ACTIVITY 6 – INFORMATION REPORT
I. The Concept of Space
a. Definition
Space, in every sense of the word, is one of the most influential aspects of the
“analysis” stage in design problem-solving. Before one actually designs a space for people to
behave in, it makes a great deal of sense for him to be aware of how the people behave to
begin with. Knowing what activities, conditions, and people he is planning for. He should be
able to use his time and effort constructively and in a worthwhile fashion.
Physical space; is easier to design for people’s
physical needs than to provide for their social and
psychological needs because physical characteristics
are a measurable commodity. One can measure, for
example, how high storage can be placed in a kitchen
by finding out how high a person of average height
can comfortably reach.
There are other forms of physical space too. In
addition to the need for a certain amount of area
around each person, everyone requires Visual space;
a place to rest their eyes. People refer to resting their
eyes away from other people. Indeed, it is a form of
obtaining privacy for which one does not need to be
alone. (Architectural Theories of Design, 2020)
b. Bedroom Renovation
While observing the client’s bedroom, the designer noticed that the existing room
does not give her client enough space wherein she can work on her academic and
employment outputs. The existing bedroom is loaded with a lot of things that are quite
unnecessary which gives off a crowded feeling.
II. The Concept of Line
a. Definition
A line connects two points. It’s also the path made by a moving point. Lines can be
thick or thin. They can be long or short; horizontal, vertical, curving, or diagonal; each has an
impact on how you perceive space. Lines can also be combined to create shapes and planes,
or forms. Structural elements applied finishes, even lighting can all be applied to create
strong lines within a space. (Lines Used in Architectural Drawings and their Importance,
2020)
The Meaning of Different Kinds of Lines:
1. Horizontal Line
Lines applied horizontally often
evoke feelings of stability,
grounding, emphasis, and direction.
So, although horizontal lines tend to
create length and lower the ceiling
of a space, they can also be applied
to direct the viewer to a particular
focal point.
(The gold panels applied vertically and upwards onto the ceiling create a strong line that
really adds to the feeling of height in Le Theatre Saint-Nazaire designed by K-architectures.
2. Vertical Line
Vertical lines are often associated
with strength (think pillar of
strength), and stability, compared
to viewing horizontal lines.
Additionally, vertical lines extend
away from our visual plane. For
these reasons, the length of a line
applied vertically is often extended
lending to the feeling of height in a
space.
(If the goal was to create a dynamic and fun space, Dialogue 38 hit the nail on the head with
this design for Guu Izakaya)
3. Diagonal Line
Diagonal lines typically connote
a sense of dynamic movement,
transformation, and freedom.
Diagonal lines can really bring life to
a space, direct the eye upwards or
downwards, and add volume to a
space, making it feel larger than it is. That being said if applied incorrectly, diagonal lines can
conjure a sense of confusion and imbalance. (This undulating seating element designed by
Cappellini really creates a playful environment in this interior space.
4. Curved Line
Curving lines whether freeform, arcing, circular, or elliptical often feel natural, organic,
playful, and soothing. If you are looking to make a space flow curving lines are a great way to
do it. They are also very voluminous taking up space within an interior.
b. Bedroom Renovation
For the existing bedroom’s interior, the designer observed that there are only a few
lines that give impact the room. But, even if there are only a few (or some are hidden
because of large objects inside the room), it is still enough to make the room look dull and
boring because there is no impact coming from the lines of architecture in that aspect.
III. Concept of Forms
a. Definition
Form in architecture not just plays a very crucial role but it is probably the most
debated subject as well. It is not just simply the shape or configuration of a building but it
comprises of lot many elements be it a point, line, plane, or volume. So, it may be any text,
textures, or images that we use in design. (Importance of Form In Architecture, 2020) Any
architecture without any form can never be imagined, here are the importance of forms:
1. Regular Forms
are more often seen in
buildings where one or more
than one element is repeated
in the design in some fairly
and orderly manner that
gives a clear look to the
design. Such designs merge
with the existing skyline very easily without creating any rough effect on the surroundings
and a very peaceful vision in the eyes of a viewer. Remember these designs are generally
more stable and symmetrical in nature.
2. Irregular Forms
Almost all the parts/elements of irregular
forms are dissimilar from one another in
nature creating a chaotic look for the
viewer. All the elements are placed in a
puzzled manner creating a unique design
that results in a very challenging way to
the other surrounding buildings. Many
the master architects like Zaha Hadid
have 99% of their interest in this kind of form which let their output come out in a unique
manner.
