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