THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE 1

SPACE
AR NIKKO D CASAS
SPACE
Space is the most influential aspect of the analysis stage in
design problem solving. This so because of man’s actions comprise a
“spatial” aspect. Man has to reconcile and understand the spatial
relations (inside and outside; faraway and close-by, separated and
united, etc…) and unify them in a space concept.
Space perceptions
1. VISUAL SPACE
spaces that can be perceived through the sense of sight
Space perceptions
2. AUDITORY SPACE
spaces that can be perceived through the sense of hearing
Space perceptions
3. OLFACTORY SPACE
spaces that can be perceived through the sense of smell
Space perceptions
4. TACTILE SPACE
spaces that can be perceived through the sense of touch/feeling
Space perceptions
5. BALANCED SPACE
spaces that can be perceived through the sense of orientation
Space perceptions
6. EXISTENTIAL SPACE
awareness of space as an experience
Space perceptions
7. PSYCHO-PHYSICAL SPACE
spaces that can be perceived through the psycho-physical
implications
Space perceptions
8. EMOTIONAL SPACE
spaces that can be perceived through its appeal on one’s
emotions
Space perceptions
9. PARTICIPATORY SPACE
space that can be perceived through the means of conscious and
deliberate interaction with the space
Space perceptions
10. FICTIONAL SPACE
spaces perceived through the unreal means
 2 CLASSIFICATION OF SPACES
1. ACTIVE SPACE 2. PASSIVE SPACE
are the spaces that are the spaces that
are functioning even are seldom used
beyond their original
functions.

Ex: verandah, kitchen and nook,

family hall Ex: living room, dining room, storage
Kinds of spaces according to exclusivity
1. Personal (private) spaces – bedroom, bathroom, family room
Kinds of spaces according to exclusivity
2. Non-personal (public) spaces – porch, living room
Kinds of spaces according to exclusivity
3. Semi-personal (semi-private) spaces – dining areas, service areas
SPACE and BODY
The human body is considered as one of the most important
context related to the concept of architecture. This is so because any
person relates to his body as intimate and personal. In time, the
relationship of “body-world” theorized that the human body is at the
center of the universe and influenced by it. From this concept, we can
relate further unison between space and body through these relative
sub-concept:
1. ANTHROPOCENTRISM
The human body is the most important entity in the universe.
The world is perceived according to the values of the human being.
2. ANTHROPOMORPHISM
Human qualities are associated with non-human entities/events.
Qualities such as form, values and emotions.
3. ANTHROPOMETRICS
The study of measurements of
the human body and its movements
4. ERGONOMICS
An applied science concerned with the characteristics of people
that need to be considered in the design of devices and systems in
order that people and things will interact effectively and safely.
 side notes…
1. The GREEKS were the first to be conscious about the relationship of
man and to the universe in terms of the elements it comprised

2. PROTAGORAS theorized that the human body should be the basis

for measurement of everything.

3. ST. AUGUSTINE & ST. THOMAS AQUINAS contends that the scale of
human is nothing if there is no divinity
 side notes…
4. RENNAISANCE PERIOD:
• LEON BATTISTA ALBERTI in his book “de re aedificatoria” argued
that the concept of order and beauty is based on Euclidian
theory
• VITRUVIUS in his book “de arquitectura”, denied that a building
should mirror the scale and proportion of the human body
• ANTONIO AVERLINO FILARETE & FRANCESCO DI GIORGIO
MARTINI shared the same views with the latter inserting the
human figure inside the plan of the church
 side notes…
5. MODERN PERIOD:
• LE CORBUSIER, in his treatise, “Modulor”, established a
measurement standard based from human body which is 6’-0”
tall that became the basis of manufacturing industry and
construction. He used he principle of the “Golden Section” and
the “Fibonacci Series”
 side notes…
6. POST-MODERN PERIOD:
• MICHEAL GRAVES & BERNARD TSCHUMI criticized the loss of
consideration for the body to be the focus and center of creation