3. Regular or Irregular Mix Form
Be it a regular or irregular form,
transformations (additive or
subtractive) in the existing form make
the design even more appealing and
unique. This actually results in losing
the initial form of the design and
making a building look completely
different from all the previous stages.
This kind of transformation through a series of discrete manipulations creates an infinite
number of permutations in terms of design options.
4. Forms inspired
by Nature
It is not always about
just the regular or
irregular forms,
designers can find
inspiration from anywhere, especially nature, and this specific kind of inspiration is actually
called biomimetic architecture. The forms are inspired so much by nature that what seems
so simple in nature can actually translate to better design solutions by a designer. These
design solutions are generally more efficient, sustainable, and healthy. By the way, these
types of forms are not actually about replicating the natural form, it is more about
understanding the rules governing the form.
5. Unusual Forms
There then comes a time when
people started preferring some
unusual forms so as to keep
themselves a point away from
those usual kinds of regular and
irregular forms. These forms could
be in the shape of a piano, a
pineapple, an elephant, or anything like that, and let me tell you not to confuse these
unusual forms with those stated Biomimetic forms.
6. Different Forms In
Interior
Forms aren't just important only
in exteriors, it plays an equally
important role in interiors as well
to create a dramatic effect with
its distinctive features in the
ceiling, walls, arches, flooring, columns, etc. Different forms in the interior create a different
kinds of moods be it mysterious, romantic, extravagant, bold, lavish, etc. By putting a few
key elements together, one can enjoy a unique form in its own way.
7. Geometry and Architectural Forms
Geometry and
architectural forms are
totally interlinked. There
are a lot of forms that are
totally derived by using
various kinds of formulas
like Golden section,
Pythagoras, Alberti,
Kepler, Modular, etc. that show the coherence of composition and geometry. The result of
these formulas is generally seen as the ideal proportion and epitome of aesthetics and
harmony.
b. Bedroom Renovation
The form that the existing bedroom has is a regular form, which the designer does
not plan to change. Therefore, the renovated bedroom will still be in its regular form after
some enhancements.
IV. Concept of Light
a. Definition
Light plays a central role in the design of a visual environment. The architecture,
people, and objects are all made visible by the lighting. Light influences our well-being, the
aesthetic effect, and the mood of a room or area. It is light that first enables “what you see”.
Our perception of architecture will be influenced by light:
o Light defines zones and boundaries,
o Light expands and accentuates rooms,
o Light creates links and delineates one area from another.
Different Types of Lighting:
✔ Ambient Lighting.
General or ambient
lighting is intended to light up a
room in its entirety. It provides a
uniform level of illumination
throughout the space
independently of other lighting
sources. Moreover, its purpose is
to ensure safe and easy traffic, as
well as to create an overview of
the room. The ambient light
‘bounces’ off the walls to illuminate as much space as possible.
(Types of fixtures that can provide general ambient indoor lighting: Chandelier, Ceiling
mounted fixture, Wall-mounted fixture, Traditional recessed fixtures and/or LED downlights,
Track light, Floor lamp, Table lamp)
✔ Ambient Outdoor
Lighting
is usually installed in order to
ensure visibility and increase
security around a building. It is
also recommended to light up
the exterior of the building,
entrances, and stairs to reduce
and perhaps eliminate the risk
of injury that can occur when
entering and leaving the
building.
(Types of fixtures that provide ambient outdoor lighting: Spotlight, hanging fixture, Garage,
and canopy lighting, Post lantern, Wall lighting, Recessed fixture used in overhanging
structures)
✔ Task Lighting
Task lighting illuminates
the tasks a person carries out in
a given space such as reading, cooking, and computer work. A brighter light is required in a
smaller focal point of the room for these sorts of tasks. For a more pleasant illumination, it is
often best to avoid harsh lights or lighting that casts troublesome shadows. It is also
practical to install a single switch for focal lighting, independent from the room’s overall
lighting switch.
(Types of Fixtures that Provide Task Lighting: Directional gimbal recessed fixture or
downlight, Pendant lighting, Slim line bar and undercabinet, Tape and extrusion, Portable or
desk lamp)
✔ Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used mainly to
focus on a specific point of
interest or to achieve a desired
effect. This type of lighting gives
the impression of a larger room.
It is more frequently used to
highlight an architectural feature,
a plant (in outdoor layout), a
sculpture, or a collection of
objects. As a general rule,
effective accent lighting requires the installation of three times lighter on the focal point
than ambient lighting generally provides.
