Chapter 7: Principles

Axis:

An axis line can be visible or implied. It’s a line defined by two points within a space, and things arranged around the line. It can be powerful, since it determines whether is balanced or symmetrical. In the picture, imaginary an axis line from the ceiling light, and the other furnishing are arranged around it.

Symmetry:

A symmetry is based on an axis line or central point. The arrangement pattern should be equivalent balanced or reflected from center point/ axis line. As you can see the image below, the two sides from the central axis line, is almost the same, which is symmertried.

Hierarchy:

Hierarchy is important, because it determines these forms and spaces by size, shape and placement. In the picture, the light fixture is important by its shape. It is unique due to others are quadrated.

Datum:

A datum can organize random elements by a line, a plane or a volume. This wall would be an example for a plane gathers elements together.

Rhythm & Repetition:

Rhythm and repetition are based on our visual. It can be distinguish by size, shape or detail characteristics, and we are grouping them by common trait. Below, the chairs are grouped around the table, and they are repeating each other.

Transformation:

Transformation is from a design to a design. It took some parts or inspiration from the original one, and turns it into a new form. However, you would still able to tell the premier one. This before and after picture would tell the idea of transformation. It turned the door into a different look and style, but the form of door still there.

Chapter 6: Proportion and Scale

Chapter 6: Proportion and Scale

Golden Section:

Golden section is a mathematical ratio between two sections, and it can be used in a picture, a space, architecture, or any design. It creates harmony and balance visually.

The ratio: a/b  = b/ (a+b)=0.618. The Eiffel Tower below, it shows the Golden section in white lines.

   

The Orders:

The classical orders are also relate to ratio, and its based on the Greeks and Romans of classical antiquity. There are five different of styles, Tuscan, Doric, Lonic, Corinthian, and Composite. They are various in size, dimension and design.

The image shows how the Tuscan is being used in interior.

Renaissance Theories:

The architects of the Renaissance think their design need to follow the Greek musical system, 1, 2, 3, 4… and they believed it’s the key to the harmony in the universe.The decoration on the wall in the picture is an example of ratio of 1:2.

The Modular:

Architect Le Corbusier developed the modular with his proportioning system. He looked into the measuring tools of Greeks, Egyptians and the proportions of the human body. The three measurements are 113, 183 and 226 centimeters.

The “Ken”:

It is a traditional Japanese measurement base on the floor mats. The mat is in an absolute size and in the proportion of 1:2. It can be arranged in numerous ways. The ceiling height is relate to the number of mats as well: ceiling height= number of mats x 0.3.

Anthropomorphic:

It is a measurement refers to human body. The size and proportions of human are the main idea, and it usually applies to the surroundings with in a space, such as furniture. The furniture in the picture is designed based on the proportions of a human body.

Scale:

Scale is the size of something compares its normal size or other items in the environment. The human head sculpture painting is huge compare to the other furnishing with in the room, but it adds a touch of modern style.

Chapter 5: Circulation

Chapter 5: Circulation

Everyday, we move from space to space, outdoors to indoor, building-to-building.  The movement that we experienced is called circulation system.

Building Approach:

Before we enter into any spaces, there must have a path to the entrance. The experience we toward to the destination from a distance called building approach.

Building Entrances:

The movement we go from outside to inside an architect. For instance, we go through an entrance door of a museum.

Configuration of the Path:

It means the organizational pattern of a path. The way we move around. It can be linear, radial, spiral, grid, network and composite. The picture below is an example of radial path.

Path-Space Relationships:

When we are moving on a path, the path may deal with spaces the around us. Such as, pass by spaces, pass through spaces or terminate in a space. In the image below, if I consider each resting station as a space, when people passing through, It would be an example of pass through spaces.

Form of the Circulation Space:

A circulation space is built thoughtful. It can be enclosed, open on one side or open on both sides. The stairway in the picture is the enclosed circulation space.