Chapter 7: Principles

Axis: 

An axis is a line between 2 points, used to establish arrangement of spaces and forms on either side.

 

https://www.thefhd.net/inspiring-hotels-architecture-axis-viana-hotel-by-vhm-architecture/

The aisle acts as the axis to divide the two spaces within one restaurant space, the left is for couples or 2 people, a more romantic and quiet setting next to the window, the right is for family or more companies, nearer to the exit or staff.

Symmetry: 

The even and balance distribution and arrangement of forms and spaces on opposite side of the axis.

http://thedivastyledesignguide.blogspot.com/2012/12/principles-of-design-balance.html

Both the right and left side interior furniture and setting are the same, mirroring each other from the symmetry line in the middle. This creates a harmonious and unified atmosphere to the room.

Hierarchy: 

The articulation of important spaces and forms by their sizes, shapes, and orders relative to other.

http://www.sapphirealuminium.com.au/index.php?task=projects&num=23

The seats and table on the left are for talking or working so they are a bit small and private, right next to the window. The long bench seat on the right suggests waiting and resting so they are bigger. These are both public space so the aisle is bigger. Going deeper, the aisle gets smaller and there appears a box like odd room that creates a private space for lecture or meeting. It is eye catching on the outside to alert the visitors/workers this is where to to find a private space, when we can barely see anything inside from the outside.

Datum: 

A line, plane, or volume is used to gather, organize, measure the pattern of forms and spaces using its continuity and regularity.

Rhythm & Repetition: 

A unifying movement, defined by a pattern, repetition or rhythm, allows the elements to create a motif in same or modified form.

http://hatchdesign.ca/principles-of-design-part-2-rhythm/

The private booth tables get repeated on the left. The long table on the right continues throughout the restaurant with same table setting and lighting to match the whole restaurant rhythm and repetition.

Transformation:

A series of manipulations or permutations can transform the spaces and forms without losing their own identity or context.

http://archinspire.org/innovative-transformable-lamp-those-create-new-light-room-constellations/

A beautiful lamp creation that transforms continuously throughout the dimensions, angles, and planes. Its different volume allows multiple light settings that can be suitable at anytime of the day, yet still keeps its own parts and context intact.

Chapter 6: Proportion & Scale

Golden Section: 

Originating from the Greeks, the Golden section relates to the proportion of human body. It is the ratio between two sections of a line, or between two dimensions of a plane. The ratio is the lesser one to the greater as the greater to the sum of both. If a = the lesser, b = the greater, the ratio is:
a/b = b/(a+b) = 0.618

http://scm.ulster.ac.uk/~B00619406/modules/des106/index.htm

http://schlosserdesign.net/design-101-the-golden-ratio/

The Orders: 

The Classical orders refer to the Greek and Roman proportions of elements in expression of beauty and harmony. The unit of dimension is the diameter of the column. This then determines the system of dimensions of the shaft, capital, pedestal, entablature, and spacing between columns. But of course, the size of the building determines the columns so the units are never uniform. Rather, it is the harmony and proportion among the parts establish the Orders. The basic ones would be Ionic, Doric, Corinthian, Tuscan, and Composite.

http://janineantoine.weebly.com/task-3---ergonomics.html

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pantheon_interior.jpg

Renaissance Theories: 

Deriving from the Greek musical and mathematical systems, Renaissance architects were able to apply ratios of unbroken progression from intervals in musical scales into real life spatial units. This includes making the ideal plan shapes for rooms: 1: √2, 1:2, 2:3,  3:4,  3:5. Another concept would be determining the height of the room based on the proportion of the room's width and heigh. If it is a room with flat ceiling, the height is equal to the width. If it is a square room with vaulted ceiling then the height would a 1/3 greater than the width. As for other rooms, it would be decided through the arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic systems:
If a is the width, b is the height and c is the length then,
Arithmetic: (c-b)/(b-a) = c/c
Geometric: (c-b)/(b-a) = c/b
Harmonic: (c-b)/(b-a) = c/a

The Modular: 

