How to analyze a building’s aesthetics:
The importance of this analysis lies in several key priorities.
Understanding a building’s aesthetics allows you to respond by creating something similar or distinct, particularly in relation to its contextual environment. This isn’t just about climate; it’s about how the building interacts visually with its surroundings, notably other nearby structures.
Consider whether you want your building to blend in seamlessly, stand out boldly, or strike a balance between the two. Analyzing aesthetics also involves creating interest and drawing attention to the building.
To achieve these goals, you might use similar proportions and materials to integrate the building into its surroundings or deliberately employ contrasting elements to make it stand out. The ability to understand aesthetics empowers you to manipulate whether a building recedes into the background or commands attention based on your objectives.
Now, let’s delve into the specific steps for analyzing a building’s aesthetics:
1. **Documenting Overall Impression**: What impression does the building convey? Is it dynamic and engaging, or subdued and unobtrusive? The aim is to align the building’s appearance with its intended function.
2. **Determining Historical Style**: Assess whether the building exhibits a recognizable architectural style. If not, research or consult with an architect to identify its style category—be it modern, traditional, or a specific historical revival.
3. **Examining Context**: Consider the geographic and architectural context. Is the building situated in rolling hills, a flat plain, or a valley? What are the neighboring structures or historical sensitivities of the area?
4. **Assessing Balance and Design Elements**: Evaluate the overall balance—whether the building is symmetrical (mirror image) or asymmetrical (differing proportions that achieve balance).
5. **Proportions and Human Scale**: Study the proportions of elements like windows in relation to each other and to human scale. Are they accessible and relatable in size to typical human dimensions?
6. **Textures and Materials**: Explore the variety of textures—both visual and tactile—used in the building’s design. Consider how these textures contribute to the building’s aesthetic appeal and functionality.
7. **Color Themes**: Identify the dominant color themes and relationships. Are they complementary (opposite on the color wheel) or analogous (adjacent on the color wheel)?
8. **Rhythm and Experience**: Analyze the rhythm of the building’s design elements. How do these elements create a spatial experience for occupants? Think of it like music—steady and predictable versus complex and syncopated.
9. **Narrative and Implicit Messages**: Consider whether the building tells a clear story or conveys implicit messages through its design choices and materials. Is there an explicit narrative (e.g., theme parks) or implicit cultural narratives driven by cost and sustainability?