(Types of Fixtures that Provide Accent Lighting: Track light, Slim line bar and undercabinet,
Tape and extrusion, Directional recessed fixture or downlight, Wall-mounted fixtures)
V. Concept of Color
a. Definition
Color is a sensory perception, and as any sensory perception, it has effects that are
symbolic, associative, synesthetic, and emotional. This self-evident logic has been proven
by scientific investigation. Because the body and mind are one entity, neuropsychological
aspects, psychosomatic effects, visual ergonomics, and color’s psychological effects are the
components of color ergonomics.
Color has not always been so detached from architectural design. Historically, the
artist’s profession encompassed all, but not exclusively: painting, sculpture, and
architecture. The color was used lavishly in architecture, because of the desire to glorify
gods or kings or to celebrate the marvel of the building itself.
Color psychology is the study of colors in relation to human behavior. It aims to
determine how color affects our day to day decisions such as the items we buy. Does the
color of a dress compel us to purchase? Do the colors of a package make us choose one
brand
over another? Does
the color of an icon make us
more likely to click on it? The
short answer is yes. But the
why part is a bit more
complicated. Color meanings
can have an impact on why
we prefer certain colors over
others. The same color can also have different meanings that are dependent on our
upbringing, gender, location, values, and a variety of other factors.
b. Bedroom Renovation
To achieve the minimalistic look of the bedroom, the designer decided to opt for the
neutral color palette. The goal is to make the bedroom clean and simple. That’s why the
designer prefers white or off-white colors for the walls. Then incorporate other colors in
terms of a secondary color (grey, brown) as well as accent colors (red or yellow).
VI. Concept of Texture
a. Definition
Texture plays a dual role in architecture: it expresses something of the quality of
materials, and it gives a particular quality to light. Although one absorbs both qualities
simultaneously by eye, the first has tactile, and the second visual associations.
The texture is the property, sensation, and feel of the objects received through the
sense of touch and vision. They may be used for the description of tactile sensations. The
textures for the interior and exterior of a building have to be selected very carefully. Textures
can be categorized in different ways as follows.
Types of Texture in Architecture:
✔ Smooth and Rough Texture
Smooth textures are non-tactile textures.
They are so fine that they appear smooth to
touch as well as to look at. The surface of
internal walls and floors and furniture
should be smooth to touch so that it is more
practical to use and does not create
unnecessary inconvenience to the people.
Rough textures are and they possess
a course surface for vision as well as for
sense of touch. Materials with rough
textures can be used for the exterior of
buildings and objects for decoration
purposes.
✔ Natural and Artificial Texture
Natural textures are those which have been
derived directly from nature. For example –
the different patterns of woods and stones
(such as marble and granite) are the various
textures present in the nature itself. These
textures are usually rough but they are smoothened through various processes to make their
desired use in the buildings.
Artificial Textures are those which are factory made
and their patterns and roughness are designed by man. For
example – plastic items, mica, glass, deco, etc. have man-made textures.
✔ Visual and Physical and only Visual Textures
Visual & Physical Textures are those which
are rough to touch as well as to look at.
These are generally derived from nature and
their natural texture is maintained as such.
Only Visual Textures are those which
are rough to look at but have a smooth
feeling to touch. Such appearance to the
material is given by polishing, varnishing and
other processes.
b. Bedroom Renovation
To add more depth in the proposal of the bedroom, the designer decided to use
smooth texture for the base walls, then natural textures on small parts of the bedroom to
accentuate the bedroom and have its simple look at the same time.
VII. Concept of Pattern
a. Definition
Pattern in architecture is the idea of capturing architectural design ideas as
archetypal and reusable descriptions. The term pattern in this context is usually attributed to
Christopher Alexander, an Austrian born American architect. The patterns serve as an aid to
design cities and buildings. The concept of having collections of "patterns", or typical
samples as such, is much older. One can think of these collections as forming a pattern
language, whereas the elements of this language may be combined, governed by certain
rules.
Architectural Pattern.
An Architectural Pattern is a named collection of architectural design decisions that
are applicable to a recurring design problem parameterized to account for different software
development contexts in which that problem appears.
Architectural Style.
An Architectural Style is a named collection of architectural design decisions that are
applicable in a given development context, constrain architectural design decisions that are
specific to a particular system within that context, and elicit beneficial qualities in each
resulting system.
b. Bedroom Renovation
The designer decided to use the minimalistic pattern for the bedroom as per the
client’s decision.
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