Oral+Presentation

Introduction “Properties and Shapes” by Neilyn Halmoguera, Carolina Croes and Gaudy Martinez. In this presentation we are going to separate the shapes y three big parts: Squares, cubes, and parallelepipeds; circles, cylinders, spheres and arches; and triangles and pyramids. Geometric shapes are important for architecture and urban planning, since they are the base of structural design. Also, many construction materials present these shapes. We have to know that the structural systems (porches, paraboloids, trusses, beams and domes) come from geometrical figures

Squares, cubes, and parallelepipeds. · These are the most basic and employed shapes of construction. · The parallelepiped is the most common shape in buildings. · One of the structural systems where we can find these figures is in porches and trusses construction. · If we take off some parts of these basic shapes we can create new designs. · Materials such as bricks, concrete and wood can be shaped in these forms for construction. · Beams and columns usually come in these shapes. · Indoors, we can also find these figures in interior designs such as closets, doors, windows and shelves. · Squares and cubes can form the volumes of spaces like piazzas.

Circles, cylinders, spheres and arches. · Circles represent continuity. · We can appreciate circles in cylindrical beams and columns. On the other hand, we can also find circles in tunnels entrances, and piazzas with this shape. Arches can be found in structural systems of trusses. · There is a famous arch construction, which is actually a porch: The Triumphal Arch. · The semi-spheres create important structural systems such as paraboloids and domes. · Dome is a representative structure that symbolizes religion. · Circle is commonly found in staircases. · Bridges forms are usually circles or spheres.

Triangles and pyramids. · The most important structural system for this shape is trusses. Most of the trusses have this shape. · There are many triangle junctions used on the construction of paraboloids. · But we can’t talk about pyramids without naming the Egypt pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. · Another famous pyramidal structure is the Louvre Museum, made with glass in France. · One of the advantages of building with triangles is that they help structural design to be more profitable and attractive.

Conclusion To end our presentation, we can say that geometrical shapes can be found individually or, according to the structure’s design, we can use them together to complement each other.

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