Architecture as Functional Buildings - Essay Example

It can be assumed that the differences are not only because of the social welfare and expectations for an orphanage. More important, there is a sense of difference because of the social and cultural ideologies and how this is represented through available resources and expectations within the orphanages. The concept of architecture as only a functional building is one which is often acknowledged by those looking at the structures for social welfare. However, it is also noted that architecture means something when looking at the social welfare of individuals within a country, economic structures, governmental expectations and philosophies which are held by those who are building the different pieces of architecture.

The concept of architecture is one which becomes redefined not only as a building used for functions or assistance. Instead, it is one that consists of a metaphor of life that is associated with the community. The philosophies of a specific architect are based on representing the metaphors so it best serves the purpose of the building while reflecting the values that are associated with the culture (Leach, 1997: 17). . The front carries a middle pond, grass and play areas for the children that are in the orphanage.

The home is residential, meaning that the care takers live with the children and also have a room within the orphanage for complete care (Rita Home, 2011). When looking at the home, it is noted that there is a desire to create a home like atmosphere. The slanted roof tops, windows in the front, bright coloring and the accents with landscaping and other looks all add into the home like aspect that is important to the culture. The exterior landscaping, including the central pond and the trees, were known as important for residents to help with cooling the area and offering practical solutions to those living in a residence.

This is combined with the brightly colored walls that are in both the interior and exterior of the building. These are all common attributes of the traditional looks of architecture in Malaysia, specifically for residential home areas (Tan, 1994: 5). The main concepts of the orphanage in Malaysia are compared to the “Monte Pio” in Australia (see Appendix B). The first concept noted with this is with the main layout of the buildings. A separate assembly hall, laundry area and dining room and dormitory are within the main property.

This is combined with a main area used for the lessons and needs of the girls that remained in the “Monte Pio” school. This allowed all the activities to remain separate while the girls were staying in the orphanage. The structure was followed with the ideas seen through the layout, such as with the toilet block. Similar applications of lines and structure are seen in the laundry room, assembly hall, dining area and other interior areas. The main approach was to create order, structure