Architectural composition : an examination of its use as a design strategy to create meaningful architecture

Abstract

There is no doubt to the fact that architecture must be meaningful. This is needed in Architecture as it is an art; yet a unique kind of art. Expression of the built form will convey the meaning or the message in Architecture. There are different expressions that contribute to the total expression in architecture: Symbols of function, Expression of technique, Expression of Form, Expression of Space, Expression of functional Elements, Expression of decorative elements. It the grasping of the total expression that one will be able to understand the true meaning of Architecture. There are several strategies since ancient times that man has experimented trying to create meaningful architecture. Earliest attempt was to reflect the cosmic realities they believed through Architecture, geometric principles in composition to create meaningful built forms, space concept was exploited in creating meaningful spatial experiences and the concept that for follows function was used in creating meaningful architecture. Composition plays a major role in determining the expression of the built form when it finally comes to realising of the concept into architecture. The principles involved in architectural composition are numerous but proportion, scale, unity, element in contrast and accentuation are essential to be discussed. The principles of combining elements and ordering principles are also widely used in architectural composition. Several types of compositions prevails each having their own implications: composition of Form, Composition of Space, Composition of progression path, Composition of functional elements, Decorative Composition. Merely understanding the principles would serve no purpose unless the methods of applications are researched and studied. As composition is relation of parts to the whole a composition strategy would start from the single element then transforming it to the required form and then combining of different elements according to principles. After composition of basic form the spaces within the form will be composed or the composition of plan may occur. Yet this is a two way process where the plan can revise the form and form again can revise the plan. The ordering and articulation must be based on the axes and centres of the composition to make it really meaningful. To take the strategy further in to making the built form more meaningful proper surface articulation must be done. In this way composition can be successfully used to create meaningful built forms, which serve the ultimate purpose of architecture.