Understanding Architecture: Skin
The 'skin' (or surface, façade, shell, envelope, cladding) of a building is often the first opportunity for an architect to leave an impression. This skin encloses and shelters the interior spaces and is one of the key components that determines a building's personality.
The concept of a building's skin relates to the design and construction of the exterior of a building. A good skin involves using exterior wall materials and designs that are climate-appropriate, structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. These three elements are the key factors in constructing an effective skin. The skin of a house consists of its roof, exterior doors, windows and of course the exterior walls.
Traditionally made from stone, wood and glass, advances in technology have allowed the architect more freedom to express the buildings personality through form and a variety of materials.
The concept of a building's skin relates to the design and construction of the exterior of a building. A good skin involves using exterior wall materials and designs that are climate-appropriate, structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. These three elements are the key factors in constructing an effective skin. The skin of a house consists of its roof, exterior doors, windows and of course the exterior walls.
Traditionally made from stone, wood and glass, advances in technology have allowed the architect more freedom to express the buildings personality through form and a variety of materials.
Examples:
Task 5
Choose an example from one of the images above and discuss how it's skin reflects the buildings personality.
Example
The Great Mosque of Isfahan in Iran is a heavily decorated building. As with most Islamic Architecture, every element has religious significance, reflecting the buildings function and heritage. The mihrab (niche) is flanked by Islamic prayer, while the niche itself is decorated with the geometric patterns and turquoise colours typical of the Islamic aesthetic.
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(771) Great Mosque of Isfahan
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