Architecture relies on two main principles of design: material and spacial systems. On a spatial level, the role of an architect is to create definition and composition in their spaces. On a material level, the role of an architect is to create a space that is well supported, and can both withstand nature and use it t its advantage. Ideally, both of these design principles would be used in tangent with one another in order to create a space that is functional, beautiful, and durable.
Arguably, what separates an architect from an engineer is their ability to use shapes and composition to define spaces. Negative space refers to spaces which can only be perceived; for instance, the seed of an avocado (while still in the avocado) defines a space equal to the size of the seed; without removing the seed, we can only perceive the space that is being taken up, but it is still there. Negative space is the opposite; using the same avocado as an example, but theirs time with the seed removed, we can see the space that could be take up by the seed, or that once was taken up by the seed, because it is clearly defined in the avocado; however, it is not currently being taken up. Architects use both of these ideas in order to define spaces; for example, a closed, square fence defines a specific space despite not taking up the whole space, effectively making a defined space where there was once nothing, simply by putting up a few posts. This is, of course, an oversimplified example, but it does serve to show the principles upon which an architect builds their understanding of the world around them; they are able to turn spaces without meaning or definition into something beautiful and meaningful.Certain forms or compositions provide only perceptual properties, while volumes are only able to imply the spaces that COULD be; by combining and executing these ideas in a balanced way, an architect is able to give importance to a certain shape or space.
Material systems and principles of design are the foundation of an architect’s ability to design functional and durable spaces/buildings. By using certain materials or certain forms which work together with nature, architects are able to do incredible things like control the ventilation in a building or even control the transfer of energy and sound within a space. However, it is still an essential topic which an architect must have complete understanding over because that knowledge is what architects use in order to design a building which is able to do its most basic and important task: support its own weight as well as the weight which will be added into it. Without adequate knowledge and use of the principles of weight distribution and dispersion, buildings would collapse and pose a safety risk to the people in and around it; this has a lot to do with the types of materials used to build the space, as different materials provide different levels of support and rigidity for a building. On a less essential note, a deep understanding of material systems can also provide a lot of room for ingenuity on an architect’s part. It is easy to design a building built solely to adhere to the safety guidelines, but what makes an architect “special” in that regard is how they are able to work around those rules in order to design spaces that are beautiful, unique, and functional while still adhering to those guidelines.
Spatial and material systems make up the foundation of an architect’s work. However, the way that they utilize and carry out these ideas to their advantage in order to create unique and functional spaces is what separates them from other professions. In order to accomplish this, an understanding of both spatial and material systems is necessary .
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