Architecture

Question 1

Composition

Answer 1

-Scale: compare w surroundings/surrounding buildings
-Symmetry/Asymmetry
-Focus/Focal points- central axis/section? emphasised by a big central window/entrance/tympanum etc.?
-Vertical/Horizontality: name features that add to these e.g. spires/towers add verticality or stringcourse/continuous horizontal band adds horizontality. Vertical and horizontal alignments of windows? if alignment not correct in areas state where
-Proportions
-Repeating shapes: triangular/pyramidal, rectangular, geometrical
- how many sections of building or one singular mass: ABA? ABCBA? etc. - use of material to unify or varying materials?
-Sense of order and balance? Visual harmony? Complex or clear and simple?
- Regular fenestration, grouped in pairs/threes? Graduating scale?
-Geometrical arrangement of masses and features?
-Flat façade or planar/little articulation? 3D/2D?
-Focus on Mass or volume? Solid, weighty, monumental, massive/ weightless, lifted up, insubstantial?
-Rhythms of projections/recessions?
-Decorative detail: minimal/highly detailed, used to differentiate sections? Colour/pattern? textured?
-Line and shape? straight and geometric/curvy and organic, clear outline?
-

Question 2

Architectural elements and features:

• Walls
• Entrances and fenestration
• Roof
• Sections

Answer 2

• Articulation (defined/stands out)? Divisions- use of bands, entablatures, cornices, orders on columns, pilasters
• Pedimented windows, porticoes (porch leading to entrance), strip windows (horizontal continuous band of windows), oeils de boeuf (small oval shaped widow above door on roof)
• Gabled, pitched (slanted), domed structures, lanterns, spires
• Chapels, wings, stairs, balconies, balustrade (fencing), pavilion

Question 3

Colour (appearance)

Answer 3

Raw material visible?
Bright, primary/Muted, dull, subtle?
Natural and organic use of colour?
Contrast or blend w surroundings?
Decoratively used?
Variety of masonry/painted?

Question 4

Style/Stylistic elements and appearance

Answer 4

Grand scale or modest
Very ornate/ostentatious/extravagant/flamboyant: rich textures; tracery; surface patterns
simple and undecorated/modern appearance, pure, ordered and elegant with clear organisation of parts
Dynamic/exuberant composition
picturesque
Asymmetric/Irregular silhouettes
Imposing mass
Horizontals and verticals- e.g. predominantly horizontal but balanced by vertical accents
Architectural elements and repeated shapes, used decoratively? harmonious, proportioned relationships of architectural elements
Fenestration
exotic/oriental
carefully placed and restrained use of sculpture, enhancing not concealing architectural elements/ excessive use

Question 5

Site and Location and effect

Answer 5

Rural or urban location?
Surrounded by other buildings or in open space?
On a hill/slope or flat surface?
Connected to other buildings or free standing?
Effect:
Isolated
Embedded
Hidden/Exposed
Raised and seen from afar or can only experience close up?
Fits/Blends with surroundings
Stand out / Dominate surroundings

Question 6

Appearance reflects function

Answer 6

Religious: Plain, austere, unornamented/ornate, lavish and richly decorated?
Verticality (features such as spires/towers) reflecting pointing to heaven/ aspiration to the heavenly or transcendental?
Harmony, symmetry, mathematical proportion and balance?
Christian: Tripartite arrangement of sections/features/windows symbolises Trinity
Rose window – all-seeing eye of God
Open arched windows in bell tower allows sound of the bells to be heard from a distance