ARC1412 Lesson 1:
Theory in General:
 Scientifically accepted general principle of
body of principles offer to explain a
phenomenon.
 Relation of facts such as Mathematical
equations.
 Belief, policy, and procedure.
 Collection of thoughts, views, or ideas
(Religion doctrines, philosophical thoughts,
political views.)
Architectural Theory:
 Sick building syndrome under color
theories.
 Climate and Building materials under
structural theories.
 Permits and programming under
architectural programing.
3 types of theories in General:
 Descriptive: explains phenomenon or
events; neutral and don’t lean toward
ideology.
 Prescriptive: Prescribes basis or guidelines.
 Critical: Challenges relationship between
architecture and society.
3 types of Theory in Architecture:
 Descriptive= Structural principles
 Prescriptive= Building code, zoning, land
use and plans
 Critical= Critical regionalism
Spatial theories:
 Anthropocentrism
 Anthropomorphism
 Ethnocentrism
 Ekistics
 Anthropometrics
Understanding Architecture:
 Physical:
As Forms and spaces: these are the Solids and
Voids, Exterior and Interior.
As systems and organizations: these are the Spaces,
Structures, Enclosures, and machines.
 Perceptual:
As Forms and spaces: these are the Sensory
Perceptions
As system and organization: these are the Qualities
of light, color, texture, view & sound.
 Conceptual:
As Forms and Spaces: these are the Meanings
As system and organization: these are the Images,
patterns, signs, symbols and contexts.
FORMS in Architecture:
 FORM- it is a point of contact between mass
and space.
- Texture, materials, modulations of light
and shade, color, that are all combined to
inject a quality or the spirit that articulate
a space.
 - It often includes sense of 3-dimensional
mass or volume. “Shape refers more
specifically to the aspect of form that
governs the appearance.

Visual Properties of Form:

 Shape: Characteristic outline or surface

configuration of a form.
- Also Identifies and categorizes form.
 Size: Physical dimension of form including
length, width and depth.
- Dimensions are the absolute
measurements that determines the
properties of form. Its scale is
determined by its size relative to other
form in its context.
 Color: Phenomenon of light (Product of
light) and visual perception that may be
described in terms of individual’s perception
of hue, saturation, and tonal value.
- It affects the visual weight of a form.
 Texture: Visual and especially tactile quality
given to a surface by the size, shape,
arrangements, and proportions of the parts.
- It determines the degree to which the
surface of a form reflects or absorb
incident light.