SANGAL, Pamela Joy N.

BS Architecture 1-5

ACTIVITY 6 – INFORMATION REPORT

I. The Concept of Space

a. Definition

Space, in every sense of the word, is one of the most influential aspect of the

“analysis” stage in design problem solving. Before one actually design a space for people to

behave in, it makes a great deal of sense for him to be aware of how the people behave to

begin with. Knowing what activities, conditions, and people he is planning for. He should be

able to use his time and effort constructively and in a worthwhile fashion.

Physical space; it is easier to design for

people’s physical needs than to provide for their

social and psychological needs because physical

characteristics are a measurable commodity. One

can measure, for example, how high storage can be

placed in a kitchen by finding out how high a person

of average height can comfortably reach.

There

are other forms of physical space too. In addition to

the need of a certain amount of area around each

person, everyone requires Visual space; a place to

rest the eyes. People refer to rest their eyes away

from other people. Indeed, it is a form of obtaining privacy for which one do not need to be

alone. (Architectural Theories of Design, 2020)

b. Bedroom Renovation

While observing the client’s bedroom, the designer noticed that the existing room

does not give her client enough space wherein she can work on her academic and

employment outputs. The existing bedroom is loaded with a lot of things that are quite

unnecessary which gives off a crowded feeling.

Right side of existing bedroom

(includes drafting, entertainment, and

sleeping area)
 Left side view of

existing bedroom (includes

computer station, clothing

and hygiene area)

II. The Concept of Line

a. Definition

A line connects two points. It’s also the path made by a moving point. Lines can be

thick or thin. They can be long or short; horizontal, vertical, curving, diagonal; each has an

impact on how you perceive space. Lines can also be combined to create shapes and planes,

or form. Structural elements, applied finishes, even lighting can all be applied to create

strong lines within a space. (Lines Used in Architectural Drawings and their Importance,

2020)

The Meaning of Different

Kinds of Lines:

1. Horizontal Line

Lines applied horizontally often

evoke feelings of stability,

grounding, emphasis and direction. So, although horizontal lines tend create length and

lower the ceiling of a space, they can also be applied to direct the viewer to a particular

focal point.

(The gold panels applied vertically and upwards onto the ceiling create a strong line that

really adds to the feeling of height in Le Theatre Saint-Nazaire designed by K-architectures.

2. Vertical Line

Vertical lines are often

associated with strength (think pillar

of strength), stability, compared to

viewing horizontal lines.

Additionally, vertical lines extend

away from our visual plane. For

these reasons, the length of a line

applied vertically is often extended

lending to the feeling of height in a

space.

(If the goal was to create a dynamic and fun space, Dialogue 38 hit the nail on the head with

this design for Guu Izakaya)

3. Diagonal Line

Diagonal lines typically connote

a sense of dynamic movement,

transformation, and freedom.

Diagonal lines can really bring life to a space, direct the eye upwards or downwards, and add

volume to a space, making it feel larger than it is. That being said if applied incorrectly,

diagonal lines can conjure a sense of confusion and imbalance. (This undulating seating

element designed by Cappellini really creates a playful environment in this interior space.

4. Curved Line

Curving lines whether freeform, arcing, circular, or elliptical often feel natural, organic,

playful, and soothing. If you are looking to make a space flow curving lines are a great way

to do it. They are also very voluminous taking up space within an interior.

b. Bedroom Renovation

For the existing bedroom’s interior, the designer observed that there are only a few

lines that gives impact in the room. But, even if there are only few (or some are hidden

because of large objects inside the room), it is still enough to make the room look dull and

boring because there is no impact coming from the lines of architecture in that aspect.

III. Concept of Forms

a. Definition
 Form in architecture not just plays a very crucial role but it is probably the most

debated subject as well. It is not just simply the shape or configuration of a building but it

comprises of lot many elements be it a point, line, plane or a volume. So, it may be any text,

textures, images that we use in design. (Importance of Form In Architecture, 2020) Any

architecture without any form can never be imagined, here are the importance of forms:

1. Regular Forms

Regular forms are more Ellicott Square Building

often seen in buildings where

one or more than one

element is repeated in the

design in some fairly and

orderly manner that gives a

clear look to the design. Such

designs merge with the

existing skyline very easily without

creating any rough effect on the

surroundings and a very peaceful vision in

the eyes of a viewer. Remember these

designs are generally more stable and

symmetrical in nature.

2. Irregular Forms
Isidor's Fugue

Almost all the parts/elements of

irregular forms are dissimilar from one

another in nature creating a chaotic look for the viewer. All the elements are placed in a

puzzled manner creating a unique design that results out in a very challenging way to the

other surrounding buildings. Many of the master architects like Zaha Hadid have 99% of

their interest in this kind of form which let their output come out in a unique manner.

