What makes a good architecture design?

A good building should satisfy the three principles of firmitas, utilitas, venustas, which translate roughly as –

• Durability – it should stand up robustly and remain in good condition.
• Utility – it should be useful and function well for the people using it
• Beauty – it should delight people and raise their spirits.

Good architecture design is not all about coming up with an innovative, visually appealing building. Good designs have to be adapted to the environment, which should be used to bring out the uniqueness of the building. Besides that, it has to be able to serve its purpose and be adaptable to the seasons if required. Also, the design should not strike out the environment it is in but enhance it, giving it a new dimension made possible only by a good architecture design. Of course, the design has to be sustainable and sturdy to provide safety- of upmost importance, to the users. A design that encompasses all these is then, a truly good architecture design.

Evaluation of buildings

- Great Pyramids of Giza

Openness to different user groups and functions

It is used as a tomb and a tourist site. It served it's use of protecting the Pharaohs' corpses by being sturdy as it is still standing after many centuries.

Adaptability to new conditions/situations

Few changes are allowed as moving the massive stones will take a huge amount of labour.

Physical basis for other functions

Maze of corridors inside which helps to prevent easy accessibility to the 'sacred' pharaoh's corpse.

Site Design

Edges and enclosure

Surrounded by sand, located in a desert.

Landmark character

It was the tallest man made building for 3800 years and is a public landmark.

Detailed design and materials

Materials and their use

Use of huge stones makes it sturdy and sustainable and it is still standing after thousands of years.

Colour

It's original coating of white a gold stands out in the brown sands surrounding it.

Aesthetics

- Magnificent with it's original gold white covering. With it's simple design on the outside, it is a timeless, visually appealing building.

Conclusion

Located in a barren place, ideal for a royal tomb, and it is a good architecture design as it is sustainable enough to save it's purpose of protecting the pharaoh's corpse. The maze like passageways also prevents burglars from stealing the valuables kept inside.

References

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza