Ch. 3: La FORME & le SPACE

    The Unity of Opposites:
The unity of opposites is used in design to put emphasis on an element by creating contrast between the object and its environment. Our eye directly picks it up by naturally making the selection of a noticeable, contrasted object in a general background. This opposition can be created in many ways – color, size relationship, and most of the time with a play of positive and negative spaces.

    

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    Defining Space with Horizontal Linear Elements: 

A horizontal plane elevated at a certain height creates a volume of space between itself and the ground level. In the case of a closed area, it usually serves as a reflection of the structural system supporting the overhead plane. Placed in an exterior environment it is used as a protection that isolates us from weathering forces such as rain or sunlight.

    

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    Defining Space with Vertical Linear Elements: 

An L-shaped plane defines a vertical element in space. It is created by the grouping of two vertical planes, but angled differently. It then defines a field along a diagonal from its corner outward. It can be used to isolate a space from another. The isolation is somehow stronger when closer to the corner. The further away we get, the less introverted the area becomes.

    

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    Qualities of Architectural Space:

The quality of  a space can be defined by the degree of openness on the outside or with adjacent spaces. It creates spatial and visual continuity, thus facilitating circulation and allows light to enter the area. When in a space, it is the most important factor influencing our sense of comfort and happiness.

These openings can vary in number and size. In this example, the windows are so wide that the space loses its sense of enclosure. This allows the space to get better lighting and creates a more direct relationship with the exterior environment.

    

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     Openings in Space-Defining Elements:
Having openings in a space is an essential element to ensure a sense of well-being and comfort. Here, we have an example of window-wall, which offers more expansive views and allows a greater amount of daylight to penetrate the space. It also weakens the vertical boundaries of a space , but creates the potential for visually expending the space beyond its physical boundaries.