CHAPTER 3

FORM & S P A C E

Form and Space: The Unity of Opposites

The Unity of Opposites is formed by among the elements of form and space together. It cannot happen if the figures, the positive elements that attract viewers, could not contrast with the background. The image below is the park which is used to explain the unity of opposites. The fountain and walk ways around it represnt the positive elements to attract viewers while the green garden represents the background that contrast the fountain and its walk ways.

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Defining Space with Horizontal Elements:  Elevated Base Planes

Elevating a part of the base plane provides a specific domain that influences the whole space. However, if changing in level that happens along the edge of the elevated base plane, this changing will create the boundaries of the space and affect the flow of the space across its surface. The image below shows the elevated base plane at the center of a space to create the living room. The color and texture of this elevated base plane is different from its surrounding area to determine the boundaries of the living room.

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Defining Space with Vertical Linear Liner Element: L-Shaped Planes

The vertical linear element can be described as the perpendicular edges of the volume and space. Like a column, obelisk, or tower, it can also establish a point on the ground plane, make it visible for viewers, and lead them to the position in space. The image below presents two L-Shaped Planes that were created as a column and beam at the connerof the house. These L-Shaped Planes were built to enclose a field of outdoor space to which its interior space relate.

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Qualities of Architectural Space: View

While some rooms have an internal focus, others use a view to the outdoors or an adjacent space as an outward orientation. Normally, window or skylight are built to provide the view and to create relationship between the room and its surrounding. The size and position of the window also provide the nature of outlook and the level of privacy for interior area. However, the view should not be limited to only outdoors or an adjacent area. Interior design figures can also give the visual attention. The image below is the big window in the living room. This window plays as the focal point of this room by let a resident to look at the outside while staying in the internal space.

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Openings in Space-Defining Elements: Between Planes

Between Planes are separating the floor and the ceiling or a vertical opening, and across a wall plane or horizontal opening. Under a horizontal opening, an opening will not erode the identity of the wall plane if it is not very deep. However, if the opening is very deep, it will become a positive element. Under a vertical opening, if the opening is located at the corner of the room, it will erode the identity of the room because it will provide connecting between the outside and interior and affect the degree of privacy for an internal space. The image below shows another type of opening between planes which is combination a window-wall with a large skylight that creates a sun room. This skylight enhances the brightness of the space and allows incoming light to wash the wall surface.

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