10. Space

Space

Space is essentially what architecture creates using its forms. Architects form spaces to be used for different purposes, depending on need and other desires. Space can be enclosed on six sides, four sides, or even simply implied by certain elements in the building. Space creates and is created by geometries, both two and threedimensional. In many cases, the planes enclosing a space are two dimensional or very thin threedimensional shapes. The void inside can be anything from a regular cube to amoebic shapes that stretch. Its different uses will also define the shape the space takes and how it interacts with other surrounding planes and spaces. In the wooden dowel model, the space’s threedimensional geometries are defined by the geometrical planes of bristol board inserted into the structure. This creates interesting implied angled spaces inside the wooden dowels’ rectilinear form and allows for a greater understanding of the space. The space inside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, is articulated by the seats and screens that ring it. This space can also be modified by opening the roof, allowing for the space to connect to the outside, creating a connection between the game inside and the larger city outside. (continued on page 30)

From top to bottom:

Varying shaped planes that I inserted into a grided model I created to help outline different interesting spaces.

The inside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Designed by HOK. Photo by David R. Cohen

Space

In Giambattista Nolli’s 1748 map of Rome, a portion of which is in the bottom right, the open spaces of roads and plazas can be seen connected with indoor public spaces like churches, showing the fluidity of public space in the city at the time. These two designs connect spaces due to their forms and context, creating a greater sense of openness. The continuous plane model in the top right shows the articulation of space based on angled and curved pieces of continuously connected bristol board that articulate two large spaces as well as the void between them. One of the spaces is open on two sides as if it were a tunnel, but the other is open on a third side as well, implying a continued space beyond the composition’s “walls.”

This section is related to the forms used to define space in architectural design as well as how we can change those forms on their surface to give them greater meaning to the work’s purpose and goals. Structure, Surface, Planes, Mass, and Void all deal with this first idea, while Materials and Color deal with the second idea.

From top to bottom:

A continuous plane composition I created to articulate space.

A portion of the Nolli Map of Rome. Taken from the Harvard website.