Chapter VI

The Golden Section is a mathematical system of finding proportion. Simply put, it is the ration between two sections of a line. In this photo of the Museum of Harmony, the Golden section is illustrated through algebraic and geometric properties.

Classical Orders is a representation of proportioning of elements, where the basic unit of dimension was the diameter of the column. I chose the photo below of Longworth House Congressional Office Building because I remember working there and admiring the perfection of the ionic columns that stood in front.

 One of the Renaissance theories includes determining the height of rooms, where Palladio proposed that the height of the room would be in proportion to the room's width and length. Three different types of means could be used to determine this which are; arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic. The image below is where the height of the mean between the two extremes of the width and length of the room are equal.

 Modulor is a proportioning system that Le Corbusier

The ken modular gird I find very interesting. It was used to designate the interval between two columns that varied in size and used as an absolute measurement, unlike the Classical Orders. This is an example of a floor mat that is used in many different ways, where the ken grid system is used and the mat can be arranged in a number of ways depending on the size of the room.

 

 Anthropometry

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Chapter V

Approach (the Distant View)

This is the distant view and the path that approaches the entrance of an interior space. This spiral path of stairs lead to the entrance of the interior of the residence. Because of it s spiral approach the when users initially start the path from the driveway to the stairs, the front entrance is hidden and the structure is emphasized as we move around its perimeter towards the front view. 

Entrance (from outside to inside)

Here the entrance has become an adjustable architectural element. When the retail space is open and wants to welcome users the plane raises. But when the space is not open for business the plane flattens out to become level with its surrounding planes. “Entrances serve as a preview of the form of the space being entered of it can contrast  with the form of the space to reinforce its boundaries and emphasis its character as a place.”

 Configuration of the path(The Sequences of Spaces)

In architecture, there are several different paths of movement, they include, linear, radial, spiral, grid, network, and composite.  The floor plan below is a representation of a spiral configuration. This is when a single, continuous path has originated from a central point then revolves around it, becoming more and more distant from the original center point.  The post serves as the center point with the remainder of the plan looping around that point, creating the interior space. 

Path-space relationships (Edges, Nodes, and Terminations of the Path)

In this floor plan example, the path-space relationship demonstrated is “pass by spaces”.  In this type of relationship the integrity of each space in maintained and the path is flexible. Often times the spaces along the path can be used to link paths to one another.  This plan could easily add a space at the end of either pathway to then create two type of path-space relationships; pass by spaces and terminate in a space.

Form of the circulation space

The forms of circulation space may be; enclosed, open on one side, or open on both sides. Here,  this stairwell provides a narrow enclosed path that encourages a forward motion. Some enclosed pths are built and hace areas for pausing, resting, or viewing, this one has a small area but was built for circulation throughout the space.

Chapter III

Defining Space With Horizontal Elements

The overhead plane is also known as the celling plane is shows the form of the structural system supporting the floor above or roof. The celling plane can also be detached from the floor or roof plane and become an interesting element in a space. Below shows the horizontal lines that stretch across the ceiling, adding character and charm to the space. 

Defining Space with Vertical Linear Elements

According to Ching, "vertical forms have a greater presence in our visual field horizontal planes and are therefore more instrumental in defining a volume of space and providing a sense of enclosure and privacy for those within it. When we look at the element "closure" the vertical planes influence the space around the enclosure.  For example, the stairwell below shows how the planes enclose the space. 

Qualities of Architectural Space- View

Another quality of space that is considered when considering openings is its focus and orientaion. Some spaces have internal focus, like fireplace, while some have an outward orientation with a view to the outdoors or an adjacent space. In this interior space, the focal point is the view of the outdoor space, the focus in external, instead of internal. 

Openings In Space

Often times opening in spaces occur within planes. This is when the opening is located within a wall as a figure on a contrasting background, where the opening is surrounded on all sides by the plane. In the example below, this Japanese home's features openings within planes. 

Unity Of Opposites

Unity of opposites occur when figures and their background are more than opposing elements while forming inseparable reality. Below, the vertical structures against the smooth curves on the left create opposing elements.     

Images from http://www.architecturaldigest.com/ and the last image from www.nlpdir.com

Chapter II- Water

Form
Properties of form include... position, orientation and the visual inertia (the degree of concentration and stability of a form.

The properties of form are affected by...Changing the perspective or angle of view distance, lighting conditions, and the visual field.

Shape is the outline of a plane figure or surface of a 3D object. Primary shapes include...
Circle (centralized, introverted. Adding a straight or angular form may cause apparent motion about center.)
Triangle (stability, balnce, or precarious)
Square (pure and rational, static and neutral all rectangles are variations of the square.

Primary Solids

Here a circle has been  extended and rotated to generate volumentric forms. This sphere is centralized and symbolizes stability in its environment and from any viewpoint always maintains is circular shape.

Dimensional Transformation

This is when a form can be transformed by altering the dementions. For example, this textured wall is made up of cubes that have been altered time after time to change its dimensions, but still maintaining its form.

Subtractive Forms

This form is a common design technique used in the exterior and interiors of structures. The spatial volumes have been subtracted from to create recessions. For example, the closet below has several different subtracted areas to allow storage.

Additive-Centralized

 Formal Collision of Geometry