The notions of space are made physically manifest in architecture through the different elements that constitute the basic identifiable parts of the manmade or built environment. Each of these elements possess attributes inherent to their morphological construct which endow them as particular spatial properties, providing potential for their use and design in architectural compositions. This book examines the inherent attributes of ‘spacemaking’ elements, namely roofs, walls, doors, windows, columns, stairs and floors and analyzes their implicit influences in the design of space. It traces the linguistic origin of the terms as well as the evolution of each element through history from primeval structures to modern architecture. The effective applications of these are illustrated through extensive drawings and sketches of detailed case studies from all over the world.

This book is an attempt to answer the questions: What makes historic architecture awe-inspiring? How have the Indian architectural masterpieces retained their vitality even after so many centuries? What spatial qualities and organizational principles have rendered them timeless? At the outset the author sets forth fundamental Indian philosophical and ideological tenets—the Indian notion of time, the duality of existence, the concept of a world within a world, the idea of opposites as counterpoints, the role of semiotics in providing visual clues in architecture, and the changing perception of space while in movement. The study unravels the inherent virtues of traditional Indian architecture, inferred and exemplified in a range of traditional Indian architectural examples. Discussion of each site is illustrated with a wealth of visual materials—photographs, architectural plans with analytic overlays and volumetric constructs. Miniature-style reproductions drawn for each example reconstruct their spatial, environmental and experiential qualities and are used to demonstrate the universality of communication in Indian architecture.

The notions of space are made physically manifest in architecture through the different elements that constitute the basic identifiable parts of the manmade or built environment. Each of these elements possess attributes inherent to their morphological construct which endow them as particular spatial properties, providing potential for their use and design in architectural compositions. This book examines the inherent attributes of ‘spacemaking’ elements, namely roofs, walls, doors, windows, columns, stairs and floors and analyzes their implicit influences in the design of space. It traces the linguistic origin of the terms as well as the evolution of each element through history from primeval structures to modern architecture. The effective applications of these are illustrated through extensive drawings and sketches of detailed case studies from all over the world.

This book is an attempt to answer the questions: What makes historic architecture awe-inspiring? How have the Indian architectural masterpieces retained their vitality even after so many centuries? What spatial qualities and organizational principles have rendered them timeless? At the outset the author sets forth fundamental Indian philosophical and ideological tenets—the Indian notion of time, the duality of existence, the concept of a world within a world, the idea of opposites as counterpoints, the role of semiotics in providing visual clues in architecture, and the changing perception of space while in movement. The study unravels the inherent virtues of traditional Indian architecture, inferred and exemplified in a range of traditional Indian architectural examples. Discussion of each site is illustrated with a wealth of visual materials—photographs, architectural plans with analytic overlays and volumetric constructs. Miniature-style reproductions drawn for each example reconstruct their spatial, environmental and experiential qualities and are used to demonstrate the universality of communication in Indian architecture.