History and Theory of design II POINT1

At the beginning of this unit we spoke about architecture being the unavoidable art. It was discussed how architecture involves form, can have multiple interpretations, and is everywhere. With this being said, architecture and people coincide with eachother. A demonstration was given where Patrick walked into the wall showing that no matter how hard you try, humans are forced to have a relationship with buildings and architectural structures. It was also said that "nature cannot build a building, people do." This leads me to the point of, with humans and architecture being intertwined it is important that one designs and builds based on a lay out that shows clarity and the minimal about of confusion. It is important for the building to make sense. Although after reading "Architecture of Happiness" I do not believe that a piece of architecture can create happiness for one, I do believe that a well put together layout and design can in fact help to set a better mood for one. If the space is uplifting and a clear layout, one is less likely to get irritated with the space, but yet enjoy it. The space could also have an effect in changing ones mood by setting, not a happy, but a happier tone. With this said it is important to follow the three basic conditions of architecture.

As we moved into the unit a bit more we touched on the quote given by Sir Henry Wotton in "The Elements of Architecture." "In architecture as in all operative arts, the end must direct the operation. The end is to build well. Well building hath three conditions: commodity, firmness, and delight." Commodity is seen as the functions/support. Firmness being the stability, and delight being just that, delightful and enjoyable.
For example, the columns on the Pantheon in Rome, Italy.

When taking into consideration of weather or not the architectural piece successfully commodity, firmness, and delight one has to ask, does the piece of work function as supposed to? Is the architecture stable? And will people enjoy this piece, or space? As shown above the columns in the entrance way of the Pantheon hits all three points, making it a successful piece. Commodity - The columns are functional and are successfully being used as a crutch and to hold up the piece of architecture. Firmness- They are clearly stable and in tact. And delight- the columns are enjoyable to view along with the continuous repetition of space between each column and the building.

We finished this unit by touching on the hidden dimension, the power of three and the design cycle. The hidden dimension is seen as the space between people. And the power of three is stated that description, deduction and speculation are the three assessments needed for a successful piece of architecture, and how this world focuses a lot on threes. Last the design cycle is when styles pick up and some continue to grow where as others grow and tend to die out. It shows how there are so many factors in design in which overlay one another. An idea is created, and eventually becomes popular. What the cycle is stating is that once this idea is brought forth and hits a popular state it is only a matter of time before it depletes and is no longer thought of, but then starts right back over with another idea creating the same effect.

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