Form + Space

Form and Space: The Unity of Opposites

In this page, we will discuss not only the form of a structure, but also the space within it and how it effects users who experience it. 

The "opposites" are the positive and negative elements in a space.

Positive Elements: Figures

Negative Elements: Background

The visual relationship between the positive and negative elements, and how we interpret them, effects our understanding of a composition.

The positive elements of a composition would not exist without their negative component, or background, which proves that these "opposites" work together to create a visual.

The positive and negative elements work together to create an illusion,  showing that they work together to create a dynamic composition.

Defining Space with Horizontal Elements

4 Different Planes:

-Base Plane

-Elevated Plane

-Depressed Plane

-Overhead Plane

Base Plane: A horizontal plane laying flat on a background that has a change of color, tone, or texture.

Depressed Plane: When a plane is pushed beneath the ground plane. This creates definition of a space that are literal and not implied.

A pool is an example of a depressed plane, because the boundaries are subtracted from the ground plane.

A dance floor is an example of a base plane, because it is a flat figure with major contrast from the background.

Defining Space with Vertical Linear Elements

5 Different Planes

-Single Vertical Plane

-L-Shaped Plane

-Parallel Plane

-U-Shaped Plane

-Closure/Enclosed Plane

U-Shaped Planes: Three vertical planes that define volume towards the open plane.

This building is an example of a U-Shaped plane, because there are only 3 out of the 4 vertical planes built.

Openings in Space Defining Elements

Openings can be located:

-Within Planes

-At Corners

-Between Planes

Within Planes: When an opening is located completely within a plane and has a part of the plane surrounding all sides of the opening. 

Above is two examples of how an opening can be within a plane, either wall or ceiling. Even though they are different shapes, they still are completely inside of a plane and surrounded by the plane on all sides.

Qualities of Architectural Space

3 Qualities:
-Degree of Enclosures
-Light
-View

Light: Considered to illuminate the surfaces and forms within a space. Sunlight has the power to bring the interior space to life and articulate the forms.

The intensity of the sunlight and how it is spread in a space has the ability to clarify or distort the forms.

The skylight allows the corners of the shower space to be brightened,.

In conclusion, space is constantly encompassing our being.