UNIT-2

Architectural Character
Ideas of Character,
Style,

Architectural Movement
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Studying these Characters will help us understand the

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anatomy of the Design of the Building…

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Architectural Character
Character of a building is classified into three
main categories:

Functional Character

Associated Character

Personal Character
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Architectural Character
Functional Character of a Building
Every building has specific functions and is made for specific broad purpose. The
internal planning is in co-ordination with the exterior facade that tells us the purpose
of the building. The external appearance plays an important role in determining the
purpose and the function of the structure.
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Architectural Character

Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. - architect Michel Pinseau

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Architectural Character

1962
Washington Dulles Airport
Ar. Eero Saarinen
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Architectural Character
For example:
1. Designing a long wall having numerous windows in a particular order can also
indicate a museum.
2. Designing tall and wide windows suggest a library.
3. Designing a symmetrical entrance to a central block having a wide entrance to
express balance and rhythm indicates public buildings.
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Architectural Character

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad – Ar. Louis I Kahn

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Louvre Museum, Paris

Ar. I M Pei
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Architectural Character
Associated Character of a Building
The character of some buildings is expressed through elements associated with
certain influences. Such influences often go thousands of years back in history and
culture.
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We recognize a building by its features, which we associate with a particular structural

style. A spire on a tower by the side of a spacious building indicates a church. A
gopuram depicts a Hindu Temple whereas a crescent and a white dome is the symbol
of a mosque.
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Architectural Character
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Architectural Character

Victoria Public Hall, Chennai

Ar. Robert Fellowes Chisholm
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Architectural Character
Personal Character of a Building
Characters in architecture is comparable with the attributes of an individual. If a
building is designed in the proper spirit, personal characteristics such as grace, dignity
and vitality can be expressed as an integral part of the structure.
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Beko Building, Belgrade

Ar. Zaha Hadid
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Architectural Character
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Spiral Tower
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects and Patrik Schumacher
Location: Barcelona
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Architectural Character

New York
Residential Tower
Ar. Zaha Hadid
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Architectural Character
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India Habitat Centre (IHC)

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Lodhi Road, New Delhi

Ar. Joseph Allen Stein

typical Stein architecture

1980-95
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Architectural Character

New Delhi, 1963

Shridharani Art Gallery

Ar. Joseph Allen Stein

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Architectural Character
Character of a Building
The character of a building depends upon its capacity to express a particular function
and status. In the historical styles of architecture, the function and status of a building
were successfully expressed in a variety of styles. No building can have a neutral
character.
Just like an individual’s personality is made up of unique qualities resulting from a
combination of genetic factors, environment, and upbringing, which distinguishes a
person from others. Similarly, a building comprises of various aspects that makes it
unique and stand out. Some architects agree with the statement, “A building that is
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made for a certain purpose should convey the message to the people through its
visual beauty”.
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“Every building should have a character – as stated by Le Corbusier”

has been universally accepted.

Symbolism has become a major principle of Architecture.