Unit+05

= Space and Form =



Architecture is fundamentally about the relationship of SPACE AND FORM. Understanding the relationship between form and space is critical in developing a strong design.
**Since architects work in both 2D and 3D we will explore this relationship both ways. In 2D the relationship is most often referred to as the Figure/Ground relationship, or also as negative and positive space. Negative in this use of the word does not mean “bad” or something unimportant – quite the opposite. This is because the negative space defines the positive shape and vice versa. One can’t exist without the other. So it is important to consider both when creating a composition. A good composition will balance the negative and positive spaces.**

**2D NEGATIVE SPACE AND POSITIVE SHAPE or FIGURE/GROUND**

**The "Ground" in the figure ground relationship is what you might expect. It is the background or the field, often in the form of the paper or canvas. The "Figure" is any mark ( a line, shape, blob etc.) that you make on that field. In this case the figure is the letter"P" and the ground is the white background. We are trained to recognize this particular shape as a letter so it is easy to distinguish from the ground. We tend to think of the figure being black or some color and the ground being white, but that is not always the case. With Black and white reversed we still see the letter "P" as the figure.**



**If we increase the size of the letter, the figure and ground begin to compete for our attention - although we can still distinguish the letter.**



**ACTIVITY 1a.** Watch the animated clip and take notes. Upload to your e-portfolio. You may take notes in your sketchbook and upload or write directly in your e-portfolio. PLease make sure you submit through onCampus assignments portal in the prescribed manner. Space and Form

**ACTIVITY 2 - NOTAN.**



**NOTAN ARE THE JAPANESE PAPER CUTTING ART FORM THAT EXPLORES THE DESIGN POTENTIAL OF DARK AND LIGHT. IN THIS ACTIVITY YOU WILL CREATE TWO NOTAN PIECES USING THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS.**


 * Step 1. Click the link below and watch the video to learn how to make a notan **


 * How to make a Notan **


 * Step 2. Create two sets of squares. One set should have a large white square of paper (9"x9") and a smaller black square (4.5"x4.5"). The other should have one large square of black paper and a smaller white square. **


 * Step 3. Select one of your sets of squares and create a Notan design that uses ORGANIC SHAPES and a SYMMETRICAL COMPOSITION **


 * Step 4. Use the other set to create a Notan that uses GEOMETRIC SHAPES and ASYMMETRICAL COMPOSITION **


 * Step 4. Scan and upload both images to your e-portfolio, HAND IN YOUR ORIGINAL WORK TO ME. MAKE SURE YOU PUT YOUR FULL NAME ON YOUR WORK **


 * ACTIVITY 2a - 3D NOTAN **


 * Step 1 **
 * Using the same underlying principle create a 3d notan using a single piece of 12x18" white drawing paper. **
 * You will need to plan out your shapes and cuts carefully. Again keep it simple - and use EITHER organic or geometric shapes. Study the model that has been provided. You may find it useful to work out your technique and your design on a piece of regular printer paper before you make your finished model. **


 * Step 2 **

** Step 3 **

 * Upload your photo to your portfolio and clearly label it . Submit your assignment using the proper procedure . **



**ACTIVITY 3 TANGRAM**

== Tangrams are a seven- piece puzzle/game that is said to have originated in China a long time ago. The seven pieces can be arranged in many different configurations to form recognizable objects. The Tangram game is played by seeing who can replicate a given silhouette out of all seven pieces first. ==

[]
 * Step 1. Watch the video on how to create your own Tangram puzzle set **


 * THE RULES OF THE TANGRAM PUZZLE CHALLENGE:**
 * YOU MUST USE ALL SEVEN PIECES**
 * THE PIECES MUST ALL TOUCH EACH OTHER (TOUCHING AT A SINGLE POINT IS PERMITTED)**
 * THE PIECES MAY NOT OVERLAP**


 * Step 2, From a 6x6” piece of black construction paper create a tangram set using the diagram below. Make sure that your lines are accurate and straight and neatly cut out (i.e. use a knife, a metal straight edge and a cutting mat) **

