SPATIAL DESIGN 1
INTRODUCTION TO
SPATIAL
DESIGN
ISD60304 / SPATIAL DESIGN I
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
ABOUT
Spatial design, as defined by The Royal Danish Academy,
'focuses on the relationship between architecture, design,
and people, with the interior as a starting point.'
It merges the technical expertise of architects with the
creative insight of designers to create spaces that are truly
centred around the user."
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS RETAIL ENVIRONMENTS
PUBLIC SPACES RESIDENTIAL/HOUSE
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
SPATIAL DESIGN AND SPACE
Spatial design is fundamentally about shaping and organizing space to create meaningful,
functional, and engaging environments.
Space as the Medium Creating Experiences Structuring Relationships
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
KEY CONCEPTS OF SPATIAL DESIGN
A space is just an empty area, but a place has
Space vs. Place meaning. Spatial designers transform spaces into
places by focusing on user experiences.
Spaces can be more interactive with technology,
Interactivity making them dynamic and engaging.
Questions such as:
User-Centric 1. Who will use this space?
Design 2.How will they move through it?
3.How do we ensure functionality, accessibility,
and enjoyment?
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
DESIGNING FOR TOMORROW
Spatial design not only considers the immediate needs of users but anticipates how their
needs might change in the future. A great spatial designer understands that spaces must
be adaptive and flexible, capable of evolving along with the people using them. Spatial
design is increasingly important today, especially in fields like：
Retail Exhibition Smart Environment
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
FOCUS AREAS
Ensuring that spaces serve their intended
Functionality
purpose efficiently.
We consider not just the immediate functional
User Experience
needs of the space but also the emotional and
(UX) psychological experience of the people using it.
The attention to how people physically move
Movement and
within a space.
Interaction
Consider lighting, acoustics, textures, and
Emotional and
materials to shape user emotions.
Sensory
Design flexible spaces that can evolve over time
Adapting to
for different uses.
Changing Needs
SOME PROJECT EXAMPLES...........
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
THE HIGH LINE,NEW YORK
Originally built in the 1930s, the elevated rail line was
used to transport goods to and from Manhattan’s
industrial district. The last train ran on the tracks in
1980, and the structure was left abandoned until the
early 2000s when efforts to preserve and repurpose.
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
THE HIGH LINE,NEW YORK
With no trains running, the High Line fell into
disrepair. The structure became overgrown with
wild plants, and many considered it an eyesore.
Calls for Demolition: In the 1990s, there were strong
calls to demolish the remaining sections of the High
Line. However, local residents and advocates saw
potential in the abandoned railway.
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
THE HIGH LINE,NEW YORK
Key Features
They consider not just the immediate functional
needs of the space but also the emotional and
psychological experience of the people using it.
• Greenway and Planting
• Pathway and Seating
• Art Installation
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
THE HIGH LINE,NEW YORK
Visitors can access the park through multiple entry
points, each offering unique features like sundecks,
water features, and open lawns.
The design encourages exploration and interaction,
making it a popular destination for both locals and
tourists.
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
REXKL, KUALA LUMPUR
1947: The original building, known as Rex Cinema,
was opened on July 28, 1947, on Jalan Sultan in
Kuala Lumpur. It was commissioned before the
Japanese occupation.
1972: The cinema burned down during a failed
burglary attempt but was rebuilt in 1976.
1976-2002: Rex Cinema operated as a single-screen
theatre with over a thousand seats, managed first
by the Shaw Brothers and later by Golden Screen
Cinemas.
2007: After being converted into a backpacker
hostel, another fire gutted the building.
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
REXKL, KUALA LUMPUR
In 2019, architects repurpose the disused building
into a vibrant cultural hub rather than demolishing
it.
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
REXKL, KUALA LUMPUR
Today, REXKL give the cinema and the surrounding
community a new lease on life by repurposing the
disused building as a space for events, theatre,
exhibitions, performances, screenings, library
facilities, workshops, retail, and F&B.
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
IKEA
By creating engaging and interactive environments, IKEA encourages customers to spend more time in the
store. The showroom setups allow customers to visualize how products might look in their own homes, while
interactive displays let them test out furniture and other items.
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
The store layout often follows a one-way path, leading customers through different sections in a specific
order. This design encourages customers to explore more areas of the store, increasing the likelihood of
discovering items they might not have initially considered.
SPATIAL DESIGN 1
THANK
YOU.