"The dimensions of that which contains and that which is contained" from Le Corbusier. It is a mathematic scale based on human proportions. Based on the height of a man with his arm raised, 113, 183, and 226 define the space occupied by the human figure. From 113 and 226, Le Corbusier developed the Red and Blue series, diminishing scales of dimensions that were related to the stature of the human figure.

http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/scale-and-proportion-the-architects-domain/

http://www.diariodesign.com/eng/modulor-a-tribute-to-le-corbusier-by-hisbalit-and-zooco-studio-at-casadecor-madrid/

The "Ken": 

Based on the Japanese unit of measurement shaku, the Ken is equal to 6 shaku. It determines the Japanese floor mats measurement. 1 mat is half a Ken. It is an aesthetic module that ordered the structure, materials, and space of Japanese architecture.

http://www.glubdub.com/detail/tatami-room/tatami-room-traditional-16054.html

Anthropomorphic: 

Anthropometry refers to the measurement of the size and proportions of the human body. The dimensions of the human body is used to confirm the architecture as a container or extensions of the human body. 

https://fabricsandframesfurniture.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/a-lesson-in-anthropomorphism-and-design/

  

Scale:

Scale refers to how we perceive or judge the size of something in relation to something else. Visual scale refers to how small or large something appears to be in relation to its normal size or to the size of other things in its context.

Chapter 5: Circulation

Building Approach: 

The approach refers to the path reaching to the entrance, experiencing the far to close scenery before reaching the interior. This both helps the audience interact with the space before approaching the interior and builds up the anticipation and adventure finding the entrance. The approaches can be frontal, oblique, or spiral.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Tax_Court_Building

The straightforward and frontal approach helps to find the entrance easily and cuts time in entering. 

Building Entrances: 

Entrance is the door that connects the exterior and the interior. The act of entering signifies the penetration into the wall, a passage that implies a visual and spatial continuity between two separate spaces. It also reinforces the facade of the building. The entrance can be lower, wider, narrower, deep or circuitous, ornate or decorated.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%22A_beautiful_stone_work_on_Rajarajan_Entrance_The_Big_Temple%22.JPG

The big, deep, and lean entrance is in proportion with the building, creating an intimidated and full of anticipation experience.

Configuration of Path: 

The path of movement that let the audience experience throughout the spaces, from starting to ending points. There are linear, radial, spiral, grid, network, composite configurations of path. 

http://nutridepot.net/trendy-staircase-design-ideas-for-traditional-and-modern-housing/staircase-

The spiral stair creates a change of pace from one rigid geometric space to another.

Path - Space Relationship: 

This refers to:

• Pass by spaces: integrity of each space, flexible configuration of path, spaces that connect path and space.
• Pass through spaces: configuration of paths through spaces, making patterns of rest and movement using paths cutting through spaces.
• Terminate in a space: location of space makes the path, path-space relationship symbolizes the important spaces.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal

The path crosses both through spaces and by spaces. This combination allows a maze like experience that lets the audience chooses their own path.

Form of the Circulation Space:

Circulation space defines boundaries, how form relates to another, articulation of design elements, entrances and changes in levels. These can be enclosed, open on one side, or both sides. 

http://archidose.blogspot.com/2014_01_01_archive.html

The L-shaped stair case is suitable to multiple storied building to allow rest stop within each interval.

Chapter 4: Organization

Spatial Relationships:

Space within a space:
When a volume can be occupied within another bigger volume. The smaller does not seem isolated or awkward in the new space; rather, it reinforces the development of continuity relationship between two spaces.

https://www.superteachertools.net/jeopardyx/answerkey.php?game=1393368091

The glass room separates the exhibited pieces to the rest of the galleries, preventing viewers from touching the merchandise, but the transparent space still allows viewers to emerge into the pieces.

Interlocking space:
Two or more spatial fields overlap and emerge, creating a shared space. Each space still retains its identity, and also defines a new configuration.

http://www.designboom.com/architecture/interflow-house-an-interlocking-system-by-id-ea/
The interlocking volume provides more spaces and integrity to the composition. Plus, adding uniqueness.