[|Tangram examples]
 * Step 3. Create a recognizable object from your puzzle pieces. Use the link below for ideas or make up your own. Arrange your pieces on a second piece of paper (white) to solve the puzzle . Paste your pieces down. Photograph or scan your solution and post to your e-portfolio. HAND IN YOUR ORIGINAL WORK TO ME. **


 * Step 4. In Sketchup make a tangram set and create at two new tangrams use the link above or make up your own. Take screen shots of your puzzles and post to your e-portfolio. **

** Procedure for creating a tangram in Sketchup. **

 * Open a new file **
 * Go to WINDOW > STYLES and choose "shaded" from the default styles palette window that will open. **
 * Create a square using the rectangle tool - make your square 24' **
 * Divide up the square into the seven tangram puzzles using the line tool **
 * Make each shape a group and separate it from the other pieces **
 * Paint all of the pieces black with the paint bucket tool **
 * Arrange the pieces into objects as you did with the paper tangram in step 3. Use the rotate, scale and move tools to arrange your pieces **

= **3D SPACE/FORM or MASS/VOID** = **In 3D the figure/ground or negative space/positive shape relationship is referred to as the space/form relationship or as the mass/void relationship. The concepts are basically the same except everything happens in 3D (meaning that shapes are forms and everything has real depth).**

" Space constantly encompasses our being. Through the volume of space, we move, see forms, hear sounds, feel breezes, smell the fragrances of a flower garden in bloom. It is a material substance like wood or stone. Yet it is an inherently formless vapor. Its visual form, its dimensions and scale, the quality its light - all of these qualities depend on our perception of the spatial boundaries defined by the elements of form. As space begins to be captured, enclosed, molded, and organized by the elements of mass, architecture comes into being."

Francis D.K. Ching - Architecture: Form. Space and order




 * [[image:bbaarchitecture/building mass void.jpg caption="building mass void.jpg"]] ||
 * Mass and space can be figure or ground - From Ching Architecture: form, space and order ||


 * [[image:bbaarchitecture/space form.jpg caption="space form.jpg"]] ||
 * From Ching: Architecture: Form, Space and Order ||

In this drawing the building can be seen as the figure and white areas or space can be considered the ground. The buildings define a space ( creating the courtyard) and Building can also be seen as an object in space ( the building located in the courtyard. Space is also created within the masses of the buildings themselves (the rooms).



At the scale of a city the buildings are the figure (rendered in black) and the unbuilt spaces are the ground ( in white)


 * ACTIVITY 4 Find an example **

** STEP -1 **
Find an image of a building in which you feel there is a strong and effective use of negative and positive space as a compositional element. Post and comment




 * [[image:bbaarchitecture/cooperUnion_28_sm.jpg caption="cooperUnion_28_sm.jpg"]] ||
 * Academic Building, The Cooper Union. Thom Mayne - Architect ||

Find an image of an urban setting in which the individual buildings form the Figure and the open spaces form the ground post and comment Example: St Peter's Square - Rome
 * STEP 2 -**

Activity 5 - Analyze a building in terms of its mass


Space, Form Massing

After watching the power point on Space and Form do the following:

Step 1 take a photograph of a building on campus Step 2 Using your notability app or other method (photoshop? ) hand draw on a separate layer over your image, breaking the total mass of the building into its sub- parts of smaller geometric forms Step 3 Post this sketch to your e-portfolio

=**PROJECT** (FALL 2015)=


 * UNIT 5 SPACE and FORM**
 * Project – GAZEBO**

In this project you will revisit the structure you created in unit 4 and use it as a starting point for new design. In order to do this you will have to use your sketchbook and your brainstorming and design thinking skills. After you have done the preliminary work in your sketchbook you will further develop and refine your new design in the form of a 3d model in Sketchup. As you go through the design process, think about the things we have been learning about in previous units. Consider, the elements and principles of design and how you might apply them to your design. Explore the relationship between form and space (negative and positive space) and how these two elements work together to form a unified design.

Create a design for a small GAZEBO in a public space (a park).
 * DESIGN CHALLENGE:**

What is a Gazebo? gazebo |gə ˈ zēbō| noun (pl. ** gazebos ** or ** gazeboes ** ) a roofed structure that offers an open view of the surrounding area, typically used for relaxation or entertainment.

