CHAPTER 1: SPILL-OVER SPACES – AN OVERVIEW

1.1. Background of the study

A design objective is defined as the form and function which co-relates itself to the
surroundings. Therefore, a built environment is defined which is used by people in every aspect
in their daily basis. For every enclosed space a built is defined which represents its function.
However, the over building of luxury towers results in a chaos. Therefore, there must be a
separation between the two. To enhance the quality of built environment, the building or its
surroundings must be taken care accordingly. The split between tangible and intangible space
defines a connection between the built environment and surroundings. These spaces can be
termed as spill-over spaces. Spill-over spaces acts as a transition space between two or more
buildings. Sometimes it acts as a relaxing or resting place outside the building. An open space
outside an activity hall is highly essential to maintain the relationship as it creates a soothing
environment. Thus, spill-over spaces are required in public buildings where people can relax,
gather, and discuss about the events. In this dissertation we will discuss about creating spill-
overs (climatology, orientation, positioning and shape, proportion and scale, sciography and to
make it more usable) in public buildings so as to use them in an adequate manner.

1.2. Criteria of selection of topic

A good design do not particularly focus on the building, it also refers to the built environment.
However these voids interrelate with built masses to create a transition and usable space, this
can play a very major role in shaping the environment aesthetically and functionally. Hence,
spill-over space is a design element which affects the way a user perceives or interacts with a
defined space. To understand this perception this area of study is chosen.

1.3. Hypothesis
Presence of spill-over spaces and its careful designing enhances the quality of built
environment.

1.4. Aim
To establish the value and need of spill-over spaces in cultural buildings.

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1.5. Objective
 To study the types of spill-over spaces.
 To study the relationship between built and spill-over spaces, and how they affects the
building environment.
 To categorise their qualitative and quantitative aspects.
 To study the pros and cons of these spaces with respect to the defined parameters
(masses and voids, scale and proportion, degree of enclosure, degree of permeability,
spatial organization, function, aesthetics in terms of hardscape and softscape elements
and revenue).

1.6. Scope and Limitations

 The scope of the study is limited to cultural centres only.
 The study is limited to planning and revenue generation only, it will not cover the
services required in spill-over spaces.

1.7. Methodology

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CHAPTER 2: SPACES DEFINING ITSELF

2.1. Defining spill-over spaces

The perception of space is derived from the shape, size, scale, proportion and visual weight of
plane and is influenced by its surface properties as well as visual context. A basic building
block is the primary element of architecture, thus it is a space or a tangible identity. A space
can be defined as an intangible identity which can only be experienced by person’s interaction.
The major concern of architecture is to create a bond between nature and built environment
through manipulation of spaces. These spill-over spaces can be defined from the needs of the
users or by the typology of the buildings. A built enclosed in an open space cannot be observed
as built only, the spaces enveloping the built defines it more properly. Therefore, the architect
has to consider the site as a whole so as to create more positive spill-over spaces.

Figure 2.1.2 Spill-over spaces (grey)

Figure 2.1.1 Unintentional spill-overs spaces (light grey) building blocks (black)
Intentional spill-over spaces (grey)
Building blocks (black)

All the spaces defines its significance whether it is planned or unplanned. An unbuilt space can
be determined as spill-over space. In figure 1, the centrally created spill-over space is more
appropriate and function-able as it is providing enough space for circulation and leisure
activities. While in figure 2, the central open space can only be used as a circulation space
which is inappropriate for gathering purpose. There should be a proper spill-over space in front
of cultural buildings as the space in strongly required for gathering purposes and other leisure
activities.

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2.2. Historical Background
A relation between built and spill-over spaces is the key element that is present in all the
masterpieces designed till date. It has been observed that right from the Greek agora to Roman
times, Medieval, Renaissance period even that of Baroque, till the making of many new capitals
of modern era, a bond between masses and voids is present. Greek Agora, Roman Forum,
Fatehpur Sikri are the good examples of the masterpiece built at that time.