Adjacent space:
Two or more spaces are both separated and bind together. The separation maybe caused by a plane, a change in size or dimension, and other design elements to make the adjacent spaces distinct.

http://www10.aeccafe.com/blogs/arch-showcase/2012/04/11/marquesa-de-alorna-school-in-lisbon-portugal-by-jose-neves/marquesa-de-alorna-school-07/

The columns divide the one space into two adjacent space, giving the impression of a big space into two pathways people can go through, yet not being disrupted in the one space.

Space linked by a common space:

When two separated spaces share a common factor of another space. The relationship between these two spaces relies on the nature of the third linked space.

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4584986/thumbs/spaces-linked-by-a-common-space

The hallway separates the two opposite room but still remains the continuity of the two spaces.

Spatial Organizations:

Centralized:
Central and dominant space that is surrounded by other secondary elements. This creates a stable, unified, and concentrated composition.

Linear:

A linear sequence, row or column, of relative spaces. The series of spaces create repetition and rhythm to the sequence.

Radial:
A central space that has linear organizations surrounded and placed in the radial manner. This contains both centralized and linear effects, providing an introverted or extroverted plan depending on the designer.

Clustered:
Many spaces with different elements or characteristics that are grouped together based on a common visual relationship or composition. The repetition of similar functions create a shared visual trait that can be articulated depending on the contained elements.

Grid:
Spaces structured in a gird, rows and columns together. The repetition and rhythm of parallel and perpendicular spaces strengthen the regularity and continuity of the organization.

http://inhabitat.com/extraordinary-japanese-micro-home-built-from-a-grid-of-boxes/
The grid box ceilings and also cupboard walls bring the room into a contemporary dimension. The repetition throughout the planes give more space for the decoration and an impressive intimidation.

Chapter 3: Form & Space

Form & Space: The Unity of Opposites: 

The visual perception between positive (figure) and negative space (ground). The visual interaction between figure and ground within the composition are usually easy to define through the filled (poche) and the blank areas. However, there are times the designer intends to play with our perception and make the figure ground ambiguous, that we simultaneously switch the visual identities back and front. Architecture uses the technique to define the relationship between the mass and space.

http://www.urdesign.it/index.php/2014/01/15/white-space-orthodontic-clinic-by-bureauhub-architecture/
The empty void gives an illusion of spacious space, a void that nothing occupies, but it is actually a form, a mass that is capable of containing another.

Defining Space With Horizontal Elements:

Horizontal architectural elements usually referred to planes: base, elevated depressed and overhead planes. These include ceilings and floors. They define the surface zone, articulate space and express continuity.

http://www.dezeen.com/2013/04/11/aia-small-project-awards-winners-announced/

The vaulted ceiling (overhead plane) gives an impression of taller interior which can be made used of in a limited space for more decoration and even provides more light. 

Defining Space With Vertical Linear Planes:

Architectural vertical elements define boundaries, establish volume and disclosure to create privacy against the exterior. They are structural supports for the horizontal elements. The vertical linear elements have single, L-shaped, parallel, U-shaped, closure planes. 

http://www.urbila.com/projects/view/5422-alrov-tower

The difference in angles and in planes position breaks out the visual ordinary, shows the boundary and limits of the building .

Quality of Architectural Space:

Qualities of space lies in may factors: form, color, texture, proportion, scale, pattern, sound, degree of closure, light, view that also depend on properties of enclosure. These combined effects help form and space coexist and establish the interior's culture and personality. 

http://www.cgarchitect.com/2012/08/church-of-light-adaptation

The illuminated opening of the cross lets the light seeps in as the only salvation and holy light from God.

Openings in Space-Defining Elements:

Visual and spatial continuity is strengthen with openings. They offer entry, influence the space movement and direction, illuminate the interior and establish relationship between the room and adjacent planes. Openings can be place within planes, at corners, and between planes. They are typically doors and windows.

http://www.archdaily.com/510654/house-with-square-opening-nks-architects/538536f2c07a80317a000113_house-with-square-opening-nks-architects_007-jpg/

A simple square window from the bathtub helps to get rid of the enclosure and stuffiness, and the let the viewer enjoy view while taking the bath.