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. 

CHAPTER 2: FORM

Primary Solids:

Volumetric forms that are easily recognized from its regular and distinct shapes being rotated or extended. Examples: sphere & cylinder (circle), cone & pyramid (triangle), cube (square).

http://www.enasco.com/product/TB16963T

http://www.uberinspiration.com/nettleton-199-interior-design/

The hanging lamps at the center possess cylindrical form. the table on the left is shaped in cuboid. And the decorated lamp on the left is a sphere. These differentiating geometry in primary solids, applying in the same interior, makes the space simple, basic, yet offers a variety.

Dimensional Transformation: 

Despite being altered or transformed from one or more of its own dimensions, the form is still able to keep its identity remained.

The office table consists of one big rectangular plane and four stands, but when we look at the overall appearance, the table has its form inside an implied cuboid.

Subtractive Forms:

Being transformed as a form gets its portion of volume subtractive. The form either retains its identity or gets a new form, but still has its original traces.

http://terrableudesign.blogspot.com/2010/10/fun-with-shapes.html

The absence of blocks to create a full cubicle building makes the architecture's form extraordinary and less intimidating.

Additive Forms: 

Being transformed as a form gets new portions of volume, becoming additive from various forms. The form either retains its identity or gets a new form, but still has its original traces.

http://zonfiza.blogspot.com/2010/10/form_07.html

By adding blocks on the already existing building, the whole form becomes interesting and unique by being irregular, destroying the stiffing balance most buildings have.

Centralized Forms:

The form is centered and surrounded by clustered combing elements that makes the centralized form dominant and focal point.

https://angelmanarang.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/organization-of-forms/

We can see that every block of the form is the same repeating, but what stands out is the bigger blocks right at the center that dominates the floor plane and viewer's point.

Linear Forms:

Lining up the forms in one or series of rows. The forms are in a principle.

http://terrableudesign.blogspot.com/2010/10/fun-with-shapes.html

Clustered Forms:

Many forms are grouped together in a specific area.

https://angelmanarang.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/organization-of-forms/

Grid Forms:

A set of forms being divided into a grid (rows and columns)

 

Formal Collision of Geometry:

When two or more different forms in geometry or orientation touch, collide, penetrate, or stack up through each other to create a new identity of form with new visual supremacy and dominance.

Circle & Square:

Combining elements of free flowing, perfectly circular form and rectilinear, functional geometry to create a new unity of forms with contrasting features and orientation.

 

Rotated Grid:

A balanced and ideal form with its contrasting geometry from orientation and its structural grid.

http://www.designboom.com/architecture/architects-collective-dalian-planning-museum/

Articulation of Form:

When a form is articulated by a change in adjoining planes, distinct developed corners, removal corners, contrast along edges. This articulation reveals the nature of the form and its relationship with its parts.

Edges & Corners:

Contrasting surface qualities and angle deviation among adjoining planes for edges. An opening or distinct element at corners.

http://hiroshimasunrise.blogspot.com/2009/11/umhlanga-mixed-use-photos-3.html

Surfaces:

Size, scale, proportion, visual weight, contrasting elements (color, texture, etc.) give a new perception on surface articulation.

http://www.noragraw.com/2008/12/midreview-with-greg.html

Design Philosophy

The most important things I want to convey in my designs are sincerity and warmth. Designing the space according to the client's demands are easy, but to combine those with one's color is a different matter. Creativity is endless, but there are times ideas clash. What's most important is considering about the users before even think about aesthetic. How to be ethical, economical, environmental-friendly, comfortable and convenient makes a design successful and honest. I believe in being closer with nature and preserving culture and history. Nature and history define human race, and it is important to never forget our roots. I hope that with the least elements and most economical materials, I can design a warm, natural, cultural, and warm space full of textures and wonders. I like achromatic and monochromatic colors to keep my design simple, but still able to provide the color psychology and palette, suitable to the space. Since I don't focus much on other aspects of design to texture is an important part in my philosophy to stimulate the human senses to its best.

