Architectural design

In 1624 Sir Henry Wotton, an English architect, stated the requirements of good architecture in three words, “commodity, firmness and delight”.

This covers the ground today as it did 300 years ago. A building that is commodious in the sense of being suitable and sufficient for the intended use, one that will withstand the effect of nature and the loads and strains to which it is subjected, and that is pleasing to the intelligent observer, represents good architecture. None of the three primary elements are independed of the others. The plan must be sufficiently flexible to meet the demands of stability and appearance.

A design must declare its intention, so far as possible. It should indicate the character of the building as political, religious, domestic, etc. In the expression of this lies a good measure of its success. The several parts of a design must be in harmony if not in symmetry, and in scale. Finally, good design requires grace of form, articulation of parts, dominant elements, proportion and emphasis. In their turn, these qualities are depended upon mass, outline, color and details.

1. It follows from the text that Henry Wotton was …

A) an French architect

B) an English architect

C) an German architect

D) an Spanish architect

E) an Russian architect

2. The word “withstand” means

A) выдержать

B) отдергивать

C) удерживать

D) свидетельствовать

E) отходить

3. Which of the following is not true?

A) The plan must be flexible

B) must be suitable

C) must withstand the effect of nature

D) have the demands of stability

E) must not be paid attention

4. The word “it” in the line 9 belongs to

A) a design

B) an intention

C) character

D) building

E) expression

5.It is contrary to the text that good design requires

A) grace of form

B) articulation of parts

C) dominant elements

D) proportions and emphasis

E) nothing above mentioned

Lesson 9

Planning a house.

I. Read the text and say what facts mentioned in it you have never heard before.

Planning a house is similar in many respects to furnishing a room. In both projects the basic problem is identical: organizing space for comfortable living. In planning a house the walls, floors, ceilings and openings are designed and arranged with regard for the needs of the people using the space.

A house should be considered in the light of the following interrelated problems of use, geography, community, materials, individuality, appearance. Houses are built for people to live in. Walls, roofs, floors provided needed physical shelter and also comforting psychological enclosure and privacy. Walls can be thin but still strong and insulating, windows can be large but made of double glass to minimize heat loss and located to provide privacy. Many people have spent their lives in one-room apartments, but most of want areas specifically planned for such activities as entering the home, relaxing and entertaining, cooking and eating, sleeping, bathing etc. Organizing these areas is the most important single aspect od design.

Today we differentiate between two ways of organizing these areas for living- between closed and open plans. Closed plans divided the space into separate rooms. They still have the notable advantage of giving the members of the family seclusion from one another.

Open plans minimize the separation between areas. Wide openings partitions of less that ceiling height and folding or sliding doors are some of the devices used to relate one part of the house to the others. Window walls and accessible, livable outdoor areas merge indoor and outdoor space. Typically, open planning is limited to the group – living space, although the trend toward minimizing the separation of kitchen and living space is increasing. We need short desirable routes from one part of the house to others. The entrance area should give direct access to living room, kitchen, stairs; the kitchen should be adjacent to dining areas and laundry.

Homes are usually parts of communities, seldom isolated dwellings. This brings additional problems and potentialities.

Building ordinances regulate some factors to ensure safe construction adequate window area, percentage of land covered, and location of house.

A satisfying home expresses the character of its occupants in addition to fulfilling the functions of a house in a specific climate and community. This includes such factors as family size, way of living and the family’s tastes and preferences. Although family size and income are the most obvious determinants, there are others which deserve careful consideration. The patterns of living of the occupants and clothes help determine the character of a well planned home. A house can be suited to the interests, activities and dispositions of from ten to a thousand different families and have desirable individuality if it is an adaptable house with a flexible plan.

II. Active vocabulary.

ceiling – потолок

separate rooms – отдельные комнаты

to provide – обеспечивать

arrangement – устройство

to construct – строить

to influence – влиять

in many respects – во многих отношениях

with regard – с учетом

to take advantage of something – врспользоваться чем-либо