecture- Part 2

2.

Lesson 2 - Primary Elements in Architecture

Lecture 3 Primary Elements in Architecture- Introduction
Lecture 4 Primary Elements in Architecture- Point
Lecture 5 - Primary Elements in Architecture- Line

Lecture 6 Primary Elements in Architecture- Plane

Lecture 7 - Primary Elements in Architecture- Volume

3.

Lesson 3 - Form in Architecture

Lecture 8 Form in Architecture- Introduction
Lecture 9 Form in Architecture- Shape
Lecture 10 Form in Architecture- Size
Lecture 11 Form in Architecture- Colour
Lecture 12 Form in Architecture- Texture
Lecture 13 Form in Architecture- Position
Lecture 14 Form in Architecture- Orientation
Lecture 15 Form in Architecture- Visual Inertia

4.

Lesson 4 - Organization of Form and Space

Lecture 16 Organization of Form and Space Introduction
Lecture 17 Organization of Form and Space Positive Space
Lecture 18 Organization of Form and Space Negative Space

5.

Lesson 5 - Circulation through space

Lecture 19 Circulation in buildings-Introduction
Lecture 20 Circulation in buildings-Circulatory elements
Lecture 21 Circulation in buildings-Movement through space
Lecture 22 Circulation in buildings-Approach and entrance
Lecture 23 Circulation in buildings-Pathways
Lecture 24 Circulation in buildings-Space path relationship

6.

MODULE II : PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Lesson 6 - Principles of composition
Lecture 25 Principles of Composition-Introduction
Lecture 26 Principles of Composition-Axis
Lecture 27 Principles of Composition-Symmetry
Lecture 28 Principles of Composition-Hierarchy
Lecture 29 Principles of Composition-Datum
Lecture 30 Principles of Composition-Rhythm
Lecture 31 Principles of Composition-Transformation

7.

Lesson 7 - Visual Perception

Lecture 31 Principles of Visual Perception-Introduction
Lecture 32 Principles of Visual Perception-Part 1

Lecture 33 Principles of Visual Perception-Part 2

8.

MODULE III : ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS

Lesson 8 - Data, Site Study, Analysis
Lecture 35 Data Collection Introduction
Lecture 36 Data Collection Application and relevance in Design
Lecture 37 Site Study Application in Design
Lecture 38 How to do Site Analysis

9.

Lesson 9 - Synthesis and Design Brief

Lecture 39 Design Synthesis
Lecture 40 Preparation of Design Brief

10.

Lesson 10 - Concept and Design

Lecture 41 Concept evolution
Lecture 42 Final Design Evolution
Lecture 43 Case studies on applications of design principles in
Architectural Design Part 1
Lecture 44 Case studies on applications of design principles in
Architectural Design Part 2
Lecture 45 Case studies on applications of design principles in
Architectural Design Part 3

Total = 45 Lectures
References:
1. Francis D K Ching, Architecture Form, Space and Order, Van Nostrand
Reinhold, USA, 1996.
2. Francis D K Ching and Steven P Juroszek, Design Drawing, John Wiley
and sons, Inc, Newyork,1998.
3. VanDyke Scott, From Line to Design, American Planning Association,
USA, 1985.
4. Neufert, Architect's Data, Grosby Lockwood Staples, London, 1970.
5. Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, Murray Silverstein , A Pattern
Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction , Oxford University Press, Later
printing edition,1977.
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