Chapter 1: PRIMARY ELEMENTS

Point:

A particular spot, mark or dot that defines a position in space. It serves to see the limit between two ends, the intersection or when lines meet, or even a center. A point can be visible or implied by other elements, making its presence dominant, stable, or dynamic through the position the point takes

http://taipei-101.info/

The tower Taipei 101's main feature is its height that seems to pierced the sky and becomes the focal point of the capital. The tip of the tower from the needle point implants a significance to the architecture and becomes the center when view from above.

Line:

1-dimensional space when a point extends longer or when 2 or more points connect each other. It interacts with other elements by supporting, linking, intersecting or surrounding. The thickness of a line can create personality and visual effects to the space. In architecture, a vertical line implies commemoration or particular points in space. Horizontal lines express movements. Angled lines create dynamics.

http://www.worldtravelguide.net/sydney

 Lines are not always straight. They are free flowing and help viewers follow the direction they give. The lines from Sydney Opera House give interesting edges and flows to the building. It seems curvy and relaxed, yet sharp at the same time.

Plane:

2-dimensional space when a line extends. Even two parallel lines can imply a plane. Plane shows visual relationship among lines and creates a surface. It can separate a space and defines a shape. A plane has a length and width, size, shape, color, texture. In architecture, there are overhead, wall. and base planes.

 http://www.localparistours.com/versailles-tours

 The facade from Versailles Palace is a continuous plane made from the horizontal walls, the arcade, and series of windows. This plane creates a magnificent view of grandness and repetition to the facade that captures the viewers.

Volume:

3-dimensional space that planes extend or connect – length, width, and height. It is a study of relationships between planes boundaries and shapes. It is a mass that occupies the space. 

http://www.parijs.nu/bezienswaardigheden/louvre

The Louvre is a shaped as a pyramid. This singular volume marks an impactful presence that creates an anomaly of contemporary within a historical setting, right in front of the museum. 

Word Association and Reflection

Word Association:

About me:
Random ~ simple ~ clean ~ naive ~ responsible ~ frugal ~ punctual ~ dense ~ impatient ~ stressed ~ shy ~ old-fashioned ~ patriotic ~ fair ~ ambitious ~ honest ~ adaptable ~ traditional ~ transparent ~ insensitive ~ traveller ~ eater ~ cheap ~ emotional

Design to me:
Simple ~ clean ~ functional ~ universal ~ adaptable ~ economical ~ traditional ~ organic ~ approachable ~ harmonious ~ dynamic ~ logical ~ honest ~ contemporary ~ transcending ~ classics ~ persuasive ~ connection ~ communication ~ alive ~ technical ~ senses ~ contemporary ~ innovative ~ natural

Personal Goals:
1) Become more hardworking and break out of the comfort zone
2) Be less stressed or I won't make it in life
3) Become more focused and efficient in techniques and time
4) Do put more efforts in communication and volunteering even though it's hard
5) Be balanced. All right?!

Reflection:

1) I was originally an architecture major, but I switched to interior design due to the reality of the working world, family and health reasons. Nevertheless, interior design is something that I enjoy and when I have a job, I am more devoted to it if I love it rather than when I'm good at it. 

2) An artist is someone who always seek new things and continuous try to improve the existing. An artist does not cut corner and express their all through their work. An artist does not seek perfection, but rather their own satisfaction in connecting with the audience. I am not a full fledged artist yet but once I have discover my work ideals and ethics, and become true to the mentions above, I will certainly be one.

3) For my works, I want to express that the design is true to the materials and the function the space offers. I hope to create works that are accessible, comfortable and functional to everyday's lives, and at the same time, help people to become more aware and appreciative the art industry.

4) A journey brings happiness because you know the answers are at the end of the goal. Therefore, it is not necessarily the case that I have to seek the answers to be happy, but what happens during the journey is already happiness. I hope design will become a part of my everyday's live and bring self satisfaction and create even further happiness to others.

5) Right now is the beginning. I will surely fail more than succeed but eventually, all of these will become a part of me and build who I will later. That's why I am going to give my all to my works and be opened to the endless possibilities ahead