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INDUS UNIVERSITY
Learn Well To Live Well
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COURSE BRIEF
• Semester 4th
• Credit Hours 2
• Course Name Psychology of space
Faculty of Art & Design, Indus University 3
MARKS
DISTRIBUTION
• Assignment 15 marks
• Presentation 10 marks
• Quiz 10 marks
• Mid Exams 25 marks
• Final 40 marks
Faculty of Art & Design, Indus University 3
LECTURE 2
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PSYCHOLOGICAL
CONSIDERATIONS OF SPACES
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The Four Types of Spaces in Architecture
Architecture encompasses various types of spaces, each serving a distinct purpose
and function. Among these, four fundamental types of spaces play a crucial role in
shaping the built environment. Let us explore the top four architectural dimensions,
where art and engineering come together to shape the spaces we inhabit and admire.
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Physical Space
Physical space refers to the tangible, three-dimensional area within a structure.
It includes rooms, hallways, courtyards, and any other spatial divisions
created by walls, floors, and ceilings. Physical space provides the basic
framework for architectural design. It determines the layout, size, and shape of a
building's interior and exterior areas. Basically, the physical space defines
the overall size, dimensions, and perspective of the architectural project.
From the outside lawn to the top of a plaza, the physical space conveys the complete
picture of any project. For instance, in a contemporary art museum,
expansive, open galleries with high ceilings allow for the display of large installations,
maximizing visual impact. In contrast, a small, intimate restaurant might utilize spatial
divisions to create private dining areas. The manipulation of
physical space is a cornerstone of architectural creativity,
influencing how people navigate, interact, and experience a structure.
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Perceptual Space
Perceptual space concerns the sensory experience and perception of space within
and around a building. It involves how individuals perceive and interact with
their surroundings through their senses. Perceptual space takes into account
factors such as lighting, acoustics, textures, and the arrangement
of elements within a space. It influences the emotional and psychological
response of occupants.
Consider a mosque with high ceilings and soft, diffused lighting, which evokes a sense
of awe and reverence. In contrast, a cosy, well-lit cafe with warm textures
and background music creates a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere.
Architects harness these sensory elements to shape the emotional and psychological
experiences of individuals within a built environment, making it a powerful
tool for design.
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Directional Space
On the other hand, directional space relates to the way spaces in architecture
design and animation guide movement and direct attention within a building or
urban environment. It involves the organization of pathways, circulation,
and visual cues that guide people through a space. Directional space
helps create a logical flow within a building, ensuring viewers can navigate it
comfortably and efficiently. More so, it may include elements like corridors,
staircases, and signage.
Directional space is the most vital architectural design aspect that goes beyond physical
boundaries. It focuses on how space influences movement and behavior.
For example, in a shopping mall, strategically placed escalators and clear
signage lead shoppers to various stores, enhancing their shopping experience.
In addition, directional space considers views and focal points. It ensures viewers
are drawn to key features or areas, creating a dynamic and user-friendly environment
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Interwoven Space
Interwoven space refers to the interconnectedness and relationships between different
spaces within a building or urban context. It considers how various spaces overlap,
intersect, and complement each other. Interwoven space promotes synergy and
multipurpose use of areas. It encourages social interaction and adaptability, as spaces
in architecture can serve multiple functions and accommodate diverse activities.
Interwoven space is the architectural concept of integrating different spaces cohesively,
fostering a dynamic and versatile environment. In a modern office design,
open workstations may seamlessly blend with collaborative meeting areas,
promoting teamwork. Similarly, in a residential setting, a combined kitchen,
dining, and living area creates a fluid and inclusive living space. Interwoven
space maximizes spatial efficiency, encourages connectivity, and adapts to
evolving needs, enriching the user experience.
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PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS TO
MAKE WHILE DESIGNING RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
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1. Self-Expression
When designing a residence, there is no one glove
fits all approach.
The world is full of a myriad variety of characters
(extroverts, introverts, couch lovers, plant lovers,
Marie Kondo lovers).
A residence should respond to these quirks of its
owner.
Thus it is critical to understand the personality and
motivation of the user before one
gets cracking on the design. For most, home acts as
a
safe space to be themselves. Choosing appropriate
architectural
and furnishing styles play a paramount role in
ensuring this.
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2. Strong Boundaries
The primary purpose of a shelter has always been
security against the onslaught of unpredictable and
foreign elements. Almost all the advancement in
architecture has occurred to cater this prime
concern. Home is synonymous with safety and
stability. A lot of people place sturdiness and a
sound structure system as a determining factor in
home selection.
Apart from that, while openness in homes is
appreciated, people often express a need for
separation between nature and interior spaces
through curtain walls or transition corridors. Most
people prefer a visual connection to the outdoors to
the physical one. Not only the natural elements,
people like to differentiate their homes from their
neighbors by fencing and colors to display
territoriality, which is a primal feature of higher
animals.
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3. Pleasure
While human beings have a highly developed
forebrain, our emotional brains are similar to
that of lower mammals, thus the definition of
basic pleasures is similar too. Human beings
originated in the Savannahs, with vast skies,
blue water, and lush trees, and our brains still
crave for the same environment. Large
openings with greenery outside often result in
happy residents.
Home sapiens are also highly empathetic and
often function in groups. For all types of
residence, this calls for a central gathering
space for people to bond and interact.
Traditionally, courtyards, kitchens, and living
act as internal focal points of a house, and
modern homes need to accommodate this
requirement for healthy social units they are
catering to.
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4. Privacy
Constantly interacting throughout the day,
people require personal space to wind down
and introspect away from the public gaze. A
well-designed residence follows a spatial
hierarchy to provide degrees of privacy.
Privacy and belonging, in the sense of taking
ownership of even a small space and molding
it according to one’s own needs, goes a long
way for one’s mental health. This induces a
sense of control in the world that is often out
of our control.
People put privacy high on their list of
priorities in a residence design. Architects
need to ensure all residents have their own
corners with a certain control over the degree
of openness required.
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5. Comfort
Comfort, in the modern sense, definitely
means amenities, facilities, and services, but
architecturally it can be achieved by creating
a balance. A residence design calls for a
balance between light and shadow, simulation
and relaxation, and greenery with controllable
interaction.
As human eyes are trained to
recognize patterns, rhythm, and harmony go a
long way in creating a reassuring, relaxing
atmosphere.
When such patterns are combined with
natural textures like stone, woods, and earthy,
neutral tones, a sense of ease is generated. It
has also been observed people avoid sharp
edges and harsh fluorescent lights in a
residence.
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5. Comfort
Comfort, in the modern sense, definitely
means amenities, facilities, and services, but
architecturally it can be achieved by creating
a balance. A residence design calls for a
balance between light and shadow, simulation
and relaxation, and greenery with controllable
interaction.
As human eyes are trained to
recognize patterns, rhythm, and harmony go a
long way in creating a reassuring, relaxing
atmosphere.
When such patterns are combined with
natural textures like stone, woods, and earthy,
neutral tones, a sense of ease is generated. It
has also been observed people avoid sharp
edges and harsh fluorescent lights in a
residence.
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6. Emotional Spectrum
A home should not only induce happiness
but also allow for sadness. Normally,
home is the place where one is free to
experience the range of emotions, and this
can be complemented by following the
color theory.
Choosing the right color for the space
makes a person comfortable and does not
hinder their emotional experience. Very
few people like their kitchens to be deep
blue or their living rooms to be blazing
reds. Architects should be able to assess
the mood of the place and come up with
the right colors and accent features to set
the mood of the room.
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Thank You
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