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Tectonic knowledge impacts on design process

Conference Paper · October 2014

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Alireza Baghchesaraei Omid Reza Baghchesaraei

UNSW Sydney Kharazmi University
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Tectonic knowledge impacts on design process

Alireza Baghchesaraei1, Omid Reza Baghchesaraei2

1
Department of Architecture, Bahcesehir University,Istanbul,Turkey, alirezabaghchesaraei@yahoo.com,
baghchesaraei.com
2
Young and Elite Researchers Club, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran,
omidrezabaghchesaraei@yahoo.com

Abstract
Tectonic in architecture and civil engineering refers to theories of structural design. It also provides a
framework to understand static of the structure better. I found out that if I want to recognize tectonics first I
would understand and recognize the details. The detail plays such an important role in Architecture.
This article presents a theory, analysis of reflections of new construction tectonics on designing. In order to
obtain main objectives will be fulfilled by this manuscript I design my methodology. My research methodology
requires gathering relevant data from the specified documents. In spite of analyzing the material and arrive at a
more complete understanding. Then I started surveying and studying about new samples, comments and also
methods about construction methods and tectonics.
The bird’s nest stadium, Aviva stadium, Villa Savoye and also Frank Lloyd wright text-tile block systems
prove that tectonic knowledge was a parameter which give the building this chance to explain itself in a new
way.
Villa Savoye was my first case study for search about tectonic and also the detail, Le Corbusier started with a
simple form and he eroded different elements (rectangles, cylinders, and cubes) to create his final purpose. My
second sample was Frank Lloyd Wright text-tile system. To create a textured concrete block, Frank Lloyd
Wright bound small stones with cement. They both have something in common with each other and it is a
knowledge called tectonic.
It is obvious that architecturally experimenting large-scale building projects holds the potential to become
sites of development of now a day’s technology
Keywords: Modern, Tectonic, Villa savoye, Text-tile tectonic, New technologies

1 Introduction
The term tectonic is known from the science of geology, where it describes the large-scale motion of earth’s
lithosphere. [1] Tectonic in architecture and civil engineering refers to theories of structural design, it means an
engineer should base his designs on knowledge of different materials and also assemblies. Tectonic encompasses
theories of construction and design, focusing on the relationship of structural elements in buildings as a whole.
[2] Architectural Tectonic is considering the processes which control the structure of the site. It describes the
processes of building joints and the behavior of the different architectural elements. Tectonics also provides a
framework to understand static of the structure.
The tectonic appears at once capable of being both an historical and a theoretical. This is why it is so difficult
to define the tectonic in a single definition.

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In recent years, much has been written about the tectonic and structure, especially in reference to the
engineering of what used to be termed the old world structure. It appears that less attention has been given to
understanding the tectonics of the construction of the new brand construction. Creativity in architectural design
compositions can be considered as an initial of new forms and shapes or relationships between them which new
construction systems can be discovered them easily.
The term of tectonics as used by Frampton, focused on architecture as a constructional and structural craft
constitutes a direct challenge to current mainstream thinking on the artistic limits of postmodernism, and
suggests a convincing alternative for negotiation. In addition, Frampton argued “modern architecture is
invariably as much about structure and construction as it is about space and abstract form.” [3] Historically the
tectonic is evidenced in the actual occurrences (buildings) that have appeared over time and categorized by
historians through general parameters and particular structural approaches. Philosophically the tectonic is located
in the distinction between art (techne) and structural knowledge (episteme). It is really hard to distinguish the
tectonic is history or theory.
I found out that if I want to recognize tectonics first I would understand and recognize the details.
Dictionaries define ‘’detail” as a small part in relation to a large scale. August Perret’s says, “Details is certainly
not just a matter of details.” [4] The detail plays such an important role in Architecture. Mies van der Rohe
says:” God is in the detail.” It means a good architect needs to take consideration to all details from smallest to
biggest and it is the reason why architects call a masterpiece to some projects. We know that the dissociation
between decoration and detail was practiced for many centuries, sometimes with great success. [4]
This discussion presents a theory, analysis of reflections of new construction tectonics on designing.
2 Materials and methods
Demirkan and Hasirci (2009) argue that creative processes in design research have not been investigated as
much as would be expected. They remark: “Although creativity is considered as one of the key concepts in
design, designers neglected to do research on creativity for many years, but some of them tried” (Ibid., p.294).
I started investigating this issue, but first of all I need to opt some objectives
2.1 Objective
The main Objects of this research are:
1. Theoretical study of modern construction tectonics and details
2. Survey most important features of Avant-garde designers in tectonic and details
3. Survey most important features of modern construction methods
4. Follow the relationship between construction tectonics and design process

In order to obtain 4 main objectives will be fulfilled by this research we design a methodology.

2.2 Methodology

Our research methodology requires gathering relevant data from the specified documents and compiling
databases in order to analyze the material and data to arrive at a certain understanding.
In the next phase we analyzed construction method and tried to find appropriate relations between these
modern construction methods and tectonics with designing.
Then I might utilize my experience which we obtained from previous phases to find possible definitions
about the hot spots of our research and resign critical points of our topic.
A qualitative evaluation shall be utilized for this research project leveraging subjective methods such as
interviews and observations to collect substantive and relevant data and material. Such a qualitative approach is
valuable here due to the varying experiences of different architects and engineers who have enough experience
in modern construction methods and architecture and they are an avant-garde in their own generation. Multiple
interviews are planned with each participant in order to provide more in-depth data collection and opportunities
for follow-up. The goal is to interview approximately 10 Architects.
Modern construction systems are said to precede the formation over form, which indicates a fundamental shift
from the modeling of a designed “object” to the modeling of the designs “logic” (Leach, 2009).
Then I started surveying and studying about famous samples and comments.

