An architect has to handle many variables to design a building, this is the main reason why the grade of architecture is so versatile and is articulated in different branches.

Generally speaking, we could say that Physics is divided into three parts: Classical Physics, Modern Physics and Contemporary Physics.

Inside of Classical Physics, among other branches, we found the Classical Mechanics, Sound and Optics, which are the three parts into which the subject of Physics of the first course of architecture is divided.

        1. CLASSICAL MECHANICS.

It is the branch of Classical Physics that studies the behaviour of bodies under the action of a system of forces.

Given the breadth of this branch, is usual to divide the study of Classical Physics in three parts: Mechanics of Rigid Bodies, Fluids Mechanics and Mechanics of Deformable Bodies.

The subject of Physics introduces to the student into the Mechanics of Rigid Bodies and into the Fluid Mechanics. The Mechanics of Deformable Bodies is taught in the second course of the grade.

It is noteworthy that the Mechanics of Rigid Bodies is divided into two main sections:

Static: Study the bodies submitted to equilibrated forces, that is, bodies at rest or in uniform motion.
Dynamics: Study the motion of the bodies, essentially their trajectory versus time, (Kinematics), and study the bodies under non uniform motion, that is, under accelerated motion, (Kinetics).

Static is the theory usually taken in the first course of the grade of architecture, since so many practical structural problems of edification can be analyzed by applying its principles.

The introduction to the main concepts of Static is fundamental to learn correctly the structures subjects that are imparted in superior courses.

2. HEAT TRANSFER

It is the branch of physics that studies thermodynamics. The heat transfer is the process of thermal exchange between different parts.

This concept is particularly important in order to determine the heat and cooling loads, facade, ventilation and thermal comfort. This allows calculating and reducing energy consumption of the building.

        3. SOUND

It is the branch of Classical Physics that analyzes the sound vibrations. The study of acoustics involves the way that the sound waves travel through specific means.

The quality of one project may be affected if the building do not have a good acoustic, especially in some edification typologies, and is therefore important for an architect to know the main concepts of the sound.

        4. OPTICS

It is the branch of Classical Physics that explores the properties of light since the visible spectrum to ultraviolet and infrared radiation.

Lighting can be a key factor to design a building, so it is reasonable to know the principles of optics.