Architecture is not a simple concept; it consists of a diverse set of many elements. Architecture has a system of orders, or regulations for each of its categories, that being space, structure, and materials. A building itself has 3 significant systems; structural, enclosure, and mechanical. The structural system allows the building to support and stand itself. The Enclosure system withstands any dangerous force from entering the building. It is the envelope of the building-regulating both the outside and inside. The last system is known as the mechanical system which, provides crucial utility to a building, such as managing the heating, electrical system, sewage, and water system. In order to bring all these building systems together, we rely on certain materials to help with maintenance as well to serve different purposes. Materials include wood, concrete, steel, and masonry. A material such as steel has different types of durability and strength. For example: stresses at the top beam resist compression, whereas at the bottom tension occurs. When talking about character, however, big sections of wood will last longer in heat, than steel, but steel can be protected by fireproofing built brick around it. Therefore different materials distribute different purposes.
Author: Nabihah
The concept map displays that there is more to architecture than “just a building”. It consists of a diverse set of principles which includes functionality, creativity, and reliability. These set of principles can be categorized by three means: materials, structure, and space. For instance, in materials: concrete, steel, and wood can be used to create the product of the building as they all prove to be viable materials, but construction items for both the building and support . For structure different techniques can be applied to help support it- load bearing walls or a frame system. In space, circulation and stairs are key components that bring not only life into a room, but as well contribute to reliability as they provide easier methods of travel throughout a building. Furthermore, when one brings all these categories together, they have a sense of direction as of how to build the building.
