MVP Samaj’s College of Architecture, Nasik

th
4 Yr. B-Arch [Div. B] Sem – VII Yr. 2020-21

RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE – I
Faculty : Ar. HemantThakare

Assignment 3 : To Observe and Describe

(Resource: National Register of Historic Places State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa)

How would you describe a particular space of an element or a portion of a building, or an element?
Would you give the overall, basic shape first and then describe the details?

Perhaps you would even organize your description into separate parts, and talk about each part
separately. Materials, craftsmanship, design or decorative detailing, spatial arrangements, form, and
massing all contribute to the unique character. These details, which are often referred to as
“character-defining,” help to describe that particular piece of architecture.You may find & like to
describe the fundamental design principles which has been used in the composition.

An accurate, well-organized physical description using proper architectural vocabulary is an

important component of writing architecture. Documenting the physical aspects of an architecture
via a written description helps others to understand the space as it is; and provides a guide to what
materials and features are important in that particular space.

When documenting a building, it is helpful to create or use an ‘Inventory Form’to allow for a quick,
organized capture of information when you are onsite, especially if you are surveying more than one
or two buildings at a time. Inventory forms can be customized to the type of resource you are
surveying. You may like to find some sample inventory form which may provide some ideas.

Following are the sample points one will like to cover in the inventory –

Summary & Setting Paragraph Overview Paragraph

Is it in a rural or built-up area? Height
If built-up, is it a neighbourhood or Form, Massing, Bays, Wide
commercial district? Architectural Style
What is a rough date range into which the Construction (eg. Frame, Load-bearing
surrounding development might fit? Masonry, Frame with Masonry Veneer)
Does the primary structure sit close to the Dominant materials (ex. wood clapboard,
street or at a distance? 6-to-1 American bond brick)
Does it face the street? Roof form and cladding
If not, does it face any historic or Location of porches
landscape features (in other words, has its Location of chimneys
orientation changed as a result of the Type and Overall characteristics of the
changing landscape)? window / door surrounds
Is there a driveway or other entrance onto General location and characteristics of any
the property? additions
Is the property wooded or open?
Are there any landscape features of note? Details of particular parts / portions / spaces
Are there any outbuildings? Dimensions & Proportions
Roughly where are they located relative to Materials &Finishes
the primary structure Compositional Characteristics
(eg. four outbuildings clustered together etc . . . .
to the rear of the house)
Describing a Building Façade

Example -1
Describing a Building Façade

Example -2