Architectural Representation & Measurement History
Architecture and Construction
Defining Construction and Architecture
Construction is both the art and science of conducting what the board has decided (Joaquin Soto Hidalgo). If this process incorporates beauty, the resulting building is called Architecture.
Architectural Representation Methods
There are various modes of representation for a building:
- Perspective: A complete and definitive view of the building.
- Floor Plan: A view of the flat floor layout of the building plan.
- Axonometric Projection: A representation where the object is shown by orthogonal projection on a trirectangular axis system, which is then projected onto the plane, allowing association of three dimensions in the same drawing.
- Isometric Projection: A visual representation of a three-dimensional object in two dimensions, where the three main orthogonal axes, as projected, form 120-degree angles, and dimensions parallel to these axes are measured on the same scale.
- Elevation: The flat representation of a building facade using geometric orthogonal projection, without perspective, preserving all proportions.
- Transverse Section: A cut view created by a plane normal to the vertical and horizontal projection of the axis, at any point along it.
Historical Measurement Units
The Vara
During the Middle Ages, the Vara was used, but its measure varied. The Catholic Monarchs, in the Management of Tortosa in 1496, unified its use, establishing the Toledana Rod for the Kingdom. Philip II imposed the Vara de Burgos through a Pragmatic Sanction issued in San Lorenzo de El Escorial on June 24, 1568.
The Toise
With the arrival of the Bourbon dynasty, Philip V introduced the Toise (also called Tues or Tois). This French unit of length was applied to the Spanish Army as a symbol of modernity. French military engineers serving the Spanish Crown were responsible for its introduction and propagation. It was equivalent to 2.334 Castilian Varas (approximately 1.949 meters). It was primarily used in plans representing large areas or paths and remained in use until around 1750.
The Metric System
In 1790, Talleyrand persuaded the French Constituent Assembly to adopt a plan for measurement unification. To this end, a committee was formed at the Academy of Sciences. It determined the unit of measure based on the terrestrial meridian quadrant, taking its ten-millionth part to define the meter. Subsequently, the metric system was introduced in France by the law of 18 Germinal, Year II (April 17, 1795). Its use became mandatory in France on January 1, 1840. In Spain, it was mandated by the Law of July 19, 1849.
Construction Techniques
Rethinking (Setting Out)
Rethinking (or setting out) is the operation aimed at faithfully transferring the dimensions and shapes indicated on the technical plans onto the actual construction site.
Measurement Methods
Trilateration and Triangulation
Trilateration is a mathematical method used to determine relative positions using the geometry of triangles, similar to triangulation. This method saw some use during the Middle Ages for cathedral plans. Curved measurements can also be made using trilateration.
Linear Continuous Band Measurement
Another method involves measuring with a linear continuous band, capturing the actual measurement without discounting openings (holes). Traditionally, rooms or facades were measured in only two dimensions: perimeter and height (useful for calculating materials for partition walls, plaster, paint, facades, cladding, etc.). Using this technique saves time and simplifies calculations.
Radiation Measurement
A plan can also be measured by radiation, where measurements are taken from a central point.
Simple Measuring Instruments
Measurement of vaults by trilateration.