Principle

Axis

A linear element in which spaces are arranged in a balanced way around that line.


Symmetry

The distribution or arrangement of a form or space along an axis that is harmonious and has balance.









Hierarchy

 The form or space that is the most important to is emphasized visually through size, shape, and placement.



Datum

The element, a line, plane or volume in which all other elements relate to . Organizing the elements forming regularity and continuity.



Rhythm and Repetition

Recurrence of elements at regular or irregular

intervals







Transformation

The principle that an architectural form can be manipulated or altered in response to a specific context or set of conditions without s loss of identity or concept.

Proportion and Scale

The Classical Orders

A style of classical architecture defined by the ancient Greeks and Romans, each distinguished by its proportions, characteristic profiles and details, and most readily recognizable by the type of column employed. Each style has its proper entablature, consisting of architrave, frieze and cornice. They are the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.



The Golden Section

In mathematics, arts, and archietcure two quantities are in the golden ratio if the ratio of the sum of the quantities to the larger quantity is equal to the ratio of the larger quantity to the smaller one.




Renaissance Theories
•    Andrea Palldio’s Ideal Plan for Shapes of Rooms

In his Four Books of Architecture the ratios of width to length in Palladio's rooms are based on the harmonic proportions of 2:3, 3:4, 3:5, 1:2.  The numbers "6" and "10" were deemed to be "perfect" numbers because they reflect the proportions of the human body in several dimensions, including the ratio of front-to-back and side-to-side.


Modular 

Le Corbusier’s proportioning system,  based on the mathematics (the aesthetic dimensions of the golden section and the Fibonacci Series) and the functional proportions of human body. The basic grid has three measurements 113, 70, and 43 centimeters proportioned to the Golden Section.



Ken

A traditional Japanese measuring system used for building, it was  based on the tatami mats (modular floor mats) and the diameter of the column. Also ken, evolved into an aesthetic modular that determine structure, materials, and space in Japanese architecture.

Anthropomorphic

Measurement and study of the human body and its parts and capacities.






Scale

The ratio between the size of something and a representation of it; it interiors the human body affects the volume of the space where were require movement as well as visual scale and how we perceive a space.

CIRCULATION

Building Approach

Before we enter a building we approach it along a path, it can be frontal, oblique, or it can spiral.


Building Entrances

The entrance of a building penetrates the vertcal plane and define the exterior space from the interior. It can be defined in many ways; entrance can be flush, projected or recessed. Entrances also reinforce boundaries


Configuration of the Path

 

 A path of movement in which we are taken though a sequences of spaces to our destination. A path can be linerar, radial, spiral, grid, network, or composite


Path-Space Relationships

Refer to they way paths are related t the spaces they link. Pass by Spaces are when the integrity of each space in maintained. Pass through Space is when the path cuts though a space and creates patterns of rest and movement within that space. Terminate in a Space is when the location of the space establishes the path and the path ends there.



Form of the Circulation Space

The movement within a space is important, it defines boundaries, relates the spaces it links, effects the quality of scale, proportion and light. It can be enclosed, open on one side or open one both sides.

 

ORGANIZATION

Spatial Relationships  

 Space within a Space

When a space in contained within another larger volume of space; the large space acts as a 3D visual field for the smaller space

Spaces linked by a Common Space 

When two separate spaces share  or are linked by an intermediate space; the separting plane may be solid, free standing plane in the space, implied with a row of columns, and a change in level or surface material


Spatial Organization 

Centralized

The dominate point in which a number of secondary spaces are grouped around it; the center is the unifying space.

Linear

A sequence or repletion on spaces; can be directional and signify movement and growth.

Grid

 

When a space is organized within a structural grid or framework; it emphasizes regularity but can also be manipulated through subtraction, addition or layering of forms.

FORM AND SPACE

The Unity of Opposites 

How the eye perceives positive and negative elements which provide a background for the image we are viewing.

Defining a Space with Horizontal Elements

Depressed Plane

lowering a vase plane to define an area

Defining a Space with Vertical Linear Elements

Parallel Planes

Two vertical planes along a central axis  which are open ended and symmetrical.

Qualities of Architectural Space

View

An opening in a space that frames or focuses outward. The size and placement of these openings determine the visual perception of the outward focus.

Opening in Space Defining Elements

 

Between Planes

An opening that change the definition of the space by allowing it to extend beyond the plane; it also visually separates and defines the edges of the adjacent wall plane.