DEPARTMENT OF

ARCHITECTURE
College of Science and Technology
ARC 313: Theory of Architecture

• Credit Units: 2
• Course Instructors: Dr. A. O.
Owoseni and Arc. U.K. Ugah
 New Conceptions of Space in
Architecture
• New concepts of space in architecture have emerged
and evolved over time, driven by shifts in cultural,
technological, and philosophical contexts. Here we
discuss the several key trends and ideas that
characterised contemporary approaches to space in
Architecture:
1. Fluid and Dynamic Spaces:

• Contemporary architects are exploring

fluidity and dynamism in spatial design.
Spaces are no longer confined to static,
predefined forms but are conceived to be
adaptable and capable of transformation.
• Open floor plans, movable partitions, and
flexible layouts allow for the creation of
spaces that can serve multiple functions or
adapt to changing needs.
2. Integration of Indoor and Outdoor
Spaces:

• There is a growing emphasis on blurring the

boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Architects are incorporating features like glass walls,
sliding doors, and outdoor living areas to create a
seamless connection with nature.
• This integration not only enhances the quality of
living but also promotes sustainability by maximizing
natural light and ventilation.
3. Technology and Virtual Spaces
(Integration of Technology)
• Advancements in technology, such as virtual reality (VR)
and augmented reality (AR), are influencing how
architects conceive and design spaces. Smart technologies,
such as sensors, automated systems, and interactive
elements, contribute to responsive and intelligent
environments.
• Virtual spaces are explored during the design process,
allowing architects and clients to experience and interact
with the proposed designs before they are built. This
technology also opens up possibilities for immersive,
virtual environments within physical spaces.
 4. Sustainability and Green
Spaces:
• With a growing focus on sustainability,
architects are incorporating green spaces,
vertical gardens, and eco-friendly materials
into their designs, thus integrating nature into
the built environment.
• The concept of sustainable architecture goes
beyond energy efficiency to encompass the
overall well-being of occupants and the
surrounding environment.
 5. Parametric Design and
Computational Architecture:
• Parametric design, enabled by computational
tools, allows architects to create complex, highly
optimized spatial configurations based on
specific parameters.
• Algorithms and computational processes
influence the generation of forms, leading to
innovative and intricate spatial designs that were
previously challenging to conceive and execute.
 6. User-Centric/Centered
Design:
• There is a shift towards designing spaces that
prioritize the needs and experiences of the users.
Architects are engaging in participatory design
processes to involve the future occupants in shaping
the spatial environment.
• Consideration of human scale, comfort, and well-
being is integral to creating spaces that are not only
aesthetically pleasing but also functional and
responsive to human needs.
 7. Adaptive Reuse and
Repurposing
• Rather than creating entirely new structures,
architects are increasingly involved in adaptive reuse
projects, repurposing existing buildings for new
functions.
• This approach not only preserves historical and
cultural significance but also challenges architects to
think creatively about how to transform and
reconfigure existing spatial elements.
 Summary
• In summary, new conceptions of space in
contemporary architecture are marked by
adaptability, integration with nature,
technological influence, sustainability, and a
focus on enhancing the user experience. The
evolving nature of these conceptions reflects
a dynamic response to the changing needs and
aspirations of society.
 Review of Various Paths to
Vocabularies of Architectural
Design:
The development of vocabularies in architectural
design has taken diverse paths throughout history,
reflecting cultural, technological, and artistic
influences. Below are brief overview of some key
paths:
 1. Historical Styles and
Revivals:
• Architects have often drawn inspiration from
historical styles, leading to revivals such as
Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassicism.
• This path involves a rich vocabulary rooted in
the past, reflecting a desire for continuity with
architectural traditions.
 2. Modernism and the
International Style:
• The 20th century witnessed a shift towards
Modernism, characterized by simplicity, functionality,
and a rejection of ornamentation.
• The International Style, with its emphasis on clean
lines and open spaces, became a dominant influence,
fostering a new vocabulary based on efficiency and
minimalism.
 3. Postmodernism:

• Postmodernism brought a departure from the

rigid principles of Modernism. Architects
began to experiment with historical
references, symbolism, and diverse forms.
• This path led to a more eclectic vocabulary,
incorporating a mix of styles and elements.
 4. Sustainable Design and
Eco-friendly Vocabularies:
• With a growing awareness of environmental
issues, there has been a shift towards
sustainable design.
• This path involves a vocabulary centered on
eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and
harmonious integration with the natural
environment.
 5. Digital Technologies and
Parametric Design:
• Advances in digital technologies have given
rise to parametric design, where algorithms
generate intricate forms.
• This path leads to a vocabulary characterized
by complex geometries, dynamic shapes, and a
fusion of technology with design.
 6. Cultural and Regional
Influences:
Architectural vocabularies are also
shaped by cultural and regional
contexts. Traditional building
techniques, materials, and cultural
symbolism contribute to a diverse
global vocabulary.
 Influence of Cubism on Abstract
Art and the De Stijl Movement:
• Cubism and Abstract Art:
• Cubism, pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque in the early 20th
century, revolutionized the art world by deconstructing and reassembling
objects in a geometric, abstract manner.
• It rejected traditional perspectives and sought to represent multiple
viewpoints simultaneously.
• The influence of Cubism extended beyond painting, impacting sculpture
and architecture. It encouraged artists to explore abstraction, breaking
away from representational norms.
 De Stijl Movement:

• Emerging in the Netherlands in the early 20th

century, the De Stijl movement, led by artists like Piet
Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg, sought to achieve
a utopian vision through abstract, geometric forms.
• De Stijl artists aimed for a universal language of art,
emphasizing simplicity, primary colors, and the use
of straight lines and rectangles.
• The movement had a profound impact on various art
forms, including painting, architecture, and design.
 Influence of Cubism on De
Stijl:
• Cubism's influence on De Stijl is evident in the geometric
abstraction and emphasis on fundamental forms.
• Both movements shared a commitment to breaking down
complex subjects into essential elements, promoting a
distilled, pure aesthetic.
• De Stijl's use of primary colors and non-representational
forms can be seen as an extension of Cubism's departure
from naturalistic color and form.
 Conclusion

• In summary, Cubism's impact on abstract art laid the

groundwork for the De Stijl movement, where artists
and architects translated the principles of geometric
abstraction into a universal language of form and
color. The influence of these movements is still
visible in contemporary art and design, showcasing
the enduring legacy of Cubism and De Stijl.
The spread of modern architecture in
the developing counties; Africa and
Latin America particularly Nigeria.
• The spread of modern architecture in developing
countries, including those in Africa and Latin
America, was influenced by a variety of factors such
as globalization, technological advancements, post-
colonial aspirations, and the work of pioneering
architects. Nigeria, in particular, experienced the
impact of modern architecture in the mid-20th
century and beyond.
Factors influencing the spread
of modern architecture
1. Colonial Legacy:
Many developing countries, including Nigeria, were
colonized by European powers. The colonial period
often introduced Western architectural styles to these
regions. After gaining independence, some countries
embraced or adapted modern architectural principles as
a break from colonial influences.
 2. Globalization:

• The mid-20th century saw an increase in

globalization, including the spread of ideas
and architectural trends. Architectural
journals, international exhibitions, and
educational exchanges facilitated the
dissemination of modern design principles to
various parts of the world.
 3. Technological Advances:

• Modern architecture often made use of

new construction technologies and
materials. The availability of these
technologies, such as reinforced
concrete and steel, contributed to the
adoption of modernist design in
developing countries.
 4. Post-Independence
Aspirations:
• Many newly independent nations in Africa
and Latin America sought to express their
identity and aspirations through architecture.
Modern architecture, with its emphasis on
progress and innovation, was often seen as a
symbol of a forward-looking and
independent nation.
 5. Architectural Education:

• The training of local architects in

Western-style architectural schools
played a crucial role. Architects who
studied abroad often brought back
modernist ideas and incorporated them
into their designs.
Modern Architecture in Nigeria:

1. Independence and Nation-Building:

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule
in 1960. The post-independence period saw a desire to
express the country's identity through architecture.
Modernist principles were seen as a way to break from
colonial influences and embrace a new, independent
Nigerian identity.
 2. Architectural Pioneers:

• Architects like Maxwell Fry, Jane Drew,

and Pierre Jeanneret were involved in
some early post-colonial projects in
Nigeria. They, along with local
architects, contributed to the
development of modernist architecture
in the country.
 3. Public Buildings and
Infrastructure:
• Modern architecture found expression
in public buildings, government
structures, and infrastructure projects.
Notable examples include the Nigerian
National Mosque and the Nigerian
Institute of International Affairs in
Lagos.
 4. University Campuses:

• University campuses became sites

for experimenting with modernist
designs. The University of Ibadan,
for example, features modernist
buildings that reflect the
architectural trends of the time.
 5. Contemporary Influence:

• Modern architecture continues to

influence contemporary Nigerian
architecture. While there is a growing
appreciation for indigenous
architectural styles, modernist principles
are often integrated into designs that
seek to blend tradition with innovation.
 Challenges and Critiques:

1. Cultural Sensitivity:
Some critics argue that the wholesale adoption of
modernist principles may not always consider local
cultural contexts, leading to a disconnect between the
architecture and its surroundings.
 2. Socioeconomic Factors:

• Economic challenges in developing

countries can limit the
implementation of modern
architectural principles, which may
require significant financial
resources.
 Summary

In summary, the spread of modern architecture

in developing countries, including Nigeria, was
a complex process influenced by historical,
cultural, and global factors. The legacy of
modernist architecture can be seen in the built
environment of these nations, reflecting both
the aspirations and challenges of their post-
colonial experiences.
 Form and Content in the Woks of
Pioneers of Modern Architecture
In the works of pioneers of modern architecture, the
relationship between form and content was a central concern.
Modernist architects, especially during the early to mid-20th
century, sought to break away from historical styles and
traditions, embracing new forms and technologies to address
the functional and social needs of their time. The integration
of form and content was a key aspect of their design
philosophy. Let's explore this relationship in the works of some
prominent pioneers of modern architecture:
 1. Le Corbusier:
• Form: Le Corbusier was known for his use of clean lines,
geometric shapes, and the concept of the "Five Points of
Architecture," which emphasized the use of pilotis (elevated
supports), free plan, free facade, horizontal windows, and a roof
garden.
• Content: Le Corbusier's architecture was driven by the idea of
providing functional and efficient spaces for modern living. He
believed in the transformative power of architecture to improve
the quality of life for individuals and society as a whole. His
designs often incorporated principles of hygiene, sunlight, and
efficient circulation.
 2. Walter Gropius:

• Form: Gropius, a founder of the Bauhaus, emphasized the

unity of art, craft, and technology. His designs often featured
simple geometric forms, flat roofs, and the innovative use of
materials such as glass and steel.
• Content: Gropius aimed to bridge the gap between art and
industry. His architectural philosophy focused on creating
functional, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing designs that
could be mass-produced. He believed that through design,
society could achieve a more harmonious and efficient way
of life.
 3. Frank Lloyd Wright:
• Form: Wright's architecture often featured organic forms inspired
by nature. He developed the concept of "organic architecture,"
where the design harmonizes with its natural surroundings. His use
of cantilevered structures, open floor plans, and horizontal lines
was characteristic of his work.
• Content: Wright sought to create architecture that was in harmony
with both the natural environment and human needs. His designs
often reflected a deep understanding of the way people live and
interact with their surroundings. The integration of nature and the
built environment was a central theme in his work.
 4. Mies van der Rohe:

• Form: Mies was known for his famous phrase "less is more."
His designs were characterized by simplicity, the use of open
space, and the meticulous attention to detail. He often
employed the use of steel and glass to create transparent and
minimalist structures.
• Content: Mies focused on the essence of architecture and
the idea that a building should express its function and
structure. His works aimed to achieve a timeless and universal
quality, emphasizing the importance of honesty in materials
and the elimination of unnecessary ornamentation.
 Summary

In the works of these pioneers of modern architecture,

the form was not merely an aesthetic choice but a
response to the functional and social aspects of the
content. The clarity of design, the use of innovative
materials, and the emphasis on functionality were all
interconnected with the broader goals of creating a
better, more rational, and efficient built environment
for the modern era.