Chapter 3: Form & Space

Form & Space: The Unity of Opposites

Describes how people visually perceive positive (figures) and negative (background) elements.

The building is the positive space and the courtyard is the negative space. The building encloses a portion of its site as an outdoor area, partly sheltered. The positive and negative space cannot exist without each other.

 

Defining Space with Horizontal Elements: Overhead Plane

Any form placed in a space changes the volume of the space and claims its own territory.
This covered porch uses an overhead plane to create shelter while remaining an outdoor space. The columns help to visually establish the limits of the defined space without disrupting the flow. You can easily travel between the columns and they do not obstruct from the view.

Defining Space with Vertical Linear Elements: Single Vertical Elements

Describes how the visual limits are effected by vertical boundaries.
The columns that hold up the roof over this outdoor shelter help define the space. There are no walls, but there is a boundary created by the vertical posts.

 Qualities of Architectural Space: Degree of Closure

Four vertical planes are typically used to encompass a field of space. One or more can be differentiated.

This kitchen is partially enclosed with a wall that has openings. The space definitely loses its sense of enclosure with the large opening in the wall. The emphasis is on the enclosing walls rather than the volume of the kitchen space as a whole.

Openings in Space-Defining Elements: Within Planes
Used to create continuity within adjacent spaces. 
 The windows openings on this plane create visual continuity with the view outside, while the door creates physical continuity with the outdoor space beyond. Continuity is not possible without these openings.

Chapter 2: Form

Primary Solid- Cylinder

The primary solids are spheres, cylinders, cones, pyramids, and cubes. They are the basic three-dimensional shapes. Cylinders have two circular faces and a round barrel.

These Georgian columns are a perfect example of a cylinder. They sit upright on one of their round faces and support the overhang with the other. The round part in between is what takes them from a rectangle to a cylinder.

 

Dimensional Transformation

Any form can be transformed by altering one or more of it's dimensions while still maintaining it's identity as a form. A cube can be compressed into a plane.

This cement building is a cube in it's complete form. The solitary cement wall represents the cube compressed into it's planar form, but it is still a member of the cube family of forms.

Subtractive Forms:

When parts of a form are taken away, the form can either retain its identity in its original form family, or change so much that it joins a different family of forms.

The overhang on this barn is an example of a subtractive form. The interior of the cubic form is missing, creating just an outline of a form.

 

Additive Form- Linear

Made by attaching or relating one or more smaller forms onto the original form.

Town homes stacked next to each other are an example of additive forms arranged in a linear formation. The cube-like shaped homes are attached to one another on each side, making one long line.

Formal Collision of Geometry- Circle & Square

Two different forms join each other and penetrate each others boundaries.

This rendered garden is an example of one of the two forms totally receiving the other within its volume. The boundary of the garden is a square, with the inner path and plants in a circular form.

Chapter 1: Primary Elements

Point

A point indicates a certain place in space, a line, an intersection, or the center of something.

The blue point is set at the end of the tunnel as it appears to the human eye. This sidewalk covering tunnel was designed in a straight line so that people walking into it could see directly out the other side. Although point can be applied anywhere, this is a good example because from this perspective, the tunnel appears to end in a point.

Line

A line is a point that has been extended in a certain direction and length.

 Line is utilized repeatedly in both this house and the picket fence around it. I chose to focus on the repeated parallel lines in the fence for my diagram, but also pointed out the parallel lines on the siding of the house, the tin roof, and the detail on the overhang.
 

 

Plane

A plane is a flat surface created by two parallel lines. It can be solid like a wall,
or implied between two columns or posts.

A basic plane is represented by the wall that juts out containing the fireplace. It is easy to show the outlines of the plane in this example. Two sets of parallel lines outline and contain this vertical rectangular plane.
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Volume

Volume is created when a plane is extended further to include a third dimension: depth.

The four places of these glass walls combine to make a voluminous room. Any room has volume, but this is a good example since you can see through to all of the sides and recognize the three dimensions of the space.

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Collage & Design Philosophy

Personal Collage:

My collage reflects many aspects of myself. I represented everything from interiors I like, to my pets, to objects that simply appeal to me for various reasons. I included two pictures of farmland and open pastures, which take me back to my childhood. I think it's important for kids to have open space to run and play and use their imaginations as much as possible. I also used a picture of one of my own horses, with whom I spent the majority of my time the first 18 years of my life. To me, the University of Georgia's iconic arches represent everything college and growing up is about. As a kid, they represented something to look forward to and work towards. They represent education as well as freedom and leaving home for the first time. The Dogwood tree has always been special to me. There are a lot of them here in Georgia and I've always thought they were particularly beautiful. The kitchen table makes me think of family and the importance of having a central location where the family meets each night for dinner to catch up and stay connected with each other. I included various splashes of pink with the diamond, the flowers, and the perfume because the color has always appealed to me and made me happy. Finally, I put the picture of my dog, Bentley, because as of right now, he is my baby.

Design Philosophy:

Looking over the word exercises and collage, I think I have a better grasp of my design philosophy. I put the word "traditional" in my collage because I think that is the base of my entire philosophy. I have always been much more attracted to classic, traditional, mostly Southern design styles in both architecture and interiors. So far, my mind is still deeply planted in residential design, but I hope to expand my horizons during my time at SCAD. I have always been very aware of the space around me and constantly thinking of ways it could improve or change. If people are not comfortable or bothered by the space they are in, it can greatly effect everything that goes on there. The home needs to be comfortable and functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. I think residential design appeals to me so much because to me, the home is a safe haven and the place a person should feel their absolute best. If someone happens to be uncomfortable at work or school, there is always the relieving thought that at the end of the day, they can return home where everything is perfect to them. Including personal picture in my collage reflects the fact that I am very sentimental in life and in my designs. I personally enjoy having sentimental items and photographs around me, and I'd like to incorporate that into my designs.

Introduction

Hi everyone! The purpose of this blog is to document my journey through my Form, Space, and Order class. I will post important design vocabulary and picture examples each week, as well as my personal thoughts and philosophy on design. I hope you enjoy :)