Architecture is at the juncture of Art and science, So architectural vocabulary helps us evaluate our values and goals.
Simply by scanning the words, you quickly know which camp you fall into; Practical or Aesthetic. Rarely both or neither are of interest, but it is a good start to know yourself and what is most important to you. What you value most will drive our process and decisions.
Measurable vocabulary: Architectural vocabulary that starts us on the road to practical evaluations.
Cost per square foot, Lifecycle cost, De-value-engineering, Light intensity; minimums, glare contrast ratio, Daylight availability utilization, Proportion; Height to width, width to length, length to heigh, Acoustic reverberation, dispersion, absorption, Material costs, first and lifecycle, Window to floor area ratio, Make-up air volume, Air pressure, Air volume turnover, Watts per area, Cooling and Degree Heating hours per year, R-ratings, Imbedded Energy, Imbedded Carbon, Orientation, Fire-resistance rating, Occupancy load, Distance of travel. Some find this evaluation tedious or boring, while others find optimal data solutions exhilarating!
Immeasurable vocabulary: Architectural vocabulary that initiates aesthetic evaluations.
Arrangement, Symmetry , Tension, Light Quality , Juxtaposition, Transition, Scale, Intimacy, Ambiguity, Order, Axis, Local symmetry, Asymmetry, Rhythm, Hierarchy, Transformation, Anchoring, Material integrity Sequence, Balance, Translucency, Transparency, Space, Voluminous, Monumentality, Essence, Gravitas, Juncture, Connectivity, Parti, Sublime, Figure-ground. Some find this vocabulary incalculable or less relevant, while others find artistic, aesthetic evaluation the heart of architecture!
