Chapter 3-Form and Space

The Unity of Opposites
A figure can be viewed, and perceived in its most basic form. However, even the most basic perception of a form requires the partnership of the figures background. Which, is not an opposing element in this perception but rather and essential partner creating the unity of opposites.

This image is a wonderful example of the unity of opposites as we see the positive elements only in their true form with the assistance of the background. In order to clearly read this plan view, the background surrounds the positive elements allowing us to perceive the form correctly.

Defining Space with Vertical Linear Elements-Overhead Plane

Planes exist all around us. There are several types of planes, base plane, elevated base plane, depressed base plane, and overhead plane. A horizontal plane comes into reality when it has texture, or color. When it comes into the third dimension the surrounding space is influenced by the form and becomes a defined space in its own configuration. 

This image below is a great example of an overhead plane. The overhead horizontal plane extends form one vertical column to the other to create the space. The space that is defined by the overhead plane is both between itself and the ground plane. 

Defining Space with Vertical Linear Elements-Parallel Planes

Vertical forms play an integral role in the creation of architectural form and space. Vertical forms provide support for the structure, and they can create the boundaries for the space. Vertical forms also provide protection and give us a sense of enclosure and security. 

This image is a great example of Parallel Planes. These very large columns serve to define the space and support the structure of the building. When these vertical forms are placed in this order they provide a certain amount of visual continuity through the space. 

Qualities of Architectural Space-View

The elements that effect the quality of architectural space include degree of enclosure, light, and view. Each of these is an important factor of the space, contributing its own influence to the space. The degree of enclosure dictates a certain feeling of the space, while the light can penetrate a space revealing the truth of its path along the way. The view is also an important element to the quality of space, by dictating the outlook. 

This image represents view well in that the orientation of the structure and space is directly influenced by the natural space around it. By creating this view, with the openings in the space, it alters the feeling of the space in a big way. Our outlook changes with our perception of the exterior, in turn altering our perception of the interior. 

Openings in Space-Defining Elements-Within Planes

Openings are key to a spaces visual continuity and overall feeling and function. They can create the feeling of movement for us, or a sense of ease at knowing, seeing, or feeling. Openings in space can come within planes, at corners, and between planes. 

The openings within the planes in this space add a great deal to the feeling of this room. We are given a great sense of visual continuity within the openings in the ceiling plane created by the series of skylights. Furthermore, the windows create a great horizontal series of openings that allow us to extend our vision beyond the space. 

Chapter 2-Form

Primary Solid-Cylinder

The primary solids are cubes, cylinders, pyramids, and spheres. We see primary solids influencing the form of many structures in our built environment. We also see primary solids in nature as well. For example, a tree becomes natures form of a cylinder. It is a form with volume.

I chose the leaning tower of pisa to represent my primary solid. It is a great example of the cylinder. Ironically, not only does the entire structure represent a cylinder but the columns that make up the structure also are cylinders.

Dimensional Transformation

When a forms dimension is changed while remaining the same family type, a dimensional transformation has occurred. For example, if a rectangle shape that makes a part of a house is stretched and added to another part of the house, a dimensional transformation has occurred. Stretching and contracting a form are also ways dimensional transformation can occur, and are often seen.

I chose this modern home as a great example of dimensional transformation. You see the rectangles that make up the house vary in size, yet remain the same type, or family of form. It is easily seen in this image as the transformation happens in a sequential manner.

Subtractive Form

When parts are taken from the whole of a form, the form becomes subtractive. This is seen often in design. Where the designer pulls parts from the whole to create interest in form. This is also common in modern architecture. Subtraction is all around us.

I chose this interior space as an excellent example of subtractive form. In this balcony space you can see that a piece has been subtracted out to create the opening for that space. This creates a more interesting space. It also creates a functional space.

Additive Form-Clustered Form

Additive Form is also very common. Unlike the subtractive form, additive form is created when you add elements to a form. Additive is seen commonly when balcony's are added to an apartment building. Additive comes in five types, Centralized, Linear, Radial, Clustered, and Grid.

This image is a creative representation of clustered form. These unique buildings designed for Dubai are in a cluster form which is an additive form type. These buildings have a unique relationship with each other and the space in the way they are clustered together.

Formal Collision of Geometry-Surfaces

Formal collision of geometry can occur in five instances, circle and square, rotated grid, articulation of form, edges and corners, and surfaces. There are many possibilities for formal collision of geometry. It occurs constantly in design. It can be see when a circle meets a square or a rectangle in a building, or any number of other combinations.

This image represents the collision of geometry in the form of surfaces. This is a unique space that does a great job in representing this formal collision of geometry.

Introduction

Welcome to my blog for Form, Space, and Order. Enjoy bits and pieces of my learning experience in this class! Look for hints of my design philosophy in all of my posts. 

My Design Philosophy

Design Philosophy

Design is an integral part of life. The shaped environment, that inturn shapes us. Who we are as a nation, and who we are as people. The footprint of mankind has been a reckless abandon of unsustainable design. Now, at the point of no return design has to be one with the environment and end its long history of oppression on nature.

            Design has shaped my social philosophy, as it challenges the masses direction and quality of life. My design philosophy is much in the same as my social philosophy. A seamless relationship to the natural world is what I strive for in design. The incorporation of such natural elegance of the organic lines found in nature. I find the answers in the balanced ecosystem. Where the interior design, or architecture, becomes part of the cycle of health, and not the focal point. It becomes a peace to the puzzle and not the whole puzzle. Where peace can be found in the comfort of your own home, as if it were the forest floor.

            A large part of blending with the environment is repurposing what we have already created instead of creating more, create less and it will become more. Design to me will work with nature in a symbiotic way. A philosophy on design is a philosophy on life, in kind.

CH: 1 Point, Line, Plane, and Volume

POINT
Point is the beginning and ending of everything. It is the start of the line, and it is the ending of the line, where everything comes together. The point can be the focal, where all the lines come together. With out the point, the line cannot exist. And as we know, lines are everything. 


This image represents point well. The lines that are implied by the frame of the window come together at the center. This is the point. Ironically the center of this image is the point I chose, and often times the point is the center. So much meaning in the point! Thats my point!!

Line

Line is made up of a  series of points. Isn't it something that the point seems to be apart of everything! There are so many possibilities when it comes to a line. It can be solid, dashed, organic, straight, thick, thin, and everything in between. The line provides us with perspective. 

This image is wonderful example of line. As you see the lines representing the beams of the roof. As they recede into space they become smaller. But truly they are still the same size. Just another trick of the line!

  

Plane

A plane is made up of lines, which create the boundary of the plane. A plane is a 2D surface that has no depth and can be found all over the place. The plane can represent something more substantial or it can be as simple as a curtain. 

This image is an excellent example of plane. The table represents the plane, which is made up of two vertical lines and two horizontal lines. Spanning in between these lines, is the plane. 

Volume
Volume is the compilation of the Point, Line, and Plane. Volume is brought into 3D. We see volume all around us. To me, volume has substance. Volume becomes aesthetic and fun. But without those previous stated terms volume would be nothing. 

This image represents volume well in an interesting way. As the mountain towers over the house, volume can be seen in two places. Once in the mountain, and once in the house represented in the third dimension. 

My Design Philosophy