Architecture: The Systems of Construction

It is so important to us to know the systems of construction in Architecture. Architects are master builders, so we have to consider them at least in our lives to give them some praises for without them we may never experience living in a very nice house. They do not build only residential houses, but many like malls, churches, theaters, condominiums, gymnasiums, factories, cathedrals, museums, centers, palaces, halls, bridges, and other kinds of constructions that require an architect. Humans n the past just dwelt in the natural shelters like caves. The need for shelter is as old as a man. It is one of the ladders of the hierarchy of Human Needs (Maslow philosophy on the hierarchy of human needs). It ranks next to food. Then the development of the primitive people improved when they learned to use some available materials for them to settle and be safe during torrential rains and deadly attack of ferocious animals.

Then, carpenters were developed and introduced to their own society; thus, constructing of homes started basing from their own actual experience. What they did s not anymore acceptable this time for Architects apply the theory learned in class and the exact measurement so the buildings they constructed would stand strong amidst ferocious storms and quakes. The art of designing and erecting buildings amazed people. In fact, you cannot keep away your eyes from a new building or mall seems first time. That is the power of the works of an Architect

Buildings are designed and built by Architects based on a definite function. Architecture, therefore, is the most functional of all the arts because of a structure that is dependent on the structures’ functions. Beauty is vital in Architecture, that s why we always like to go to a place where the sad building is so awesome, amazing, and beautiful.

These are the following systems of construction the Architects are using so our homes and all kinds of building will always be strong and durable. There is no such building done by magic. These are the following systems of construction:

1. Post and lintel. This is also called post-and-beam. This is the oldest system of construction. Greek temples are built with this system as with our homes. This cannot hold support large structures because of the small distance between the posts and the limited weight a lintel can hold.

2. Arch. This s a wedged-shaped blocks arranged in a semi-circle buttress each other in place and are locked by a keystone, the last stone inserted at the top center. The stones are placed by lateral trusts connected to a greater distance to support heavier loads and massive structures like cathedrals and coliseums.

3. Truss. It comprises one or more triangular units constructed with straight slender members whose ends are connected at joints called nodes. Truss works best for bridges, gymnasiums, theatre, halls and factories.

4. Cantilever. This system consists of a beam or a slab extending beyond its support. Cantilever supports a gallery, roofing, canopy or any part of a building.

5. Steel Constructions. There are three types of steel constructions used by contractors today: wall bearing construction, skeleton construction, and long – span construction. In wall bearing construction, exterior and interior masonry walls are used to support steel beams and joists which carry the floors and roofs. A tall building with a steel frame is an example of skeleton construction where you can find steel bars standing to serve as frame work for wall bearing activities

Try to observe a building skeleton, you will see there, many longs steel bars called long skeletons, and without them, the building will collapse.

This time homeowners make a research first about building designs they would like an Architect to do it for them.

Architecture is an art.

Images credit by Pixabay

Reference: Search Engine/ Goggle