A co-relation between open spaces like spill-over spaces and closed spaces has become an
important aspect of urban design. These open spaces combines the individual buildings and
maintains the aesthetics of the city. These open spaces are termed as plazas. Plazas in the cities
were used to create a spatial difference between the various zones. Form and function are the
two main aspects of designing an open space. The open spaces or plazas were used for various
purposes like principal meeting spaces, arcades and market spaces with open/outdoor shopping
spaces, places for great ceremonial occasions. Spill-over spaces has its own significance for
different spaces and for different users. These plazas were used as an inspiration in various
built environment where spill-over spaces are must.

It has been observed that even from the times of Indus valley civilization, open spaces (spill-
over spaces) have been used. In past times, individual dwellings were constructed around a
central open area. The open space (spill-over space) acts as a transition space between the roads
and dwellings. Also it improves the climate and enhances the built environment. Spill-overs
were used as a play area, interaction space or a circulation space for the people residing in the
dwellings.

Figure 2.2.1 Individual dwellings with central open space

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2.3. Spatial Relationship
Like built spaces unbuilt spaces are also categorised under different parameters like shape, size,
scale and proportion etc. these spaces are also known as tangible spill-over spaces with definite
length and volume. Spill-over spaces are considered as one of the most important asset in a
built environment. Therefore, the spill-over spaces have to be designed in sensible manner
considering all the design parameters correctly and efficiently.

2.3.1. Masses and Voids

A space can either be occupied by built or can be left empty. Therefore, void is an empty
volume and mass is a filled volume. Mass and voids are can be arranged geometrically or
organically. Spill-over spaces arranged with geometrical shapes are considered as geometrical
voids whereas, organic voids are created with the arrangement of organic shapes.

Figure 2.3.1 2D geometrical void Figure 2.3.2 2D organic void

Figure 2.3.3 3D organic void Figure 2.3.4 3D organic void

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Arrangement of masses and voids can also be related to Paul Zucker’s five archetypal forms.1

 The closed space, where the space is self-contained.

 The dominated space, where the space is directed towards the main building.
 The nuclear space, where the space is formed around the centre.
 Grouped space, where spatial units are combined to make larger compositions.
 The amorphous space, where the space is unlimited with respect to the built.

The arrangement of voids and masses is highly essential in designing not only a building or a
site but the whole city. Voids are the essential elements that provides a relaxing spaces and a
better understanding of the masses present in the built. Sometimes, voids acts as a spilt which
helps in gathering information of masses.

Other famous architects like Camillo Sitte also presented their theory regarding spill-over
spaces. According to Sitte, enclosure is taken as a prerequisite of spill-over spaces and is
categorised by the two formal terms. The character of the spill-over space is either decided by
the nature of the surroundings or the dominating building. Sitte also concluded that there are
two main categories of spaces, deep type or wide type. The space is deep or wide is decided
when the observer stands opposite to the main building that dominates the whole built.

Voids/Nullity is categorised in two distinctive forms, cognitive and functional. Cognitive voids
are related to perception and are used to create various visual effects. Cognitive voids are
further classified into three categories i.e. conceptual voids, perceptual/visual voids and
sculptural/ monumental voids. Whereas, functional voids are the empty spaces that are created
to obtain desired functions. Functional voids are used as courtyards, circulation/transition
space, resting spaces.

Visual voids are created to view different angles of various masses and to create space for
various activities.in some sites, the masses are created according to voids. Orientation and
placement of masses are the basic tools to obtain the desired voids. Openings plays a very vital
role in obtaining the desired void. It is very essential to create a void (spill-over space) in a
cultural building, therefore there are a number of arrangement of masses and voids like U-
shaped void, fully enclosed voids. These arrangements are used to create the desired type of
void.

1
Urban Design: Street and Square (Chapter 4 – Square and Plaza) – Cliff Moughtin, Taner Oc and Steven Tiesell
- 1992

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2.3.2. Scale and Proportion
While scale alludes to the size of something compared to a reference standard or to the size of
something else, proportion refers to the proper or harmonies relation of one part to another or
to the whole.2 In other words, scale is relates the site to the user while proportion is the relation
of built and spill-over spaces. Scale and proportion not only affects built and unbuilt forms but
their interrelation too.

