SYMBIOSIS SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
[Link]., Second Year SEMESTER: III
Course [Code]: Skill based Elective/ Workshop -III Academic Year: 2025-26
Prepared By : Ar. Ashish Srivastava
Redefining the Structure of a Building through the Ideology &
Philosophy of a Master Architect
Objective:
To understand how the ideology and philosophy of a master architect influence design
thinking, form, and structure, and to reinterpret an existing building through the lens of this
philosophy using model-making as the medium.
Scope of Work:
Students will select a master architect (e.g., Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, Zaha Hadid, Frank
Lloyd Wright, Tadao Ando, B.V. Doshi, etc.) and explore their design philosophy, principles,
and visual language. Using this as a foundation, students will redefine the structure and
form of an existing building and express the reinterpretation through drawings and physical
models.
Exercise 1 – Understanding the Architect
Task:
• Identify a Master Architect whose philosophy inspires you.
• Prepare a Mood Board on an A3 sheet that reflects the architect’s ideology,
philosophy, design principles, and visual style.
• The mood board should include:
o Keywords summarizing the philosophy
o Representative images/sketches
o Iconic buildings of the architect
o Materials, forms, and structural approaches associated with the architect
Outcome 1: A3 Mood Board (individual submission).
Exercise 2 – Redefining a Building
Task:
• Select an existing building (could be a local or iconic example).
• Redesign and redefine its structure and form as if it were conceived by the chosen
Master Architect.
• Highlight how the architect’s philosophy alters the building’s:
o Form and Massing
o Structural Expression
SYMBIOSIS SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
[Link]., Second Year SEMESTER: III
Course [Code]: Skill based Elective/ Workshop -III Academic Year: 2025-26
Prepared By : Ar. Ashish Srivastava
o Spatial Experience
o Materiality
• Communicate this reinterpretation through sketches, conceptual drawings, and a
physical model.
Outcome 2:
• Concept sketches & process drawings
• Final redefined model
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this exercise, students will be able to:
1. Interpret architectural philosophies and connect them with tangible design
decisions.
2. Explore structure as an expressive component, not only a functional one.
3. Develop skills in abstract representation and model-making to communicate design
ideas.
4. Strengthen the ability to critically analyze and creatively reinterpret existing
architectural forms.
Example 1 – Zaha Hadid’s Fluid Futurism
Original Building: Indian Parliament (New Delhi) – Classical, circular form, rigid symmetry.
Reinterpreted Philosophy: If designed by Zaha Hadid –
• The rigid circular geometry becomes a fluid, dynamic, wave-like structure.
• Walls dissolve into curving ribbons of glass + steel, symbolizing democratic flow.
• The central dome could transform into a parametric skylight with organic light
patterns.
• Circulation redefined with sweeping ramps and flowing bridges.
Outcome in Model: Sculptural, curvilinear model with layered, futuristic massing.
Timeline (4 Weeks)
Week 1 – Architect Selection & Mood Board
• Select a Master Architect.
• Prepare an A3 Mood Board on the architect’s philosophy, ideology, and design
language.
• Outcome: A3 Mood Board
SYMBIOSIS SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
[Link]., Second Year SEMESTER: III
Course [Code]: Skill based Elective/ Workshop -III Academic Year: 2025-26
Prepared By : Ar. Ashish Srivastava
Week 2 – Building Selection & Analysis
• Choose an existing building (local/iconic).
• Document its current form, massing, and structure with sketches/notes.
• Begin conceptual reinterpretation sketches.
• Outcome: Building Analysis + Initial Sketches
Week 3 – Concept Development & Study Models
• Reinterpret building form & structure as if designed by the chosen architect.
• Prepare conceptual diagrams + 2–3 study models (foam/cardboard).
• Outcome: Concept sketches + Study models
Week 4 – Final Redefined Model & Presentation
• Refine concept based on feedback.
• Prepare final redefined model + process documentation.
• Present mood board, sketches, models in a pin-up review.
• Outcome: Final Model + Sheets + Presentation
Expected Outcomes
1. A3 Mood Board (Architect’s Philosophy)
2. Building Analysis Sheets
3. Concept Sketches & Study Models
4. Final Redefined Physical Model
5. Presentation (pin-up with explanation)