Form & Space

Form & Space: The Unity of Opposites

Positive elements and negative elements are the terms we are familiar with. Positive elements are the objects or figures that in the space, while the negative elements are the background space for the objects. These two elements are the made up concept to help us better understand the structure of the visual field.

However, what is object and what is background depends on how we interpreted them to be. Below is the illustration of the positive and negative elements. It can be read as black triangles objects on the white polygon plane, or it could be read as the white polygon shape filling up the space and leaving small black triangles background. In this example below, most of us will most likely to read it as triangle objects on white background. But in other cases, the relationship between objects and its background can be so ambiguous that we often switch their identities - seeing negative as positive and positive as negative base on what make sense for us from what we see. Positive elements tend to be what capture our attention first, but without its contrasting background, it is impossible for us to see those positive elements. In conclusion, both elements are totally opposite but they rely on each other to create reality.

Image source: https://www.dexigner.com/news/31699

What do you see here? What do you consider negative elements and what do you consider positive?

Image source: http://brainden.com/face-illusions.htm

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Defining Space With Horizontal Elements

There are four horizontal elements used to defining space:

1. Base Line

2. Elevated Base Plane

3. Depressed Base Plane

4. Overhead Plane

Below is an example of overhead plane. Overhead plane is a horizontal plane located overhead defines a volume of space between itself and the ground plane. It create the sense of enclosed area between the object and the ground.

Image source: https://www.architecture.org/tours/detail/farnsworth-house-by-bus/

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Defining Space with Vertical Linear Elements

There are six vertical elements that can be used to define space:

1. Vertical Linear Elements

2. Single Vertical Plane

3. L-shaped Plane

4. Parallel Planes

5. U-shaped Plane

6. Four Planes: Closure

Four Planes, as shown below, shows that there are four vertical planes that are creating the boundaries of a completely enclosed space. This is the most common and strongest way to define a space. Similar to overhead plane of the horizontal element, four plane also create the sense of closure. These two are probably to most common ones and are often use together, especially in architecture.

Image source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3b/35/08/3b350838398e6c1fe9370e4cb5d23a42.jpg

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Qualities of Architectural Space

Besides the planes and lines that provide the defined volume of space, qualities of architectural space are quality of form, proportion, scale, texture, light, and sound which depend on the properties of the enclosure of a space. Qualities of architectural space can be broken into three categories:

1. Degree of enclosure

2. View or outlook

3. Light

View or outlook is a crucial quality of space. View or outlook is the main focus of a space, which can be broken into two categories: internal focus and external focus. An example of an internal focus would be a fireplace or the large painting that stand out the most in the room, while an external focus could be the windows that allow us to see outside or the surrounding of the space. This crates the relationship between the space and its surrounding. The sizes of the windows and its layout also play a huge role. Small windows act as a painting or details on the wall, while larger windows can dominate a space and become its backdrop. Long, narrow windows can separates the planes and allow us to see the glimpse of the surrounding, while group of windows can be sequenced to fragment a scene.

Below is an example of external focus and how long and narrow opening help improve the quality of the space.

Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/292452569530589636/?lp=true

Below is an example of internal focus of the fire place:

Image source: https://www.thespruce.com/living-room-fireplace-ideas-4135942

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Openings in Space-Defining Elements

Without openings in the closed space, there will be no visual continuity. For example, doors create the pattern of movement and flows within the space. Windows are allowing for the light to penetrate the room as well as allow for the view or lookout (quality of architecture space), which establish the relationship between the interior and exterior and ultimately improve the quality for the space. However, while it help provide the continuity, it could also weaken the closure of the space. This can be broken into three categories:

1. Within Planes

2. At Corners

3. Between Planes

Below is the example of opening in space-defining between planes. It is the opening at the corners. The larger the opening, the weaker the definition of the corner will be.

Image source: https://twitter.com/nadeyanasser/status/1038100201007972352