20 Principles of Architecture: Seen In Atlanta - Connie Lee

SOLID/VOID A solid is an impenetrable mass and a void is the space that fills the nothingness around and within the form. The two coexist and work together to create interesting spaces. The planes on the dowel structure act as the solid that encloses the void. The circular plane creates an interesting enclosure, leaving most of the space open underneath. In the Atlanta Fulton Central Library (Marcel Breuer), the glass windows and empty spaces are voids, composing engaging spaces on the interior (the juxtaposition between the openness of the windows and solidity of the structure) as well as the exterior (the structure overhangs over the street level). The Janter Manter has a central void that centralizes the structure.

The solid and void relationship in this composition is functional, where the stairs and circulation are very visible and clear.

12