Architectural Technology/Technician Program
History of Architecture
Assignment # 1: Building Design Analysis
Background
Over 2,000 years ago, the Roman architect, Vitruvius, wrote that buildings have three characteristics:
-function: allow people to do what they need/want to in the space provided
-firmness/structure: keep people dry, keep them warm, hold the building up
-aesthetics: make it look beautiful – the form, colour, the space
To this list of characteristics, Sheridan has added culture: the activities that people do together which define who they are and distinguish them from other groups.Given the different materials, climates and peoples around the world, building forms and designs are quite different.
The Assignment
1. Your task is to choose a number of “everyday” buildings around you to identify what principles/elements of design are used to create the aesthetics of the building.
2. Identify two (2) residential buildings, two (2) commercial buildings and one (1) institutional building for this analysis.
3. Within the Expression Framework, identify elements and principles of design in the selected buildings.
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Architectural Technology/Technician Program
History of Architecture
Elements
Point
Line
Shape
Color
Texture
Value
Space
Size
Principles
Balance
Emphasis
Rhythm and Pattern
Contrast
Proportion
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Architectural Technology/Technician Program
History of Architecture
The intent is to show how the architect/designer used either elements or principles of design or both to give shape and form to the building.
Deliverable: Report on the Images and/or Drawings
3. Submit a photo of each building you have selected. In a 250-word report, identify and describe the elements and/or principles of design that you have found in the exterior facades of the selected buildings. Show the elements or principles directly on the photos of the building exterior or by using a vellum or tracing paper overlay, draw out the elements or principles. Can use “wrap-around” photos showing all four sides.
4. Describe how you would use elements or principles of design to enhance or modify the selected buildings.
5. Conclude your report by describing how you would use the elements and/or principles of design in your own work
5. Be prepared to display your analysis.
Evaluation criteria and rubric:
Description / Ex. / G / F / P / Weight / Marks1 / Selected buildings clearly show on the exterior what their function is / 2.0 / 1.75 / 1.25 / 0.5 / 1
2 / Report provides a clear explanation of the elements and/or principles of design identified. / 2.0 / 1.75 / 1.25 / 0.5 / 2
3 / Drawings on the photos or on the overlays, show the elements/principles in use on the selected buildings / 2.0 / 1.75 / 1.25 / 0.5 / 2
4 / Description of use of elements/principles to modify or enhance the selected buildings. / 2.0 / 1.75 / 1.25 / 0.5 / 4
5 / Conclusion on how elements/principles would be used in design work. / 2.0 / 1.75 / 1.25 / 0.5 / 1
Total: / 10
This assignment is due at the start of class (See Syllabus)
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