Architecture Beneath Nature - Essay Example

Architecture beneath Nature: Topography Affiliation Architecture beneath Nature: Topography Topography is a general term that is used to describe the comprehensive study of the surface of the earth. It also refers to the practice or art of graphic delineation that are detailed on charts or maps describing man-made and natural features of a region or place. The charts or maps also indicate the relative positions of these features. Architecture, on the other hand, is the art of designing buildings, communities, open areas as well as other environments and artificial constructions with some regard to the aesthetic effect (Leatherbarrow 2002). Topography is closely linked with surveying practice as well as architecture. In this paper, I seek to discuss the relationship between topography and architecture with a special emphasis on modern sustainable architecture. Topography is a map making element that traces its history to thousands of years back. This term originated from ancient Greece and spread to ancient Rome. The oldest topographical map was found in the Han Dynasty tomb and dated back to the 2ndcentury B.C. Besides, two maps of the Province of Southern Hu-Nan were found together. One of them was an in depth topographical map describing the terrain and scale of the province while the other one was a military map marking the settlements and roads. After national mapping work was assumed in 1878 by the ‘U.S. Geological Survey, the topographical term remained a general term referring to mapping programs and surveys (Leatherbarrow 2002). Since then, it has been adopted by many other nations as standard. Nevertheless, it began to be used in the 20th century as surface description by other fields that use mapping in a broader sense. Topographical mapping became more precise and complex throughout the 20th century with instrumental inventions such as automatic levels and theodolites. Recently, digital world developments such as the geographical information system (GIS) have enabled the creation of complex topographical maps. Unlike in the ancient times, modern topography focuses on the measurement and recording of elevation contours. In other words, it aims at the production of a three-dimensional earth’s surface representation (Leatherbarrow 2002). Sustainable architecture refers to the design of sustainable structures and buildings. As a matter of fact, it attempts to significantly reduce the environmental impacts in the production of construction components. Architecture requires that buildings, including those that use the latest technology, are designed with regard to the topography and surrounding. Furthermore, sustainable architecture seeks to put emphasis on efficiency of cooling and heating systems, use of recycled or reused building materials and on-site power generation. Sustainable designs helps conserve energy and exploit opportunities for natural lighting and passive solar lighting. The sustainable design of structures and building codes are determined by the topography of a given area (Leatherbarrow 2002). There are several forms of topography on the earth’s surface and they include mountains, hills, plains, glaciers and water. However, the geographical characteristics and features have an impact on topographic shape, depth and height (Leatherbarrow 2002). These features are displayed on the topographic maps to indicate the earth’s configuration and shape through relief shading, hypersometric tints and contour lines. Mountains are the predominant dramatic expression on a topographic map. They are not only land masses that project above their surroundings but are also steeper and higher than hills and end in a peak. Their definition is based on elevation, volume, continuity, spacing, steepness and relief. Moreover, their highest point reaches at least 1000 feet above sea level or the base. On a map, they are represented by the closeness or proximity of the contour lines. Contour lines are imaginary lines that denote heights. The closer the lines are then the steeper the slope (Leatherbarrow 2002). The primary purpose of any mountainous structure is to protect the inhabitants from the adverse environmental effects. Weather conditions within the mountains are usually more severe than that of the lower elevations. An architectural designer should anticipate effects of these natural forces on the structure and provide solutions immediately. A structure should not only be able to cope and respond to its programmatic requirements but also should be safe. This is in consideration of sufficient forethought as to potential impacts from sun, wind, snow and rain. In addition, Snow accumulation is one of the main causes of problems associated with construction in the mountains (Leatherbarrow 2002). As a matter of fact, architecture helps to familiarize with the nature of snow and its transformation processes. This helps the designer to anticipate problems related to snow accumulation before they happen. An essential of Sustainable Building Design element is indoor quality of the environment including illumination, air quality, acoustics and thermal conditions Snow loading in the mountains has an impact on the design structure of buildings. In spite of snow falling uniformly from the sky, it rarely ends up on a building. This is because the winds deposit the falling snow on the lee side of a structure. Occasionally, it builds cornices along ridge lines. The overall loading of the structure is usually quite eccentric especially on constructions with steeply inclined roofs. An inadequately supported building can be severely racked or pushed from its foundation if sufficient snow accumulates on one side. Flat roofed constructions are equally not immune to this condition. It is therefore important for a designer to put into consideration the prevailing directions of storm winds if there is heavy average winter snowfall (Leatherbarrow 2002). Bridging and creep are the other problems associated with snow in mountainous regions. Bridging, a phenomenon not visible from the exterior of a construction, transforms a continuous application of pressure to few concentrated series of concentrated loads (Leatherbarrow 2002). Its significant effect therefore calls for the consideration of building designs to curb the harm it may cause. Moreover, with reference to creep, the build up of snow is accompanied by the movement of snow. It might be slight but if unduly contained it may results into damage. Designers therefore have to know the