T.O.A 2 Answers

1. How can “an architectural opening do more than one thing at a time”?

The elements of architecture do not function in isolation most of the times. The interact with each

other to form meaningful spaces. In the process of interaction, a single element can become

multifunctional. Eg- (any one example from below)

A window can ‘do’ many things architecturally at the same time. It lets light into a room, or out. It provides

a view out, or in. It might set up an axial relationship. The formation of an opening creates a sill, which can

be a shelf for books or plants. The window can be a place for display and it also plays role in the pattern

of an elevation.

or

This building is called the Villa Flora, and was designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1926. In this small

summerhouse, the four columns not only hold up the roof, but also help to define the boundary of the

verandah—a place for sitting and looking over the nearby lake which is at Muuratsalo in Finland.

2. Explain an example where an existing feature becomes architecture

Castle builders through history have built their fortifications on sites which, though often powerfully

dramatic, were chosen primarily for their defensibility. Even if identically rebuilt somewhere else, such

buildings would not be architecturally the same on another site.

Or

Or

LaCONES (Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species) is a research laboratory located in

Hyderabad, designed by Architect Shirish Beri. The project site contained a rough terrain with huge rocks

in it. The form of the project is a direct result of the layout of the area, containing a series of vertical rocks

of great enigmatic beauty.

3. Compare an “igloo” with “a house with “hearth”.

IGLOO

An igloo is a type of dwelling built of snow and is

found predominantly in the Arctic region.

Snow is used because the air pockets trapped in it

make it an insulator. The inside is warmed

by body heat alone.

HEARTH

A hearth is a brick or stone-lined fireplace, with or

without an oven, used for heating and originally

also used for cooking food. It is not region specific.

The hearth is used to warm the interiors of a space and needs to be constantly fuelled.

4. How has a place of sleep evolved over ages?

5. What architectural features/elements will you use for tropical architecture?

Tropical architecture is all about achieving thermal comfort through the use of passive design elements like sunshades, cavity walls, light shelves, overhangs, roof and wall insulation and even shading from large trees to block the sun. Maximize window openings for cross ventilation of internal spaces.

Courtyards could be packed with many plants, and maybe a small fountain. Evaporation from these creates cool air which flows through the rooms.

Dark-colored exteriors add to the heating effect. Some of the heat absorbed by dark-colored roofs is transmitted to the room or space below. So light and cool reflective colours should be used. Materials that are not insulating, but facilitates cooling should be used.