Arts Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum
Visual Arts
Video:
Form and Space
in Architecture
[Student notes]
Architectural Services Department
Organizer
Sponsor
Research Team
Contents
Preamble
Learning plan
Lesson 1: Form and Space in Architecture
1.1 Form and Space in Architecture
01
1.2 The Relationship of Form and Space
02
1.2.1 Shape of Form and Space
02
1.2.2 Degree of Enclosure
04
Exercise: Case Studies on Form and Space
06
Central Government Complex
07
08
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
Diamond Hill Crematorium
10
12
Hong Kong Wetland Park
Summary, Key words and Further reading
13
Disclaimer
Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part
in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) do not reflect the
views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
2012 Hong Kong Institute of Architects
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Topic 05
Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Major teaching areas
Visual Arts:
Visual Arts Appreciation and Criticism in Context
Formal knowledge
Signs and symbols
Knowledge of history and ways of seeing
Knowledge in context
Visual Arts Making
Design and Applied Technology
Strand 1 Design and Innovation
Learning objectives
To understand the composition of form and space in architecture
To learn how form and space are affected by function and aesthetics
To see how form and space are created and how they influence context through case studies
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Interdisciplinary teaching areas
Learning plan
Lesson
Lesson 1
Contents
1.1
Video: Form and Space in
Architecture
1.2.1
Different shapes of form and space
1.2.2
Effects of degree of enclosure on form and space
Exercise
Case studies on form and space in context through four architectural
projects in Hong Kong:
Composition of form and space in architecture through points, lines,
planes and volume
- Central Government Complex
- Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
- Diamond Hill Crematorium
- Hong Kong Wetland Park
Lesson 1
Video: Form and Space in Architecture
1.1 Form and Space in Architecture
Form and space are complementary and inseparable aspects of architecture. The form of a building is
its physical substance: the materials and structures that make up the building and enclose or create the
spaces within it.
Formation of Space in Architecture
Form contains functional spaces and space offers particular experiences. Parameters controlling form and
space include shape, degree of enclosure, dimensions, proportions, materials, colours and textures.
1
Plans
2
Point
3
Line
Volume of space
Exterior space
Axonometric drawings
Line
Interior space
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
In architectural language, the relationship between form and space can be thought of as a solid-void
relationship. The spaces created by a building include both interior space and exterior space, which may
interweave or influence each other. Architectural elements like columns, walls, floors and ceilings are
physical elements that shape a space.
Plane
1.
In plan, columns at four points of a square grid define
a rectangular space in between. In elevation, they are seen
as vertical linear elements of the space.
2.
In plan, a row of columns creates a line that separates two
spaces. At the same time, it creates a vertical plane
walls are vertical planes, and floors and ceilings are
horizontal planes. They create the volume of spaces for
our daily activities.
3.
Buildings in a city can be regarded as large-scale volumes.
The elevations of the buildings create external spaces
between their vertical planes. These spaces may be narrow
streets or wide plazas.
Elevation
An elevation is the vertical exterior surface of a
building: its front, back, and sides.
Plan
A plan is a scaled drawing showing the layout of
the building.
01
(Left) Aerial view and (Right) plan of Paternoster Square, London. The unified style of the surrounding
building elevations (marked in red) creates a sense of place in the Square. The irregular placement of
the buildings shapes the public space (marked in green).
1.2.1 Shape of Form and Space
In buildings, walls and ceiling and floor surfaces are shaped to enable specific functions and create a certain
type of spatial experience. Architects may choose organic, flowing shapes or right-angled geometries to create a
particular environment.
Form follows function.
Five points of modern architecture
American architect Louis Sullivan
Le Corbusier
Many architects have a signature style that can be seen in
the forms they choose to create. Depending on the project or
the client, they may focus mainly on accommodating a certain
function or on creating an interesting spatial experience.
1.
Pilotis: Space is structurally supported by
pillars (points). The building is raised off
the ground to provide circulation space
and room for services.
Form and space are complementary: form creates space. And
since the space must be used for particular functions, form
must follow function.
2.
Free faade: Because of the use of
pillars, the faade of the building is formed
according the internal use of space rather
than supporting walls (plane).
3.
Open floor plan: Since pillars are the only
structural elements, floor space is left free
from a rigid configuration of structural
walls.
SPACE
complementary
for
follows
FUNCTION
FORM
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
1.2 The Relationship of Form and Space
4. Horizontal strip windows: Horizontal
windows allow a view across the horizon
and bring natural light into the building.
5.
Roof garden: The roof garden is conceived
as a compensation for the area of ground
plane consumed by the buildings
footprint.
02
Le Corbusier designed the Villa Savoye in Poissy, France to embody the five points of modern architecture (Les 5
Points d une architecture nouvelle) that he developed in the 1920s.
(Left) First floor and (Right) ground floor plans of the Villa Savoye. A grid of pillars is the basic
structure of the building, supporting horizontal beams and slabs. Elevating the first floor provides
a better view through the strip windows. Rooms can be configured according to the function of the
1:200
space.
Its inside order accommodates the multiple functions of a house, domestic scale, and partial mystery
inherent in a sense of privacy. Its outside order expresses the unity of the idea of house at an easy scale
appropriate to the green field it dominated and possibly to the city it will one day be part of.
Robert Venturi, Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture, 1966
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
10 m
1:200
03
1.2.2 Degree of Enclosure
The degree of enclosure of a space depends on its function and
nature and the degree of privacy or weather protection required.
It affects the comfort of the space, influencing factors like natural
light and ventilation. From the outside, the elements of enclosure
also influence the elevations of the building.