It is **REQUIRED** that you do all your preliminary observations, brainstorming and explorations in your sketchbook (STEPS: 1,2 and 3) BEFORE moving on to the Sketchup program.
 * IN YOUR SKETCHBOOK:**

Revisit your unit 4 project (Object/ Enclosure): Study it and then select ONE specific area or element that you feel was most successful and that you would like use as the basis for your Gazebo design. Isolate and document that area or element either by photographing or drawing it. Post to your portfolio
 * STEP 1 –REVISIT YOUR STRUCUTRE FOR UNIT 4**

Generate at least 3 different concepts of potential ideas Make multiple sketches of the element you are focusing on, trying out different options and subtracting and adding new elements, looking at it from different angles etc. Explore what works and what does not. You can also build a quick paper model(s) to test your ideas. POST at least ONE sketchbook page of drawings to your e-portfolio. NOTE: a single page of drawings should have multiple (minimum of six) “thumbnail” sketches of your exploration. If you have also created a sketch model then photograph it, and post.
 * STEP 2 – EXPLORE POSSIBILITIES!**


 * STEP 3 – REFINE YOUR BEST IDEA AND CREATE A NEW DESIGN**
 * After exploring the possibilities, select what you feel is your best idea and further refine your idea. Create a design for your Gazebo . **//YOUR FINAL DESIGN MUST HAVE A STONG VISUAL SIMILARITY TO THE ELEMENT YOU SELECTED FROM YOUR ORIGINAL (UNIT 4) PROJECT. YOU SHOULD NOT CREATE A COMPLETELY NEW DESIGN FROM SCRATCH.//**

DO THIS IN EITHER SKETCH FORM OR AS A QUICK PROTO TYPE MODEL. POST YOUR WORK TO YOUR PORTFOLIO

WHEN DESIGING YOUR STRUCTURE THINK ABOUT:
 * FUNCTION - What purpose or function your structure will have?
 * STRUCTURE - How will you design it so it can stand up?
 * AESTHETICS – Will it be an interesting and pleasing space to be in or to look at? How does it relate to the open space around it, as well as, the surrounding buildings?


 * Your Gazebo must include and meet the following criteria: **


 * Be no larger than 400 square feet (in any configuration of Length x width )
 * Be no higher than 24 feet high at its highest point.
 * Be free standing and self-supporting
 * Provide some amount protection from the weather
 * Provide some seating the public
 * Be accessible to all – regardless of age – physical disability etc.
 * **//YOUR FINAL DESIGN MUST HAVE A STONG VISUAL LINK TO//**
 * //YOUR ORIGINAL (UNIT 4) PROJECT. YOU CANNOT CREATE A//**
 * //COMPLETELY NEW DESIGN FROM SCRATCH.//**

To be done ONLY after you have completed steps 1-3 in your sketchbook, and posted that work in your portfolio.
 * STEP 4 – CREATE YOUR FINAL MODEL IN SKETCHUP**.

SKETCHUP MODEL PROCESS.


 * 1) Open a new file and name Gazebo Project
 * 2) GO to FILE> GEO LOCATION> ADD LOCATION. (instructor demo)
 * 3) CREATE YOUR MODEL –make sure to use groups, components and layers to organize your model
 * 4) Import components (trees, bushes, people from 3d warehouse
 * 5) Create SCENES for your model
 * 6) Create an animation of your model and post to your portfolio.

=**PROJECT** (FALL 2014 - SPRING 2015)=



Massing Study
We have already defined the terms space and form. Here are two more important concepts:
 * SPACE, FORM, SCALE** and **PROPORTION**


 * SCALE**: WHICH IS THE RELATIVE SIZE OR THE RATIO OF THE WHOLE TO SOME OTHER ENTITY FOR EXAMPLE: THE SIZE OF THE HUMAN FIGURE TO A BUILDING.


