Form and Space

The Unity of Opposites

In our visual field, we organize elements into two opposite categories:  positive elements, which are usually perceived as solid figures and negative elements, the space around the figures or the background.

Our perception of the positive and negative determines how viewers see the entire composition.  Often value contrast and placement help the image become less ambiguous.  In this image, the planes can visually be seen as positive space while the cut-outs provide negative space together they form a unity of opposites.

Defining Space with Horizontal Elements

Horizontal elements articulate a volume of space, in which vertical boundaries are implied.  There are four horizontal elements that will define space:  Base Plane, Elevated Base Plane, Depressed Base Plane, and Overhead Plane.  The example below shows an overhead plane that has been lowered to shape and enclose the space. 

Defining Space with Vertical Linear Elements

Vertical forms have a greater presence  than horizontal planes, which means they are more involved in defining the volume of space and providing a sense of enclosure and privacy.  They also serve to separate spaces from one another as well as provide structural supports for base and overhead planes.  This image is of the Parthenon built in ancient Greece.  The Greeks used columns as structural elements to enclose and define space.

 

Qualities of Architectural Space

The spatial qualities of form, proportion, scale, texture, light, and sound define the enclosure of a space.  Our perception of these qualities is influenced by our culture, experiences, and personal interests.  The degree of enclosure, the view, and the amount of light entering a space are influencing qualities of a room.  The image shows floor to ceiling windows that allow a user to view the landscape.

Openings in Space-Defining Elements

This image highlights the openings within the planes, such as, the doors, windows, and skylight.  Equally as important as the elements that define and enclose a space are the openings in space.  Openings aid in circulation patterns, allow light into a space, and build visual relationships between a room and the adjacent spaces, as well as providing natural ventilation of the space.  Openings can exist within planes, at corners, and between planes. 

 

Form

Form is another element of design with multiple meanings.  It is often used in reference to the manner of arranging and organizing the elements and parts of a composition to create a complete image.  Form also references both the internal and external structure giving three-dimensional mass and volume to a primary shape.  

Primary Solids

Primary solids are shapes, such as circles, squares, and triangles, which have been stretched to produce volumetric or three dimensional forms.  These familiar circles create spheres, squares become cubes, and triangles form pyramids.  The most common pyramids are the Egyptian pyramids, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, which can be seen below.  

Dimensional Transformation

If a form is not considered a primary solid it is considered to be a form transformed by alternating one or more of its dimensions.  A cube can be extended in height, width, or length to create a rectangle or a plane.  A circle can be stretched to form an ellipse as you can see in the image below.

Subtractive Forms

A form can also be transformed by subtracting a percentage of its volume.  Depending on how much is subtracted; the form can still retain its initial identity or can be transformed into something new.  The example shows a corner in a room that has been cutout and given a new shape.

Additive Forms

By adding elements, a form can also be transformed.  Depending on the type of additions and the number and sizes of the elements added, the initial identity can be altered or retained.  The particular image below demonstrates a type of additive form:  Radial Form, which transforms into a composition of linear forms that extend outward from a central form.  Other forms included Centralized Forms, Linear Forms, Clustered Forms, and Grid Forms.

Formal Collision of Geometry

Formal Collision of Geometry occurs when two forms that differ in geometry or orientation collide and intertwine.  This collision can occur in numerous ways; two forms can merge to create a new form, one of the two forms can engulf the other within its volume, the two forms can share just an interlocking portion of their volumes, or the two forms can be separated but linked by a third element.  The example in the image shows the cylinder of the sink intercept the rectangular counter.

Primary Elements

Point

 

A point is a centralized position in space.  It has no height, depth, or length and can only be viewed as a one dimensional object. 

 

This image is a great illustration of the design element of point.  The lines created by the steel framing of the space draw the viewer's eye to the back window.  The perspective view of this image creates a vanishing point that reinforces a strong focal point. 




Line





A line is the extension of a point.  It is still a one dimensional element but it does have length that can visually show direction and position.

The lines in this image are created by the structure of the Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America Home Office.  The vertical lines on either side of the image create a strong, stable feeling while the curved overhang creates movement and energy.




Plane

 

 Multiple lines that surround and define a space create a plane.  A two dimensional element that includes length, width, and shape.  A plane can also show the surface of an object, the position, or the orientation.

There are three types of planes:  overhead planes, wall planes, and ground planes.  The Point Dume Residence in Malibu, CA was designed with planes in mind.  Visually in this image you can see mainly wall planes that depict shape and create a surface. 









Volume



When a plane takes on form and becomes three dimensional that plane is considered volume.  Volume has qualities of length, width, and depth and can be used to show orientation and position.

Above is an image that contains visual examples of volume.  In the forefront of this image a viewer can see three ottomans and an accent table that display depth, form, and space.  The light fixture in the middle ground also demonstrates the affects volume has on a space.  The solidity of the forms create a dense, heavy feeling and gives weight to the room.

My Design Philosophy

This first assignment called for me to examine the definition of design according to me and how my own personality influences that definition.

Comfortable, Classical, Personable, Functional, and Recyclable.  

Home is where my heart lies…it is my escape.  I love spending time at home with my husband.  It is my family that defines me and that is who I would like to design for:  the family.  All though the definition of the traditional family has changed, it is the people closest to us that influence our needs.  I want to create designs that are flexible enough to last through the stages of family life.  Incorporating storage and a personal focus to create functional designs that will grow as your family grows.  After all, your home is the stage of your life, the world around which your world revolves.

I was raised on old movies (my mother’s favorites) and the oldies station.  I appreciate the classics and that translates into my designs.  Traditional pieces are my building blocks with simple, clean lines that can be mixed and matched with different colors, textures, and patterns to create new, innovative designs.  However, design doesn’t have to be expensive.  It can be comfortable, beautiful, and sustainable.  If it is old or broken don’t toss it.  Reuse it, repair it, and don’t waste it.  

These words and images are the backbone of my life and design philosophy.  For me a door symbolizes opportunity.  You can stand outside that door forever but all it takes to proceed is the turning of a handle.  What lies on the other side are the endless options to be seen.  I consider classic design to be the past that I will always bring with me, however what waits on the other side of the door has yet to be seen.