Diagrams in Architecture

DAIGRAM
KEDHEESWARAN K -M.Arch,Asst.Prof,ANNA
UNIVERSITY CURRICULLAM
DIAGRAMS IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Definitions of diagrams and their functions and values in the architectural design
process
Identify the architectural qualities of buildings produced using diagrams.
DIAGRAMS AND SKETCHES -DIFFERENCES
Diagram
Can be described with its own history and in relation to
subjects and domains that extend beyond arts.
Conveys concepts and relationships in an abstract manner
More informative on the complexities and activities around

the project
Sketch
More related to arts or to the drawing and the model.
Is more about spatial form and executed with a finer
resolution that indicate the attributes of shape.
Provides more detailed information on the spaces
Diagrams Function and Value
The ability to organise a variety of information in a single graphic configuration
Flexible configurations of potential relationships
To make visible and relate the various complexities of matter and activity surrounding the
project.
Architectures best means to engage the complexity of the real.
OMA
Practice Study
Project Design Methodology
The project begins with research focusing on the expansion of media types and social
functions of modern libraries.
the flexibility of generic floors common in library design is observed as a
shortcoming of the building type, as the expanding collection encroaches on the public
space of the library.
To counter this, a strategy of spatial and functional compartmentalisation is
proposed, eliminating the threat of one function encroaching on others. this organising
principle is expressed using conceptual diagrams.
Floor area of proposed library programme
central column illustrates proportion of the
total floor area books (shown n blue)
Project Design Methodology
1.The proposed library programme was visualized and
consolidated into various functional groupings, illustrating
the proportions of floor area occupied by each function.
This visualization communicates essentially the same
information as a pie chart, however its vertical stratified
organization creates associations with the form and
organization of office high rises, providing the notion of a
formal correlation for the diagram.
2.Nine different functional clusters are determined and visualized; five are classified as
stable, four unstable. A black outline encloses and compartmentalizes the stable clusters,
while the unstable clusters are offset or pushed out in the diagram .
3.The next diagrams show the mechanistic translation of the programmatic diagram.
Each of the stable compartments is scaled according to programmatic requirements
and site constraints and stacked on top of one another [Figure 3.42]. The previous
abstract diagrammatic operation of offsetting the compartments has been adapted in
this diagram, whose seemingly arbitrary offsets of the programmatic compartments
are justified by the logic of the programmed (Gargiani, 2008). Figure 3.43 shows the
residual spaces between the stacked stable compartments which are used to organize
the interface between the compartments and house the more informal, social
functions of the library An abstract indication of circulation appears in this diagram.
4.The specific offsets of the different compartments are influenced by shade
and sunlight requirements and the desire to maximize specific views from
the library as well as the urban requirements of the streets surrounding the
building. Diagrams illustrate some of the forces influencing the offsets of
the compartments [Figure 3.44, Figure 3.45].
Diagram Methodology
Undertake research aimed at understanding the situation of the project.
Identify problems, aims and possible organising strategies for the project and visualise
these strategies through diagrams
I. Visualise the programme of the project.

II. Identify functional groupings of the programme according to the projects
organising strategies - differentiate between the functional groupings using an abstract
diagrammatic operation
III. Scale the functional groupings and transpose them to site, relating them
according to the previous diagrammatic operation.
IV. Organise the specific locations of the functional groupings according to
pragmatic requirements and outside influences of the project
This process generates the basic organising principles and form for the building
which is subject to further development as other design parameters influence the
project
RELATIONSHIP TO URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Although clearly distinct from its urban surroundings, the Seattle public
library features an unconventional level of integration with its public urban
surroundings, beginning with a pedestrian thoroughfare through the building
and generous public lobby which work together to create a more permeable
building edge. The interior of the building, whose programmatic compartments
are stacked up and offset as though pushed by some geological force, feature
qualities of landscapes. The compartmental offsets create continuous interiors
rich spiral up through the building, allowing physical and especially visual
connections between the layers of the building [Figure 3.461. This continuous
interior acts as a continuation of the buildings urban surroundings, which
are stacked and spiralled up into labyrinthine caves (Betsky, 2002, p. 143).
Although this strategy does not strive to generate ambiguity between the
buildings inside and outside, it does encourage ambiguity between what is
typically read as public (external space), and private (internal space). The citys
urban order is seemingly continued into the buildings interior and up through
its levels, generating a prolonged sense of urbanity [Figure 3.47].

Diagrams in Architecture

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DAIGRAM

More informative on the complexities and activities around

I. Visualise the programme of the project.

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