HomeEvents 2023-24Workshop on “Architecture through Lens of Geometry 2023-24”

Workshop on “Architecture through Lens of Geometry 2023-24”

SubjectWorkshop
Session2023-24
Year2nd year, B.Arch.
No. of Days5
Time8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Venue1st floor studio
Conducted byProf. Neha Deshpande
Expert Talk byProf. Smita Dalvi

Aim:
To identify geometry that makes up basic 2D geometry which would later provide exposure for the students to approach a design project leading them on the right track allowing them to experiment different forms.

Objective:

  • To study and understand the importance of Geometry/ form in Architecture
  • To enable the student to understand the basic Concepts of Geometry in relation with Architecture
  • To explore the properties of geometric figures using different timeline in architecture
  • To sensitize the students towards the subject of geometry and develop a flair for understanding and practicing the subject’s association with aesthetics in design and architecture.

Workshop Description:
This workshop will explore elementary geometry. This exploration shall be the basis for argument and reasoning for the subject of design in this workshop. The students will be presented with pure research by eminent scholars in history of geometry, especially research that is oriented to design. They will make assessment of works of architecture in history to contemporary design and record observations on geometry and its implication on design.

Expected outcomes in terms of students understanding and skills:
The students will learn more about how geometry can be used as a powerful tool in Presentations and Creativity. Documentary & analytic drawings, Geometric design drawing, self (students) design assessment and geometrical corrections on their design plans, sections and elevations, volumetric and spatial checks and written inferences. Students will review several architect’s work, structures and concepts to analyze and are expected to utilize this learning in other subjects.

DateSession No.DescriptionExpected Outcome
18th July, 20231Introduction to GeometryA2 Sheet
25th July, 20232Concepts in architecture Elements and principles (form & shape) + Golden mean ratioA2 Sheet
22nd August, 20233Geometry as Visual ExpressionA2 Sheet and Model
5th September, 20234Language of Geometry in Gothic ArchitectureA2 Sheet
26th September, 20235Expert Talk Language of Geometry in Islamic ArchitectureGroup Project A3 sheet

Day 1:
Prof. Neha Deshpande commenced the workshop “Architecture through the Lens of Geometry Workshop
The aim of the workshop was to orient the students towards an approach to a design project leading them on the right track allowing them to experiment different forms.

On Day 1, She conducted a lecture on Introduction to Geometry that included the world of designing geometry as visual expression, its history and evolution in architecture, Geometric aspects influencing architecture. Topics like why geometry is important in Architecture, Basic geometry, Different examples of geometry in Architecture were discussed.

Short exercises were conducted to identify basic geometric shapes and nomenclatures used in geometry. Students actively participated in these exercises. Through this students could understand that Geometry is a fundamental aspect of architecture and is used to create aesthetically pleasing designs, plan functional spaces and ensure structural stability.

Assignment 1 was given in the class to be completed followed by submission. Group discussions were also encouraged.

Towards the end of 1st day, the entire schedule was informed to the students and explained how the process of submissions shall take place.

Day 2:
The focus for Day 2 workshop was Design geometry. Lecture on Concepts in architecture Elements & Principles and Golden mean ratio was conducted. Elements and Principles were discussed in detail with examples for each and how they are interlinked for composing the various elements of design.

The lecture incorporated Concepts of Golden ratio, Vitriuvan Man and Le Modular.

Assignment was introduced on the topic covered and the entire day was given to discussion and studio work.

Day 3:
On the 3rd day students were divided into groups for model making as a part of Visual Perception assignment. CUBE was considered as a basic shape and in the 1st slot Prof. Neha delivered a lecture covering the 3 aspects Exploring the Intersection of Geometry and Architecture: THE VISUAL PERCEPTION OF CUBES, The Necker Cube and lastly The Cube as an Initial tool for learning the Architectural space. Followed by the assignment. Students were guided with certain parameters to fulfill the requirement of the assignments sheets were drafted which was graded at the end of the session.

Day 4:
On Day 4 of the workshop as scheduled Prof. Neha Deshpande delivered a lecture on Language of Geometry in Gothic Architecture. She presented various examples of Gothic Architecture and how the geometry was used in construction in that era. Also discussed its evolution on the timeline.

Use of symbolic geometry in Gothic architecture was discussed. Deriving fractal figures and analyzing the geometry through principles and concepts that were learnt in previous sessions were taught.
Each student was asked to select one cathedral from the Gothic era and derive the geometry based on the Proportion & Symmetry.

The 2nd half of the session was utilized for studio work completion, discussion of the assignment and doubt solving.

Day 5:
An Expert talk was scheduled on the last day of the workshop. It was conducted by Prof. Smita Dalvi ma’am on the topic Language of Islamic Art and Architecture. The lecture was formulated with subtopics like Geometry as organizing principle in planning of structures, Geometry as visual principle in architecture and ornamentation. The session was quite interesting with different forms of geometry, symbols used Islamic Architecture. Examples of Taj Mahal, Humayum tomb, and other Islamic structures etc were explained with minute jali work, the patterns used ceiling, flooring and facade, geometric analysis of landscape.

The workshop concluded by final submission of the group project related to Islamic geometry. Students worked on overall compilation of the work from the 1st assignment which helped students to understand the overall framework and importance of this workshop. Also the takeaways of the workshop could be useful information for integrating them in architectural design and other representation work.