The Dynamics of Delight: Architecture and Aesthetics / Edition 1

by Peter F. Smith

Overview

Rounding off decades of exploration into the various ways in which buildings and urban sequences make an impact on the mind, The Dynamics of Delight emphasizes the qualitative aspects of form and space, providing designers with an analytical framework in which to evaluate projects on an aesthetic level. In laying the foundations for an appreciation of the aesthetic component in architecture, Smith considers the mechanisms which are involved in the aesthetic response and goes on to consider how human perception may be influenced by natural phenomena and draws on chaos theory and biomathematics to illustrate this original argument.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415300100
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/10/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	7.44(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

Until recently Peter F. Smith was the Vice President of the Royal Institute of British Architects with special responsibility for sustainable development and Professor of Architecture at Sheffield Hallam University. Prior to that he was Head of the Leeds School of Architecture of which he is Professor Emeritus.

Table of Contents

Introduction Part 1: Amsterdam and the Tiger 1. Laying the Foundations 2. The Roots of Aesthetic Perception 3. The Protean Factor 4. Exploring Harmony 5. From Harmony to Chaos 6. From Nature to Artefacts 7. Intelligent Interventions 8. Unity Versus Diversity Part 2: The Parthenon and the Sunflower 9. The Deep Structure of Proportion 10. The Numerology of Beauty 11. Developing the Theme 12. Beyond the Portico and Dome 13. Contemporary Variations 14. Architectural Metaphor 15. Second Level Proportion 16. The Limbic Domain 17. Bioclimatic Opportunities Part 3: The Dynamics of the City 18. The City and Dimensions of Engagement 19. The Rewards of Chance 20. The Street 21. The Square 22. Encounters with Old Gods 23. The Ethical Dimension