3. Regular or Irregular Mix Form

Manchester Civil Justice Centre

Be it a regular or irregular form,

transformations (additive or

subtractive) in existing form makes

the design even more appealing and

unique. This actually results in losing

the initial form of the design and

making a building look completely

different during all the previous

stages. This kind of transformation

through series of discrete manipulations creates an infinite number of permutations in

terms of design options.

Beijing National Stadium 4. Forms inspired by

Nature

It is not always

about the just the

regular or irregular

forms, designers can

find inspiration from

anywhere especially the nature and this specific kind of inspiration is actually called the

biomimetic architecture. The forms are inspired so much from the nature that what seems

so simple in nature can actually translate to better design solution by a designer. These

design solutions are generally more efficient, sustainable and healthy. By the way, these

types of forms are not actually about replicating the natural form, it is more about

understanding the rules governing the form.

5. Unusual Forms

There then comes a time when The Piano House

people started preferring some

unusual forms so as to keep

themselves a point away from

those usual kinds of regular and

irregular forms. These forms could

be in the shape of a piano, a

pineapple, an elephant or

anything like that and let me tell you not to confuse these unusual forms with those above

stated Biomimetic forms.

6. Different Forms In

Interior

Forms aren't just important only

in exteriors, it plays equally

Wikimedia Commons
important in role in interiors as well to create a dramatic effect with its distinctive features

in the ceiling, walls, arches, flooring, columns etc. Different forms in interior create

different kind of moods be it mysterious, romantic, extravagant, bold, lavish etc. By putting

few key elements together, one can enjoy unique form in its own way.

7. Geometry and Architectural Forms

Geometry and

architectural forms are

totally interlinked. There

are a lot of forms that

are totally derived by

using various kinds of

formulas like Golden

Le Corbusier
section, Pythagoras,

Alberti, Kepler, Modular

etc. that shows the coherence of composition and geometry. The result of these formulas is

generally seen as the ideal proportion and epitome of aesthetics and harmony.

b. Bedroom Renovation

The form that the existing bedroom has is a regular form, in which the designer do

not plan to change. Therefore, the renovated bedroom will still be in its regular form after

some enhancements.
 IV. Concept of Light

a. Definition

Light plays a central role in the design of a visual environment. The architecture,

people, and objects are all made visible by the lighting. Light influences our well-being, the

aesthetic effect and the mood of a room or area. It is light that first enables “what you see”.

Our perception of architecture will be influenced by light:

o Light defines zones and boundaries,

o Light expands and accentuates rooms,

o Light creates links and delineates one area from another.

Different Types of Lighting:

 Ambient Lighting.

General or ambient

lighting is intended to light up a

room in its entirety. It provides a

uniform level of illumination

throughout the space

independently of other lighting

sources. Moreover, its purpose is

to ensure safe and easy traffic,

as well as to create an overview

of the room. The ambient light ‘bounces’ off the walls to illuminate as much space as

possible.

(Types of fixtures that can provide general ambient indoor lighting: Chandelier, Ceiling

mounted fixture, Wall-mounted fixture, Traditional recessed fixtures and / or LED

downlights, Track light, Floor lamp, Table lamp)

 Ambient Outdoor

Lighting

Outdoor lighting is

usually installed in order to

ensure visibility and increase

security around a building. It is

also recommended to light up

the exterior of the building,

entrances and stairs to reduce

and perhaps eliminate the risk

of injury that can occur when

entering and leaving the

building.

(Types of fixtures that provide ambient outdoor lighting: Spotlight, hanging fixture, Garage

and canopy lighting, Post lantern, Wall lighting, Recessed fixture used in overhanging

structures)
  Task Lighting

Task lighting illuminates

the tasks a person carries out in

a given space such as reading,

cooking, computer work. A

brighter light is required in a

smaller focal point of the room

for these sorts of tasks. For a

more pleasant illumination, it is often best to avoid harsh lights or lighting that casts

troublesome shadows. It is also practical to install a single switch for focal lighting,

independent from the room’s overall lighting switch.

(Types of Fixtures that Provide Task Lighting: Directional gimbal recessed fixture or

downlight, Pendant lighting, Slim line bar and undercabinet, Tape and extrusion, Portable or

desk lamp)

 Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is used

mainly to focus on a specific

point of interest or to achieve a

desired effect. This type of

lighting gives the impression of a

larger room. It is more frequently

used to highlight an architectural

feature, a plant (in outdoor

layout), a sculpture, or a collection of objects. As a general rule, effective accent lighting

requires the installation of three times lighter on the focal point than ambient lighting

generally provides.