 * PROPORTION**: IS THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTS OF SOMETHING TO THE WHOLE. FOR EXAMPLE THE PROPORTION OF THE HEAD TO THE TOTAL HEIGHT OF THE HUMAN BODY

**MASSING STUDY**
In this activity you will use some of the basic tools you have been introduced to in the previous Sketchup tutorials. It will also introduce some key organizational modeling concepts using **layers** and **scenes.** Through the concept of a MASSING STUDY, you will explore the relationship between the geometry of form and space, and the importance of scale and proportion. In order to make your project successful you will also be referencing some of the information on the elements and principles from unit 4.

You have explored the elements of design and architecture as well as some of the basic principles or how they can be organized. **The elements are organized according to the principles and that process is called composition.**

A massing study is an important step in the design process It is where the basic look or composition of the building is determined. The design process usually moves from the general to the specific, therefore massing studies do not include details of the building, only the basic shapes. In a massing study the architect takes their preliminary ideas and manipulates its basic geometric forms to create a coherent structure. Often this step is repeated several times until the best solution is found.

You will create **TWO** massing studies using the seven pieces of the tangram puzzle. The first will be a **single family residence** and the second will be a **larger public building.** Your building will be constrained by the size of the **SITE** (THE BASE) and BY observing the setback requirements when indicated.

**GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR THE MASSING STUDY - MAKE TWO: A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AND A LARGER PUBLIC BUILDING**
STEP 1 Create a base plot using the diagrams provided below. Make your base a group. CREATE A LAYER NAMED BASE AND PUT THE GROUP IN IT

STEP 2 Create a Tangram puzzle at the proper dimension (see below). **You must use all seven pieces of the puzzle and they may not be altered except for their height (see specific criteria below)**. Raise your pieces up into heights that you think might work, you can always alter them later. SELECT ALL YOU PIECES **BUT DO NOT GROUP THEM**. CREATE A NEW LAYER NAMED BUILDING AND PLACE YOUR PIECES IN IT

STEP 3 Arrange the forms into a structure. Use the **ADDITIVE** method to Combine and intersect your forms to form a total structure. Pay attention to not just the Forms but also to the spaces between forms. You may do this in any way - think creatively!

STEP 4 Now use the subtractive method to create spaces for windows and doors in your forms (i.e. create negative spaces) You may also modify the surfaces of the seven original forms by using the **SUBTRACTIVE** method. However you must retain the overall identity of the original forms.

STEP 5 Use components from the 3D warehouse to add landscaping, people and other objects to your model. This will give create some sense of SCALE for your model. **Create a new layer for each category of component.**

STEP 6 SAVE YOUR BOTH OF YOUR MODELS AND CREATE SEVERAL **SCENES** THAT SHOW DIFFERENT VIEWS OF YOUR STRUCTURE. TAKE SCREEN SHOTS OF YOUR DIFFERENT SCENES AND POST TO YOUR PORTFOLIO.

**SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE**


For the base plot (use the diagram provided below). Create a tangram puzzle that is 24’ square A standard height for a "story" is between 10'-12' The maximum height of your building is 30’ from the base plot Observe all setbacks as noted on the plot
 * At the scale of a single family residence**

Single Family residence base



**A LARGER PUBLIC BUILDING**


For the base use the Diagram provided below Create a tangram puzzle that is 48’ square A standard height for a story is between 10-12' Maximum height of your building at its highest point is 60’ Observe all setbacks if noted on the plot.
 * At the scale of a large public building do the same**




 * ALTERNATIVE PROJECT: Shapes into Forms **
 * In this activity you will create a larger set of Tangram puzzle pieces, turn them into 3D forms and use them to explore the relationship between form and space. **

Step 1. Using a regular sheet of 8.5x11" white printer paper, layout the largest set of Tangram puzzle pieces that you can from that sheet. You will not need to cut out assemble these pieces. Instead they are guide for the following steps.
 * PART I**



Step 2. Using a 22x28 sheet of white poster board layout all seven pieces of your puzzle. You will be turning your puzzle shapes into 3D forms so that means you will need to create additional sides and top (or bottom). For example: Your square shape will become a cube and therefore will have six sides ( top, bottom, and four sides). You must get all of the needed sides and tops out of a single sheet of poster board. Hint: Layout all of your pieces before cutting anything and try to use your material as efficiently as possible. Use a t-square, and x-acto knife to cut out your pieces


