Chapter 3: Form and Space

Form and space: the unity of opposites

In any form and space, whether is a graphic or a space, it includes two groups: positive elements and negative elements.  For example, the image below, the white furnishings are considered as the positive element, which is attracting viewer’s eye, and the blue wall background is the negative element, they are contrasting each other.

Defining space with horizontal elements:

In a space, there are several types of form. Looking at horizontal elements, we can define it as: base plane, elevated base plane, dressed base plane and overhead plane.

Such as the architect below, is a example of a overhead plane. It shows the volume between itself and the ground plane.  

Defining space with Vertical linear elements:

Similar to the horizontal elements, vertical elements is looking from another perspective, which is vertically. Single vertical plane, L-shape plane, parallel planes and U-shape plane are all the example of it. Single vertical plane shows in the picture.

Qualities of architectural space: Light

Light, enclosure and view are three qualities of a space. All those three qualities affect the overall look of a design space. Light can created in many ways, such as nature light from window or an overhead lighting. The interior space below shows you different lighting resource.

Openings in space-defining elements:

There are also many types of opening. It can be within planes, at corners and between planes. It relates to the qualities of its space. The opening in the image is within planes. Its not touch with any edge of the enclosure. Its within the surface.

Chapter 2 Form

Chapter 2: Form

Primary Solids

Primary Solids are simple shapes but in three-dimensional form. Such as, sphere, cylinder, cone, pyramid and cube. When you look at certain side, you can easily find a regular shape. It might be in different shapes on each surface.

(Image from Internet)

Dimensional Transformation

Dimensional Transformation is when a form is changing one of its dimensions, like the length or height, yet it still keeping or simulating its original shape.

(Cross # Towers in Seoul, South Korea)

As you can see in the picture, the form are the same, cubes, but in various size.

Subtractive Forms

Subtractive form is to take out some parts of volume from a whole form. Sometimes you can identify the original form, although is missing a part. Sometimes, it might turn into a new form.

(Opus Tower, Dubai, UAE by Zaha Hadid Architects)

The hollow in the middle of this building is considering a subtractive form. It’s easy to image what this building would be like without the hollow part.

Additive Forms

Additive form is the opposite version of subtractive form. It’s adding elements to a form. You may recognize the original one after altered, or you may not.

(The Overhang House / DADA & Partners)    

Also, this is an example of centralizes forms. Secondary forms are adding from different sides, from the top, the side, the front.

Formal Collision of Geometry

Formal collision of geometry is to have two different shapes interacting with each other, in order to create a new form. It can be overlapped, composited or however you want to recreate with them.

(Found on bloodandchampagne.com)

The image above is a circle and square combined together. It creates a new orientation of a space.

Chapter 1:

The three primary elements are point, line and plane.

Point:

A point is a position in space. Basically, everything starts with a point. It is the first elements of design. A point can easily catch the viewer’s eye. Lets say if there is a point on a blank paper, you will see the point first. A point also adds visual weight. Having a point makes a drawing heavier than one without. A point in interior design can be a focal point that catches viewers’ attention.

   Image credit: TG-STUDIO (2014). Leman Street by TG-STUDIO. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.homedsgn.com/2014/01/08/leman-street-by-tg-studio/. [Last Accessed Jan. 15, 2015].

Line:

When a point moves, the path is called line. A line is between two points, the starting point and the ending point. It doesn’t have to be straightened; it can be curved, too. A line creates eye movement. Viewer’s eye may follow the line direction, in order to move around on a paper or an art piece. A line in interior design can be found in many areas, such as, the edge of a counter top, the support of a light fixture.

Image credit: M.J. Whelan Construction (). 328 big comfy couch Basement Design Photos. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.houzz.com/photos/327012/MJ-Whelan-Construction-contemporary-basement-detroit. [Last Accessed Jan. 15, 2015].

Plane:

When a line shifts, the area is called plane. A plane is in a shape. It has length and width. It can be geometric, irregular and so on. Plane is a surface. It can be filled, shaded and colored. In interior design, a plane can be the surface of a table, an entire wall, a piece of art or anything with a shape.

Image credit: Paul Dyer (2014). 40 Gorgeous Living Rooms. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.californiahomedesign.com/inspiration/40-gorgeous-living-rooms/slide/4964. [Last Accessed Jan. 15, 2015].

Volume:

A volume is a three dimensions form. It has length, width and depth.  It is a form with depth. Everything in our daily life has volume. Even a piece of paper, it has depth. In a space, all items are volume but in different shapes. Everything is in three dimensions form.  It is the final composition of points, lines and planes.

   

Image credit: Birgitta W. Drejer (). Christmas at Tine K. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.planete-deco.fr/2014/12/01/noel-chez-tine-k/. [Last Accessed Jan. 15, 2015].