Lecture Notes: Architecture Overview

Introduction to Architecture

• Last medium discussed before moving on to history
• Architecture differs significantly from painting and sculpture
  • Requires engineering expertise
  • Collaboration between architects and engineers

Key Architect: Frank Gehry

• Prominent contemporary architect
• Known for unique, fluid designs
• Example: Disney Concert Hall in LA
  • Designed to look like paper blowing in the wind
  • Notable for both aesthetics and acoustics

Important Concepts in Architecture

• Weight: Heaviness of materials and structures
  • Essential for constructing tall buildings
• Tensile Strength: Rigidity and distribution of weight
  • Example: Using poles to lift a person to distribute weight

Architectural Systems

Shell System

• Interior and exterior walls made of the same material

Skeleton and Skin System

• Different materials for interior and exterior walls
• Example: Modern houses with studs, stucco, and drywall

Types of Architectural Systems

Load-Bearing Construction

• Also known as stacking and piling
• Example: Great Pyramids of Giza
  • Uses tapering to build higher structures
• Example: Great Friday Mosque
  • Adobe structure that needs regular maintenance

Post and Lintel System

• Example: Stonehenge
• Greek Orders: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian
  • Differentiated by base and capital of columns
  • Doric: No base, cup-like capital
  • Ionic: Has a base, ram's horns capital
  • Corinthian: Foliage in the capital
• Terms: Base, Shaft, Capital, Cornice, Frieze, Architrave, Pediment, Entablature

Round Arch System

• Relies on pressure to stay up, keystone is crucial
• Variations: Barrel vault, groin vault
• Example: Pont du Gard

Pointed Arch System

• Allows for taller structures compared to round arches
• Uses flying buttresses to prevent collapse

Dome System

• Distributes pressure equally, inspired by the stability of an egg
• Example: Pantheon in Rome
  • Features an oculus (eye) for light and religious symbolism
• Types: Dome with drum, open base (pendentive)

Summary

• Architecture is a complex art form requiring both artistic vision and engineering
• Different systems and materials are used based on historical context and practical needs