Proportion can be defined not only by the function and need of the unbuilt form but also by the
surrounding masses. Proportion refers to the relative size of visual elements.3 Also, it is meant
by the equality between the ratios of two elements.

The architect has the choice to create a space which is feasible and useable. The space has to
be created in a proportion in which it can be properly utilised as the function is truly defined
by the form and proportion of the space.

Figure 2.3.5 Different spill-over spaces of area 400 sqm.

A square space, is static in nature. If its length expands and dominates its width, it becomes
more dynamic. While square and oblong spaces define places for activity, linear spaces
encourage movement and are susceptible to subdivision into a number of zone. 4

2
Architecture Form, Space and Order – Second edition – Francis D.K. Ching
3
ARCH 121 – Introduction to Architecture – proportion and scale – Ching F., Roth, L., Rassmussen, S.E.
4
Architecture Form, Space and Order – Second edition – Francis D.K. Ching

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There are a number of ways or theories to create a proportionate form with the best suitable
space which is aesthetically appropriate. Some of the ways are mentioned here.

 Golden Ratio
 Classical Orders
 Renaissance theories
 Anthropometry
 Ken

2.3.3. Degree of Enclosure

A degree of enclosure of a space can be defined as the extent to which a space can be isolated.5
A spill-over space can be enclosed fully or partially. A fully enclosed spill-over space creates
an isolated space while a partially enclosed space creates a space with a fluid
circulation/movement, in an out of the enclosed space.

The quality of space is defined by the sense of enclosure. The enclosure of the space in this
manner is the purest expression of the sense of the site. A spill-over space is therefore an
outdoor room and it shares the quality of an enclosed space. Corners of the enclosed space
decides the degree of the enclosure, the more open the corners are the less is the enclosure.
Therefore, corners acts like a key feature in presenting a degree of enclosure. There are some
of the qualities that affects the degree of enclosure and the surrounding built. These includes
the nature of the building, height of the enclosing building in relation to the size of the space,
the degree of their three-dimensional modelling and the presence and absence of a unifying
architectural theme and overall shape of the space itself.6 Degree of enclosure is important to
maintain so as to avoid claustrophobia.

The ratio of the enclosed space to the height of the building decides the quality of the enclosure.
If the degree is too high it will result in oppression and if the degree is too low it will result in
vulnerability.

Scale and proportion decides the amount of degree of enclosure. Different countries, architects
and philosophers have presented their theory of the ratio of the enclosed space to the height of
the surrounding or dominating building. According to the design guide presented by Essex

5
Form and Fabric in landscape Architecture: A visual introduction – Catherine Dee – September 2001
6
Urban Design: Street and Square (Chapter 4 – Square and Plaza) – Cliff Moughtin, Taner Oc and Steven Tiesell
- 1992

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County council the minimum degree of the width of the enclosed space to the effective height
of the dominating/surrounding building is 1:4.

Figure 2.3.6 Ratio between height of the building and width of spill-over space

In figure 9, the height of the building is roughly 2.5 times the width of the spill-over space,
which is more than appropriate as a relation of degree of enclosure.

2.3.4. Degree of Permeability

Permeability can be visual or physical and is defined by the various routes and openings from
the surrounding nature and built masses. Also, it is defined by the various alternative ways to
reach a certain point. It is related to the access points and connectivity to the given space.
Before designing, various access points to the site or in the site has to be decided. Landscape
plays a vital role in spill-over spaces being a part of degree of permeability. Landscape can
create visual permeability. Permeability or the access ways/pathways can define the view of
the built/surroundings.

Figure 2.3.7 Physical permeability Figure 2.3.8 Visual permeability

In figure 10, there is a single way to approach the building blocks (through roads). Whereas, in
figure 11, there are various ways apart from the pathways which are designed by the architect.

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Therefore, architect should have all the easily access points in his mind at the time of designing
a built mass.

