Introductory Visual Arts: Art Media and Techniques - Architecture Drafting Blueprints Scale Models CAD 3D Printing Sustainable Design Landscape Architecture Urban Design Interior Architecture

What It Is

Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and structures that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and safe. It involves the creation of blueprints, scale models, and digital designs using computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D printing technology. The iconic example of a well-designed building is the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, designed by Frank Gehry. This matters for making or analyzing art because architecture is a form of visual communication that reflects the culture, values, and needs of a society.

Key Terms & Techniques

• Drafting: The process of creating detailed drawings of buildings and structures using various techniques, such as hand drawing or computer-aided design (CAD).
  • Example: Frank Lloyd Wright's drawings for the Fallingwater house.
• Blueprints: Detailed drawings of buildings and structures created using a process called blueprinting, which involves tracing the design onto a special paper.
  • Example: The blueprints for the Eiffel Tower.
• Scale Models: Small-scale representations of buildings and structures used to visualize and test the design.
  • Example: The scale model of the Burj Khalifa.
• CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Software used to create digital designs and models of buildings and structures.
  • Example: Autodesk Revit.
• 3D Printing: A technology used to create physical models of buildings and structures from digital designs.
  • Example: The 3D printed model of the Dubai Frame.
• Sustainable Design: The practice of designing buildings and structures that minimize their impact on the environment.
  • Example: The sustainable design of the Amazon Spheres.
• Landscape Architecture: The design of outdoor spaces, such as parks and gardens, that are integrated with buildings and structures.
  • Example: The landscape design of the High Line in New York City.
• Urban Design: The design of public spaces and buildings in urban areas.
  • Example: The urban design of the city of Barcelona.
• Interior Architecture: The design of interior spaces, such as offices and homes, that are integrated with buildings and structures.
  • Example: The interior design of the Apple Store in New York City.
• Principles of Design: The fundamental elements of design, such as balance, proportion, and harmony.
  • Example: The use of symmetry in the design of the Taj Mahal.
• Elements of Design: The basic components of design, such as line, shape, and texture.
  • Example: The use of line in the design of the Guggenheim Museum.
• Art Deco: A style of architecture and design that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by ornate and geometric patterns.
  • Example: The Art Deco design of the Chrysler Building.
• Modernism: A style of architecture and design that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by simplicity and functionality.
  • Example: The modernist design of the Bauhaus building.
• Postmodernism: A style of architecture and design that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by playfulness and irreverence.
  • Example: The postmodern design of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
• Deconstructivism: A style of architecture and design that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by unconventional and fragmented forms.
  • Example: The deconstructivist design of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
• Critical Regionalism: A style of architecture and design that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by a focus on regional and cultural context.
  • Example: The critical regionalist design of the Salk Institute.

Common Misunderstandings

• Misunderstanding: Sustainable design is only about using recycled materials.
• Correction: Sustainable design is about minimizing the impact of buildings and structures on the environment, which can include using recycled materials, but also involves other strategies such as energy efficiency and water conservation.
• Misunderstanding: Urban design is only about designing public spaces.
• Correction: Urban design is about designing public spaces and buildings in urban areas, which can include streets, parks, and buildings.
• Misunderstanding: Interior architecture is only about designing interior spaces.
• Correction: Interior architecture is about designing interior spaces that are integrated with buildings and structures, which can include offices, homes, and public spaces.

Quick Identification

1. Describe the design of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. What style of architecture is it?
   • Answer: Deconstructivism. Reason: The museum's irregular shape and fragmented forms are characteristic of deconstructivist architecture.
2. What is the main difference between sustainable design and green building?
   • Answer: Sustainable design is a broader concept that encompasses all aspects of building design, while green building refers specifically to buildings that are designed to minimize their environmental impact.
3. Describe the design of the High Line in New York City. What style of landscape architecture is it?
   • Answer: Modernist. Reason: The High Line's simple and functional design is characteristic of modernist landscape architecture.

Last?Minute Revision

• The term "sustainable design" was first used in the 1960s.
• The style of architecture known as Art Deco emerged in the 1920s and 1930s.
• The term "deconstructivism" was first used in the 1980s.
• The style of architecture known as Postmodernism emerged in the 1960s and 1970s.
• The term "critical regionalism" was first used in the 1980s.
• The style of architecture known as Modernism emerged in the early 20th century.
• The term "landscape architecture" was first used in the 19th century.
• The style of architecture known as Deconstructivism emerged in the 1980s.
• The term "urban design" was first used in the 1950s.
• The style of architecture known as Postmodernism is characterized by playfulness and irreverence.
• The term "interior architecture" was first used in the 20th century.
• The style of architecture known as Modernism is characterized by simplicity and functionality.
• The term "sustainable design" is a broader concept that encompasses all aspects of building design.
• The style of architecture known as Art Deco is characterized by ornate and geometric patterns.
• The term "critical regionalism" is a style of architecture that emerged in the 1980s.