 * IMPORTANT NOTE: SINCE ALL OF YOUR PIECES WILL NOW NEED TO HAVE A HEIGHT, USE THE MEASUREMENT OF ONE SIDE OF THE SQUARE PIECE FOR ALL OF THE HEIGHTS **

Step 3. Assemble all of your puzzle pieces using DRAFTING tape - NOT MASKING tape. They have now become 3D forms



STEP 4. Arrange your forms to represent a dwelling or house. Consider the size and shape of the forms and how they might work together as a dwelling. What forms or combinations of forms would represent the various rooms of your dwelling? Consider the negative spaces created by your arrangement of forms. Are they In balance with the forms and do they provide useful spaces in and of themselves? You can draw in windows and doors. Create an object or objects that help the viewer to understand the relative size or SCALE of the structure. When you have something you like, photograph upload and describe your structure in your e-portfolio.



STEP 5. Now re-arrange the seven forms and consider them as a collection of buildings in an urban setting, The negative spaces can become streets, parks, plazas and other open spaces. As before, create an object that will help the viewer to understand the size of the forms. Photograph and upload to your e-portfolio. Describe your city-scape.

**PART 2 - THE TRANSFORMATION OF FORM** **In this project you will explore how you can change the geometric forms you started with into something completely different.**

STEP -1 Inside- outside.

The forms that you have made have a distinct and separate inside and outside. They consist of a number of planes that enclose space, and thus are said to have volume.

Push the envelope of what is inside and what is outside by removing as much of the area or surfaces of your form, while still maintaining its structural integrity. You will need to open up your forms and lay them flat so that you can cut away the material. THINK BEFORE YOU CUT!



As you consider what to cut away, think about some of the elements and principles of design such as pattern, rhythm and shape (both organic and geometric) and how you can use them. BE AWARE OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NEGATIVE AND THE POSITIVE SPACES.

Do this for FIVE of your seven forms

r seve

Photograph from several different angles and up-load to e-portfolio How do these new forms “feel” compared to your previous forms

How do does the alteration effect the negative positive or mass void relationship

**PART 2 - THE FINAL TRANSFORMATION**



Open up FIVE your your seven forms by removing the tape – they are now flat shapes once again.

Re-assemble your pieces in any way you wish as long as the structure you create is either self-supporting or suspended: Try bending and twisting them into entirely new forms. You could take your original shapes apart and re –attach them to each other in different ways. Do not think of this as a building, but as sculptural form that could inspire architecture.

Document your process: by photographing from multiple points of view, use a strong single light source, then upload your to your e-portfoli

 * ACTIVITY 1- WATCH ANIMATION AND TAKE NOTES. UPLOAD TO E-PORTFOLIO **
 * ACTIVITY 2 - CREATE TWO NOTAN - SCAN AND UPLOAD TO E-PORTFOLIO **
 * ACTIVITY 3- CREATE A TANGRAM PUZZLE: CREATE AN OBJECT WITH IT AND THEN SEPARATE PIECES - PHOTOGRAPH AND UPLOAD **
 * IN SKETCHUP CREATE THREE MORE TANGRAM PUZZLES AND POST TO YOUR **
 * ACTIVITY 4 -FIND TWO EXAMPLES OF NEGATIVE SPACE IN ARCHITECTURE - UPLOAD TO E-PORTFOLIO - COMMENT **
 * ACTIVITY 5 - MASSING SKETCH - UPLOAD TO E-PORTFOLIO **
 * PROJECT: MASSING STUDY: TWO STUDIES (ONE AT THE SCALE OF A RESIDENCE, ONE AT THE SCALE OF A LARGE PUBLIC BUILDING) WITH ACCOMPANYING PROCESS SCREEN SHOTS AND A SINGLE PAGE LAYOUT DOCUMENT FOR EACH STUDY CONTAINING FOUR IMAGES EACH**


 * OPTIONAL PROJECT: TRANSFORMATION MODEL - PHOTOS DOCUMENTING YOUR WORK **