(Types of Fixtures that Provide Accent Lighting: Track light, Slim line bar and undercabinet,

Tape and extrusion, Directional recessed fixture or downlight, Wall-mounted fixtures)

b. Bedroom Renovation

As you can observe in the given picture,

the existing bedroom mostly rely on natural

lighting, in both left and right side of the room.

Though, the light that comes through the room

is still not enough because there are only few

ventilations (windows). That is why, the

designer proposed to manifest indoor

ambient lighting with a touch of accent

lighting in her design to complete the

minimalism that she wants to achieve with

the project.

V. Concept of Color
 a. Definition

Color is a sensory perception, and as any sensory perception, it has effects that are

symbolic, associative, synesthetic, and emotional. This self-evident logic has been proven

by scientific investigation. Because the body and mind are one entity, neuropsychological

aspects, psychosomatic effects, visual ergonomics, and color’s psychological effects are the

components of color ergonomics. 

Color has not always been so detached from architectural design. Historically, the

artist’s profession encompassed all, but not exclusively: painting, sculpture, and

architecture. Color was used lavishly in architecture, because of the desire to glorify gods or

kings or to celebrate the marvel of the building itself.

Color psychology is the study of colors in relation to human behavior. It aims to

determine how color affects our day to day decisions such as the items we buy. Does the

color of a dress compel us into purchase? Do the colors of a package make us choose one

brand

over another? Does

the color of an icon make us

more likely to click on it? The

short answer is yes. But the

why part is a bit more

complicated. Color meanings

can have an impact on why

we prefer certain colors over

others. The same color can

also have different meanings that are dependent on our upbringing, gender, location,

values, and a variety of other factors.  

b. Bedroom Renovation

To achieve the minimalistic look of the bedroom, the designer decided to opt for

neutral color palette. The goal is to make the bedroom clean and simple. That’s why, the

designer prefers white or off-white color for the walls. Then incorporate other colors in

terms of a secondary color (grey,brown) as well as accent colors (red or yellow).

VI. Concept of Texture

a. Definition

Texture plays a dual role in architecture: it expresses something of the quality of

materials, and it gives a particular quality to light. Although one absorbs both qualities

simultaneously by eye, the first has tactile, the second visual associations.

Texture is the property, sensation and feel of the objects received through sense of

touch and vision. They may be used for the description of tactile sensations. The textures for

interior and exterior of a building has to be selected very carefully. Textures can be

categorized in different ways as follows.

Types of Texture in Architecture:

 Smooth and Rough Texture

 Smooth textures are non-tactile

textures. They are so fine that they appear

smooth to touch as well as to look at. The

surface of internal walls and floors and

furniture should be smooth to touch so that

it is more practical to use and does not

create unnecessary inconvenience to the people.

Rough textures are and they possess

a course surface for vision as well as for

sense of touch. Materials with rough

textures can be used for the exterior of

buildings and objects for decoration

purposes.

 Natural and Artificial Texture

Natural textures are those which

have been derived directly from nature. For

example – the different patterns of woods

and stones (such as marble and granite) are

the various

textures

present in the nature itself. These textures are usually rough

but they are smoothened through various processes to make

their desired use in the buildings.

 Artificial Textures are those which are factory made and their patterns and

roughness are designed by man. For example – plastic items, mica, glass, deco, etc. have

man-made textures.

 Visual and Physical and only Visual Textures

Visual & Physical Textures are those

which are rough to touch as well as to look

at. These are generally derived from nature

and their natural texture is maintained as

such.

Only Visual Textures are those

which are rough to look at but have a

smooth feeling to touch. Such appearance

to the material is given by polishing,

varnishing and other processes.

b. Bedroom Renovation
 To add more depth in the proposal of the bedroom, the designer decided to use

smooth texture for the base walls, then natural textures on small parts of the bedroom to

accentuate the bedroom and have its simple look at the same time.

VII. Concept of Pattern

a. Definition

Pattern in architecture is the idea of capturing architectural design ideas as

archetypal and reusable descriptions. The term pattern in this context is usually attributed

to Christopher Alexander, an Austrian born American architect. The patterns serve as an aid

to design cities and buildings. The concept of having collections of "patterns", or typical

samples as such, is much older. One can think of these collections as forming a pattern

language, whereas the elements of this language may be combined, governed by certain

rules.

Architectural Pattern.

An Architectural Pattern is a named collection of architectural design decisions that

are applicable to a recurring design problem parameterized to account for different

software development contexts in which that problem appears.

Architectural Style.
 An Architectural Style is a named collection of architectural design decisions that are

applicable in a given development context, constrain architectural design decisions that are

specific to a particular system within that context, and elicit beneficial qualities in each

resulting system.

b. Bedroom Renovation

The designer decided to use the minimalistic pattern for the bedroom as per the

client’s decision.

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