I believe that architecture doesn’t have a meaning if it is beautiful just as a part and not like a whole. Buildings which don’t have communication in themselves and don’t express them gently and elegantly aren’t a good architecture at all.
The source of architectural statements
But before we make the design of the building there are some important tasks that should be completed, which I guess has to do with the relation of meaning with form or image. The other one has to do with the expression of meanings and finally, the logical order of building construction. There should be no errors because they will bring fatal consequences.
The building programs
I think that this one has to do with the shapes and sizes of areas of buildings and with who will use it and for how long without forgetting the logical flow of materials based at any special equipment or environmental controls.
Building type
I strongly agree that buildings are grouped in categories, such as banks, schools, police stations etc. Each type is symbolic for its traditional facade. This symbolism is gained over the time.
Site
From my point of view a building site should be critically viewed for its potential to reinforce and serve the activities in a building. One standard activity of an architect is the site analysis which has to do with: technical information concerning the site potential for serving the proposed facility, surface water drainage, soil bearing capacity etc.
The architect’s style
I bet that every architect is unique since everyone has its own style. Style is the distinctive qualities of form for a project that allows us to categorize them as representatives of an individual or group work.
Environmental and behavioral studies
It is proved that architects can predict the behavior of space as it is designed, according to other areas of studies and the environment.
Building technology
I am under the impression that technology is bringing an important impact in architectural design. I can mention the office towers, stadiums etc. But we can’t neglect the fact that this visual expression of the technology must be considered together with the building program and type, architect’s style and site. The hierarchical list depending on their importance shouldn’t be forgotten.
Visual ordering technique
I have no doubt that the architect’s job isn’t done yet, because we have another next step that involves the selection and manipulation of building forms so the correct image is carried.
Proximity diagramming
To my mind proximity is the relation of two dissimilar objects and placing them near each other. But in architecture it has to do with that hierarchy thing, that larger elements having more importance and the grouping the elements within a sequence of space.
Signs and symbols
It is obvious that they are used in a building for the people to recognize that and the function of it. For example, banks, hospitals etc.
Gestalts
I share the view that it has to do with the figure ground relationship, when figures are seen as grounds and they are how we organize our view and how we understand the physical environment around. To cut it short it is a something that our brain takes by default.
Center of gravity
It is quite different from the geometrical center. This can be used as a visible ordering technique.
Configuration
The simplification of things that our mind tends to do, like shortcuts. In architecture it is used to use it repetitively but in a larger form.
Similarity
It is well known what does it mean but in architecture it has to do with form, color, texture, mass and cultural significance.
Symmetry
Also, this is well known but precisely the symmetry produces visual groupings within other groupings. It is related to axis.
Vignettes
I gather that vignettes are images of space that have emotional connotation. They have power but not from the intention that it was produced but from something personal that happened there.
Patterns
As far as I am concerned, it has to do with the structural and mechanical systems. Each one of the systems has a pattern and range that must be matched to the requirements of the function of the building.
Archetypes
I reassert that it has to do with the specific patterns based on careful research into the optimum form for their specific use.
And to sum up, nothing is enough to produce a good building because the beauty has no end.