Three typical ways to vary the degree of enclosure:
The structural formation of building components can be
designed to create openings.
Permeability of the enclosure is influenced by fenestration
or skylights.
Transparency can be created by using glass, polycarbonate,
or other transparent or translucent materials.
Faade
A facade or faade is generally the most important
exterior side of a building, usually, but not always,
the front. The word comes from the French word
for frontage or face. In architecture, the faade
of a building is often the most important from a
design standpoint, as it sets the tone for the rest
of the building.
Fenestration
Fenestration is the arrangement of openings or
windows on the building envelop.
[Discussion]
1
How do you compare different enclosed spaces? Experiment with physical models of the three plans below.
2
3
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
1
Plans
04
The Church of Light in Osaka, Japan
was designed by the architect Tadao
Ando. The structure is made of
opaque concrete with the exception
of an opening behind the altar that
forms a cross. Natural light passes
through this gap to illuminate the
interior of the church and create a
sacred and peaceful atmosphere.
Ani Chan
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
I.M. Pei designed these
transparent pyramid-shaped
skylights as additions to the
Louvre Museum in Paris. Their
geometry and transparency
contrast interestingly with the
surrounding historic buildings.
The skylights provide natural
illumination to the museums
underground reception area.
Skylights
underground
Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, France was
designed by Le Corbusier. Coloured translucent
glazing and irregular openings create a
dramatic pattern of light inside the chapel.
05
[Exercise]
In the video, architects introduce four different building projects
in Hong Kong:
Central Government Complex
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
Diamond Hill Crematorium
Hong Kong Wetland Park
What do you think about these buildings? How do you see these
buildings according to:
1. Creation of forms How is the form of the building
composed? How are different building masses being put
together? What kinds of enclosure the building has?
3.
Sense of place (genius loci) How does the form of the
building sit within the context?
In classical Roman religion, a genius loci was the
protective spirit of a place. There are many Roman altars
found in Western Europe dedicated in whole or in part to
the particular genius loci. In contemporary usage, genius
loci usually refers to a locations distinctive atmosphere,
or the sense of place.
4.
Design concept What is the design of the building
trying to achieve or communicate? Is there any symbolic
meaning behind the design for the building form and the
spatial experience created?
5. Functional considerations What practical considerations
guided the architects while they were working on these
projects? What factors influenced the designs space and
form?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Central Government Complex
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
Diamond Hill Crematorium
Hong Kong Wetland Park
Architectural Services Department
3
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
2. Space created What kinds of space are created? What
is the atmosphere of the space? What elements define the
space?
Architectural Services Department
4
06
Central Government Complex
Central Government Complex
Location: Tamar
Completion year: 2011
Architect: Rocco Design Architects Limited
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Creation of forms
Space created
Sense of place
Design concept
Functional considerations
07
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
(Tin Shui Wai Municipal Services Building)
Location: Tin Shui Wai
Completion year: 2011
Architect: Architectural Services Department
Creation of forms
Space created
Sense of place
Design concept
Functional considerations
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Architectural Services Department
08
[Additional Information]
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
Design process of composition
Architectural Services Department
South elevation
Architectural Services Department
Section Architectural Services Department
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
West elevation (faade) Architectural Services Department
09
Diamond Hill Crematorium
The Diamond Hill Crematorium
Location: Diamond Hill
Completion year: 2009
Architect: Architectural Services Department
Creation of forms
Space created
Sense of place
Design concept
Functional considerations
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Architectural Services Department
10
[Additional Information]
Diamond Hill Crematorium
The west elevation of the Diamond Hill Crematorium. Architectural Services Department
Paths for coffins
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Paths for visitors
Plan of the podium level of Diamond Hill Crematorium. Visitors arrive at the lower level and pass
through the circular courtyard before entering the service hall. The coffin of the deceased enters
the service hall via a separate route, and is then transported underground to the crematory.
Architectural Services Department
11
Hong Kong Wetland Park
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Hong Kong Wetland Park
Location: Tin Shui Wai
Completion year: 2005
Architect: Architectural Services Department
Creation of forms
Space created
Sense of place
Design concept
Functional considerations
12
Summary
1.
2.
3.
4.
In architectural language, the relationship between form and space is often conceived as a solid-
void relationship.
Form contains functional spaces and space offers particular experiences.
Parameters controlling form and space include shapes, dimensions, proportions, materials, colours
and textures.
Different kinds of forms and spaces are created in response to functional requirements, context, or
the architects desire to create a unique spatial experience.
Key words
Form
Space
Fenestration
Enclosure
Facade
Elevation
Plan
1.
Ching, Francis D. K. Architecture: Form, Space, and Order, 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
2007.
2.
Eckler, James F. Language of Space and Form: Generative Terms for Architecture. New York: John
Wiley & Sons Inc, 2012.
3.
Venturi, Robert. Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture. New York: MoMA, 1996.
4.
Foundation of Le Corbusier website
ht tp: / / www. fond at ionlecorbus ier.fr/corbuw e b /mo r p heus as p x ?s y s N ame=ho me& s ys L ang ua ge=
fr- f r &sysI nfos=1
5.
Gehry Partners, LLP website
ht tp: / / www. fo g a.com/
6.
Tado Ando Architect and Associates website
ht tp: / / www. ta dao-ando.com/index_eng.ht ml
7.
Pei Cobb Freed & Partners website
ht tp: / / www. pcf -p.com/
8.
Rocco Design Architects Limited website
ht tp: / / www. r occ o.hk /
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Further reading
Architectural Services Department
Organizer
Sponsor
Research Team
13