amount of snow expected to fall, the place the wind will put it and the place the snow will eventually move. The format of design theory for building types should be followed to help in controlling the consequences of snow loading and accumulation. There are three configurations of roof designs in mountains. The high pitched roof is usually able to let any kind of snow that accumulates on it slide off. A slightly lower pitched roof,on the other hand, retains the snow but then let the water from the snow melt or rain drain to the eaves. However, the flat roof that occasionally has a parapet has to be mostly drained away. Considering that the principal problems facing a designer with respect to designing of a roof are ice damming and snow loading, selection of a type of roof relies frequently on its ability to withstand winter weather conditions of that site (Leatherbarrow 2002). Ultimately, each configuration has disadvantages and advantages but all can function properly in the mountain environment. The generation of heat, distribution and conservation are essential factors in maintaining desirable comfort within a mountain building. All these have to be factored by architects during mountainous structural designs. This requires close understanding and cooperation of the design group, the client, the architects, and the engineers at all stages of the project. It involves the procedures ranging from site and material selection, scheme formation and procurement to the project implementation. All in all, engaging in sustainable design creates high performance buildings which are in harmony with their context and those that protect restore and even enhance the natural environment (Leatherbarrow 2002). Plains and plateaus have an impact on the architectural designs. Plains are a form of flat land and only experience minor variations in their elevation. Their types include prairies and steppes and occur both as lowlands as well as plateaus. They are usually expressed on topographic maps by absence of contours. Plains do not pose more challenges like mountains or valleys. Valleys, on the other hand, are usually expressed between lines of two elevation contours. The space found between the outer most groups of elevation contours indicate a valley (Leatherbarrow 2002). Water is another landform represented by the use of symbols-usually blue colour on coloured maps. Bodies of gulfs and water like are shaded. The shading has to be consistent with the actual body shape and should indicate rapids or falls. Generally speaking, topography affects some of the mechanical aspects of a design (Leatherbarrow 2002). Some illustrations of topography that affects architecture are definitely seen in zones with rugged, swampy or hilly terrain. Constructions in those zones need the use of pillars and piers to create a level platform on which to construct. Construction in higher altitudes requires steeper rooftops to accommodate dense snows. When constructing in a flood plain placing a construction on an embankment is considered good planning. Taking and creating shape in architecture identifies the formal probability of a first time environmentally sustainable design. This could serve as theoretical guidelines towards sustainable structural designs. Furthermore, it holds upon the influential power of structural design as a symbol and suggests environmental sustainability as a main cultural foundation of architecture (Leatherbarrow 2002). Restoring the appeal to the realm of necessity, it is elevated to a central and visionary role. There are a number of attributes that motivate modern architecture. First, modern architecture breaks away from traditional aesthetics. It strives to make home designs outside standard ideas and pursue projects motivated by function, layout, and location. Modernist architecture takes inspiration from the project itself - if the project is meant to showcase something, house something particular, or be occupied by a particular person. Its ultimate aim is not only to design for every unique situation but also to be inspired by its purpose (Leatherbarrow 2002). The second attribute of modern architecture is simplicity in design and form. It is typically free of unnecessary elements.  The aims of the plan are made clear at the start and only features required are incorporated in the design.  Domestic homes are regularly stripped down to display the architectural plan of the home. Modern tastes enjoy clarity and simplicity.  Homes will be clean, functional, and simple. Choosing one’s own design features in the mode of textures, interesting furnishings and colours help in the creation of a more unique recent style (Leatherbarrow 2002). Furthermore, the love of all things linear is another attribute. Modern architects have a craving for lines. In numerous modern designs, there are strong linear elements and bold vertical and horizontal features. The architect creates a linear-inspired space by using posts, beams, windows, cut outs, staircases, fireplaces and roof lines. This is less important in more traditional building styles but much more prominent in modern design (Leatherbarrow 2002). Modern architecture lines tend to be angled and straight rather than curved. However, organic lines can find their way into modern home designs. The other significant attributes encompasses bold roof lines. Instead of going for the ancient craftsmen style roof-lines or triangular based modern architecture pushes the envelope on design of roofs. Homes may have several roof lines at diverse levels, displaying the difficulty of the whole design and the infrequent structural silhouette.  The focus on the external design is one of the important features of recent modern designs. Finally, windows as design and creative open floor plans are the other features of modern architecture. Most open floors include an open dining, kitchen, or living area (Leatherbarrow 2002). Dominant modern architecture includes open internal floor plans with smaller number of walls. All in all, topography has a significant impact on structural designs and generally architecture. The design of sustainable structures and buildings is essential in enhancing the aspect of sustainability. Sustainable or green architecture has been identified as a viable solution that can help to significantly reduce the environmental impacts associated with the construction of buildings in different topographical areas. Reference Leatherbarrow, D 2002, Uncommon Ground: Architecture, Technology, and Topography, Princeton, New York. Read More