The case for System Building Method and aesthetics is often compelling. Building owners are often dissatisfied with their high construction costs and the architects often feel constrained to limit their talent and creativity when confronted with the necessity of adopting System Building Method.
The design of systemised construction buildings need not lead to a monotonous form of architecture. Many of the finest such buildings in Britain are constructed with a high degree of aesthetic value. The design of a systemised building system should also aim to achieve aesthetic value and user satisfaction along with economy of materials, production methods and erection techniques.
Table of Contents
1. CHAPTER 1 - Historical Review
1.1 Outline of historical background
1.2 Traditional construction method.
1.3 Early system building
1.4 The birth of prefabrication
1.5 Industrial revolution
1.6 Scarcity of building materials and labour shortage
1.7 Technological novelty
Summary
2. CHAPTER 2. UNDERSTANDING SYSTEM BUILDING.
2.1 System Building Method
2.2 A key to buildability.
2.3 Criteria for buildability
2.3.1 Simplicity
2.3.2 Standardization
2.3.3 Communication
2.4 Principles
2.4.1 Tolerances
2.4.2 Variety reduction
2.5 Importance and relevance of buildability
2.5.1 Congestion
2.5.2 Technical innovation
2.5.3 Labour and availability of skills
2.5.4 Mechanization
2.5.5 Information
2.5.6 System building
2.6 Summary
3. CHAPTER 3 – An Overview of Types of System Building.
3.1 Prefabrication building
3.1.1 Monolithic unit.
3.1.1a Lightweight units
3.1.1b Heavyweight or volumetric components.
3.1.2 Total System panels.
3.1.2a open production.
3.1.2b Closed production
3.1.2b Structural systems; frames
3.2 Poured In Situ or Cast in Situ System
3.2.1 Total system formwork
3.2.2 Climb form
3.2.3 Table form
3.2.4 Slip form
3.2.5 Tunnel form
3.3 Components
3.4 Summary
4. CHAPTER 4- AESTHETICS
4.1 Place
4.2 Subjective matter
4.3 Structure
4.4 Style
4.5 Unity
4.6 Scale
4.7 Rhythm
4.8 Originality
4.9 Proportion
4.10 Sequence
4.11 Composition
4.12 Functionalism
4.13 Character and honesty
4.14 Aesthetic impression
4.14.1 Objective and subjective attractiveness
4.14.2 Aesthetic balance
4.14.3 Design for aesthetic
4.15 Summary
5. CHAPTER 5- The influence of System Building on Architecture
5.1 Modular building system
5.2 Uniformity and monotony.
5.3 Summary
6. CHAPTER 6 - Case studies
6.1 Case Study 1
6.1.1 Superstructure
6.2 Case study 2
6.2.1 The Montevetro, London.
6.2.2 Superstructure
6.2.3 Description and analysis of case study.
7. CHAPTER 7 - Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This dissertation examines the relationship between the System Building Method, the concept of buildability, and architectural aesthetics. It aims to determine how systematic construction techniques can be applied in modern architecture without compromising visual value, balancing structural efficiency with design quality.
- The evolution of System Building from historical origins to modern industrial practices.
- Definitions and principles of buildability and their role in system construction.
- Aesthetic theory and its application to industrialised building systems.
- Case studies evaluating the effectiveness of system building in specific architectural projects.
Excerpt from the Book
1.2 Traditional construction method.
The environment has always been, and remains, the most important factor influencing the construction of buildings, with particular regard to the availability of local materials and the technology and labour available at any particular time. Structure and function have always been inextricably linked both to each other and to their environment as Vale (1995) states ‘Traditional systems of building are traditional just because they invariably represent the best use of available labour and materials to achieve a particular goal’
In an environment with heavy tropical rains followed by floods, the raised floor tradition and roofing made of local materials is perhaps the ideal and most appropriate solution. In a country where the climatic condition is hot, a high ceiling with suitable roofing materials made of mud and clay and adequate ventilation holes help to moderate the internal temperature.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1 - Historical Review: This chapter reviews the historical origins of system building, comparing it to traditional construction and highlighting the impact of the industrial revolution.
CHAPTER 2. UNDERSTANDING SYSTEM BUILDING.: This chapter defines the system building method and examines its crucial role in buildability, covering key criteria and principles.
CHAPTER 3 – An Overview of Types of System Building.: This chapter provides a detailed overview of various system building types, including prefabrication and cast-in-situ methods.
CHAPTER 4- AESTHETICS: This chapter discusses aesthetic values within a broader architectural context, exploring elements necessary for achieving high-quality visual design.
CHAPTER 5- The influence of System Building on Architecture: This chapter evaluates the influence of modular systems on architecture, focusing on the tension between uniformity and monotony.
CHAPTER 6 - Case studies: This chapter analyzes two case studies to demonstrate the practical application of system building and its link to aesthetics.
CHAPTER 7 - Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes findings and offers conclusions on achieving a balance between system building, buildability, and aesthetic value.
Keywords
System Building, Buildability, Architecture, Aesthetics, Prefabrication, Cast in Situ, Construction, Industrialisation, Modular System, Design, Formwork, Concrete, Structural Engineering, Sustainability, Urban Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this dissertation?
The research explores the intersection of system building methods and aesthetic values in architecture, seeking to demonstrate that industrialised construction does not inevitably lead to monotony.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The main themes include the history of construction, the definition and importance of buildability, the principles of aesthetics in architecture, and the practical implementation of these concepts through case studies.
What is the primary objective of this research?
The aim is to identify how architects can utilize system building while maintaining high aesthetic quality and user satisfaction in modern projects.
Which scientific methodology does the author use?
The author uses a literature-based review and qualitative comparative analysis of historical practices, design theories, and two distinct architectural case studies.
What is covered in the main section of the book?
The main section moves from the origins of prefabrication to the technical principles of buildability, the psychological and formal aspects of aesthetics, and finally, practical examples of modern buildings that successfully integrate these concepts.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include System Building, Buildability, Architectural Aesthetics, Industrialised Building, and Modular Construction.
How is the Montevetro project evaluated in the case study?
The Montevetro project is analyzed as an example of a modern residential development that uses system building techniques—specifically flying forms—to achieve high aesthetic value while maintaining structural efficiency.
Why are the concepts of 'information' and 'concinnity' important to the author?
The author cites these as essential for achieving 'aesthetic balance,' where a building must present enough interesting information while maintaining order through concinnity to be comprehensible to the viewer.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Razak Basri (Author), 2006, System Building and Aesthetics, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/176296