2.3 Case study

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Villa Savoye was my first case study for search about tectonic and detail. This villa was built in the country
side of the Paris in France. Le Corbusier netted 5 main points in this project and he explained about them in his
book (Vers une architecture):
1- Pilotis
2- Large surrounding yard
3- Open floor plan
4- Free facade
5- Drawn windows
The roof is the first tectonic point in this project. In fact, the roof is a curve curtain which preserves the
project and also make shadows in some parts like lightening room. 3 salons and four rooms are designed with the
same height and they share the spaces with the trace. Ramp is the key in this project and it is in charge of solving
tectonic issues. It starts at the glassy entrance and continues to the main floor and connect to trace, the circular
staircase associates the ramp in the whole path.
Le Corbusier started with a simple form, he eroded different elements (rectangles, cylinders, and cubes) to
create his final purpose. (Please see Figure 1)

Figure 1. Tectonic cubes in Villa savoye

We believe Le Corbusier had been developing his ideas throughout the 1920s and he exhibited them in Villa
Savoye, Le Corbusier lifted the whole structure off the ground, and emphasis on Pilates. The walls are non-
supporting and the weight of the project is tolerating with columns which Le Corbusier inspirited by the
Parthenon. That’s why the floor space was free to be associated into rooms without concern for walls. The large
surrounding yard is the main point in Le Corbusier projects and the roof garden which most of the time blended
with a ramp, give the project this chance to dance like a ship in waves. (Please see Figure 2)

Figure 2. Le Corbusier, Villa Savoye

My second sample was Frank Lloyd Wright text-tile tectonic. To create a textured concrete block, Frank
Lloyd Wright used small cement cubes. He mixed it with granite dusted mold, the texture was poured into a

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glass inlay. The Textile system was composed of two part wall: An interior part and exterior. This two part walls
produced a hole, which then provided insulation. This allowed the designer to explore integral ornament and
molds for the interior and exterior parts.
In 1923 and 1924 Wright designed and built four houses – La Miniatura, the Ennis House, the Freeman House
and the Storer House. In an instance in La Miniature, Wright designed the home to cling to the lot's sharp ravine,
He fabricated the concrete blocks using sand and minerals found on the site. By using these textured he sought to
blend the house with the color and form of the beautiful trees. The block were created in wooden material with
two different patterns for outside and inside. The blocks system features a symmetrical sample of a cross with a
rectangle in each corner. He created the blocks using mortar. (Please see Figure 3)

Figure 3. Frank Lloyd Wright, La Miniatura

2.4 Samples of new construction and tectonics technologies

Mass customization is the new frontier in business competition for both manufacturing and service industries.
At its core is a tremendous increase in variety and customization without a corresponding increase in costs. At its
limit, it is the mass production of individually customized goods and services. At its best, it provides strategic
advantage and economic value. Mass customization is the method of "effectively postponing the task of
differentiating a product for a specific customer until the latest possible point in the supply network." (Chase,
Jacobs & Aquilano 2006, p. 419). Kamis, Koufaris and Stern (2008). (Please see Figure 4)

Figure 4. Mass customization flowchart

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 A. Baghchesaraei, O R. Baghchesaraei

Rapid prototyping' is a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a physical part or
assembly using three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) data Construction of the part or assembly is
usually done using 3D printing or "additive layer manufacturing" technology.

Figure 5. A sample for 3d printing

3. Conclusion
Within the realm of Civil engineering and architecture, technology interactions are becoming more sophisticated.
Within architecture, innovative design in aspects of building and construction systems can be defined as the
approach of developing applications, or systems which can develop, evolve, or design, architectural structures,
objects, or spaces more depending on the creativity with the use of the tectonics.
A creation is voluntary and conscious these days. It involves processes of automation and fabrication. There
is a well-established meaning about the term of making and creating, the products: sketches of buildings of
structures under contemplation with focus on modern tectonics methods and modernity issues on construction
systems, the product of imagination + modern construction methods.
As I mentioned, Famous designer has used the combination between the construction methods and creativity
by using tectonic. In villa Savoye the way that Le Corbusier chose was an evolution in modernity movements
and he built a bridge between architectural modernity and traditional architecture to design a postmodern
building. The joints and the ramp define the tectonic of the project in the best way and emphasis on various
forms and shapes with the creative designing by using tectonic knowledge.
Frank Lloyd wright started creating before the designing, he produced specific materials which has this
potential to adopt themselves with his ideas. Text- tile system was a method which help architects to understand
how tectonic can decrease the cost and energy but with a huge improvement on creation. Wright text-tile system
gave the new meaning to the cement and with a tectonic knowledge gather the block together to build a house. A
house with new ideas in creating and designing and again tectonic was the bridge between structure and creation
in the design process.
New construction refers to structures can built at a different forms with different definition. This method are
be able to produce in an industrial factory, but with an artistic designing. Most of the time individual modules of
the project are constructed in the factory, then transported to the site with some new ideas, in this way we easily
can reduce the risks and expenses and solve all problems with enough consideration to details and tectonics to
design not only a building, but also the joints, materials and details In addition, these buildings meet all
applicable building styles and are indistinguishable from traditional site-built construction but with more
creativity and artistic themes.
It is obvious that architecturally experimenting large-scale building projects holds the potential to become
sites of development of technology in building science and civil engineering.
The polemic point of this paper is thus that to ensure the ability of architects to create tectonic architecture,
the whole building industry needs to be affected. Therefore the architect must act as an agent of change both
individually and socially

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