Architectural Analysis: Structure, Purpose, and Methodology

Architectural Building Analysis Defined

Architectural analysis is a critical appraisal of the internal and external characteristics of a building. It involves separating its components to understand the underlying causes that justify its shape, size, and function. This process (architectural analysis or architectural projects) explores designs that can be constructed for one or more buildings forming a single unit.

Purpose of Building Analysis

The purpose is knowing and understanding all parts of the architectural work (location in space and time), its internal operations, and its external environment. This comprehensive approach allows for technical evaluation and criticism based on sound criteria. We analyze:

• Context: Socio-economic, urban, political, administrative, cultural, and sanitation factors.
• Physical Elements: Construction, materials, and facilities.
• Design Aspects: Material structures, design, location (encouraging integration), utility, operation, finishes, decoration, and the landscape.

Why Analyze the Project, Evaluation, and Criticism?

A building must be studied in all its parts and stages: implementation, organization, design, construction, use, and maintenance. This knowledge establishes the quality and value in use, leading to a final critical assessment that warrants a trial. The analysis must extend to the conceptual aspects of the designed spaces.

Internal and External Analysis Scope

Buildings are analyzed internally and externally because they not only have internal operations but also constant interaction with the urban or rural environment.

Holistic Relationship with the Urban Environment

A holistic relationship must exist between architectural volumes and the general organization of the project in relation to the city, which serves as a container for social life. The architectural work must be an aesthetically acceptable and functional building. According to this symbolic conception of reality, the building also functions as a link integrated with its urban or rural environment.

Methodology for Building Analysis

The analysis of buildings follows these systematic steps:

1. Origin
2. Definition
3. Justification
4. Organization (External, Internal, Project Development)
5. Construction of the Project
6. Use, Maintenance, Service Quality Assessment, and Critique of the Building

Systematic Approach Justification

It is convenient to study buildings systematically, following methodological developments similar to those used for problem-solving.