Principles of Plan Composition

Theory of ArchitectureArch. Maribel C. Tubera

Good planning is not the placing of areas together in an aimless way.

A logical planning have a reason behind it – “a parti”, or scheme.

A good plan should be organic, that is, it should be organized that the composition will be disturbed if one element is moved.

A plan may be simple or complex, depending upon the use of the building.

PLAN

A guide to be a good planner

The principles of plan composition are:

A.Primary principles

1. Contrast (size, shape, character, direction)

2. Balance (Symmetrical & unsymmetrical)3. Emphasis

B.Secondary Principles

1. Repetition2. Alternation3. Transition4. Transformation

CONTRAST

Is used to give interest or emphasis by producing

a. Difference in sizes of areasb. Variation of shapesc. Contrast in characterd. Contrast in direction

Sizes

Shapes

Character

OPEN

CLOSED

CLOSED

Major Axis

Minor Axis

90 ˚

Direction

Direction

R O A D

MAJOR AXIS TRANSVERSE

R O A D

MAJOR AXIS LONGITUDINAL

BALANCE

2 Types of balance 1. Symmetrical

a. Bilateral symmetry

b. Radial symmetry

2. Unsymmetrical

EMPHASIS

The visual emphasis can be achieved by endowing a form or shape with:

a. Exceptional sizeb. A unique shapec. Strategic location

EMPHASIS

Secondary Principles

Repetition

Sydney Opera House

PLAN

Floor Plan of a Row house

Alternation – a synonym for contrast.

Transition

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L'Hemisfèric (Planetarium) (1991)Valencia Science Centre, SpainThe eye with its emphasis on the pupil intrigues Calatrava and is a prominent motif in his drawings and design. The pool alongside the building reflects the semi-elliptical Planetarium, completing its form to the full shape of the eye.

Transformation

SANTIAGO CALATRAVATurning Torso, Malmö, Sweden

The 190 meter tall concrete and steel tower turns 90 degrees from bottom to top.

Transformation

The Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Calatrava's designs are often inspired by nature, featuring a combination of organic forms and technological innovation. The Milwaukee Art Museum expansion incorporates multiple elements inspired by the Museum's lakefront location. Among the many maritime elements in Calatrava's design are: movable steel louvers inspired by the wings of a bird; a cabled pedestrian bridge with a soaring mast inspired by the form or a sailboat and a curving single-storey galleria reminiscent of a wave.

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