2.3.5. Spatial Organization

The arrangement of elements or blocks with respect to one another in a given/finite plane is
called spatial organization.7 Degree of permeability and degree of enclosure are the most
important variables that are affected by the spatial organization of building blocks in a site with
respect to surroundings. There can be a number of organized or unorganized ways in which a
blocks can be arranged in a given plane.

Grid Clustered Linear

Centralised
Centralised Radial
Radial

Figure 2.3.9 these are the organizations of spaces defined by Francis D.K. Ching based on
the principals of design.

These organizations are highly important for the arrangement of built to provide the needed
spill-over space in the provide site.

7
Architecture: Form, Space and Order – Third Edition - Francis D.K. Ching

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According to D.K. Ching there are a several other methods also to create spill-over spaces.
Sometimes arrangement of two different spaces are very useful to decide the form of spill-over
spaces.

Figure 2.3.10 these are the organizations of spaces defined by D.K Ching when two or more spaces are linked to one
another

Spaces when linked with one or two other spaces creates some spill-over or transition spaces,
either inside or outside the shape itself. Therefore the allocation of built masses either inside
one another or with respect to one another has to be taken care.

2.2.6. Function
Spill-over space is an intangible space which can act as a transition space. It is used as a
relaxing space providing comfort to the users. It can also act as a path between other spaces. A
spill-over can be indoor, outdoor and sheltered, outdoor and non-sheltered depending upon the
need.

Spill-over spaces in cultural centres provides a platform for interaction to the users. It provides
comfort and leisure where needed. Apart for being a transition space sometimes it acts as a
platform for performing various outdoor activities like drama. A spill-over between a cultural
centre and a restaurant can act as an outdoor sitting. Hence, it is viable to create a spill-over in
cultural centres to enhance the quality of the built and the built environment.

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Aesthetics
Aesthetics plays a very important role in designing spill-overs as spill-over spaces adds a value
to the cultural centre or any other built environment. Whether indoor or outdoor aesthetics of
the surroundings is important to improve the visual quality of the facade. Aesthetics can be
shaped by the use of colour, light and shadows, and materials. Aesthetics in outdoor spill-over
spaces can only be seen by the application or involvement of hardscape of softscape elements.

Softscape
Softscape is defined by the very nature itself. Trees, shrubs and plants falls in the category of
softscape elements. Softscape can improve the aesthetics of a given plane by the addition of
gardening and landscape planning. Also, softscape can provide the information of degree of
permeability. For example, trees can provide sciography in open spill-over spaces whereas,
shrubs or bushes can provide a degree of permeability.

Figure 2.3.11 Shrubs providing a path in spill-over spaces

Figure 2.3.12 Trees providing shade and sitting in open spill-over spaces

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Hardscape
Hardscape is defined by the man made features in an outdoor area. Pavements, pathways and
other structures like fountains, gazebo falls under the category of hardscape elements. Stones
and woods are the two most important and widely used materials in hardscape elements. Stones
can be used in ground as pavements.

Figure 2.3.13 Stone paving

Figure 2.3.14 Gazebos in open spill-over spaces

Gazebos can be an alternative for the shaded sitting in an open spill-over area as a part of
hardscape landscape.

Indoor spill-overs
Indoor spill-over can be treated by applying different colours texture and other treatment on
walls and ceilings. Floorings can also be treated by using different types of tiles and stones like
marble and granite. To create a better spill-over space in a cultural centre all the parameters of
aesthetics has to be followed precisely.

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Revenue
Revenue generation plays a very important role in any public building. A building cannot run
without revenue. Therefore, spill-overs spaces has to be designed in accordance with the
revenue or with the feasibility of users only. Aesthetics is also an important factor of revenue
generation.

A proper use of spill-over space can generate a good revenue. There are various ways of
generating revenue in any of the public building. For example, Open spill-overs outside a
restaurant can provide a large sitting space. Whereas, indoor spill-over spaces can be used as a
small pantry to generate revenue.

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CHAPTER 3: CASE STUDIES

Case Study 1: Jawahar Kala Kendra

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