Space

Articulation
and
Territoriality
SPACE ARTICULATION
It is a method of styling the joints in the
formal elements of architectural design. Through
degrees of articulation, each part is united with
the whole work by means of a joint in such a way
that the joined parts are put together in styles
ranging from exceptionally distinct jointing the
opposite of high articulation-fluidity and
continuity of joining.
In highly articulated works, each part is defined
precisely and stands out clearly. The
articulation of a building reveals how the parts
fit into the whole by emphasizing each part
separately.
 horizontal elements

DEFINING
SPACE
Base Plane
Elevated Base Plane
Depressed Base Plane
Overhead Plane
 BASE
PLANE
A horizontal plane laying as a
figure on a contrasting
background defines a simple
field of space.
 For a horizontal plane to be seen as a
figure, there must be a perceptible change
in color, tone, or texture between its
surface and that of the surrounding area.
ELEVATED BASE
PLANE
A horizontal plane elevated above
the ground plane establishes
vertical surfaces along its edges
that reinforce the visual
separation between its field and
the surrounding ground.
Here are some of the examples of elevated base
plane:
Elevating a proportion of the
base plane creates a specific
domain within a larger spatial
context.
The degree which spatial and visual
continuity is maintained between an
elevated space and its surroundings
depends on the scale of the level of
change.
 The degree which spatial and visual
continuity is maintained between an elevated
space and its surroundings depends on the
scale of the level of change.
THE FORBIDDEN CITY - China
DEPRESSED BASE
PLANE
A horizontal plane
depressed into the ground
plane utilizes the vertical
surfaces of the lowered area
to define a volume of space.
Lowering a portion of the base
isolates field of space from a
larger context.
The depressed field can
be an interruption of
the floor plane and
remain an integral part
of the surrounding
area.
Increasing the
depression depth weakens
its visual relationship
with the surrounding
space and strengthens
its definition as a
distinct volume of
space.
Once the original base
plane is above our eye
level, the depressed
field become a
separate and distinct
room itself.
 Creating a stepped, terraced
or ramped transition from one
level to the next helps promote
continuity between a sunken
space and the area that rises
around it.
Extroverted = the
act of stepping up
to an elevated
space; implying
significance of
place

Introverted = lowering of a space below its

surrounding; protective/ sheltering qualities.
Example of depressed base plane:
 A sunken courtyard, while
protected from surface-level win
and noise by the mass surrounding
it, remains a source of air,
light, and views for the
underground spaces opening onto
it.

The ground plane can be lowered to define

sheltered outdoor spaces for underground
buildings.
Example of overhead plane:
OVERHEAD
PLANE
A horizontal plane located
overhead defines a volume of
space between itself and the
ground plane
An overhead plane defines a field of space
between itself and the ground plane. The
edges of the overhead plane establish the
boundaries of this field, its shape, size
and height above the ground plane
determines the formal qualities of the
space.
An overhead plane has the ability to
define a discrete volume of space
virtually by itself.
Visually reinforcing the boundaries of the
defined volume of space of an overhead
plane.
 STEEL JOIST

WOOD TRUSS
The major overhead element
of a building is its roof
plane, not only sheltering
interior spaces but has a
major impact on the
overall form of a building
and the shaping of its
spaces.
MASONRY VAULT
 The ceiling plane of an interior space can
reflect the form of the structural system
supporting the overhead floor or roof plane.
Since it need not resist any weathering forces
nor carry any major loads, the ceiling plane can
also be detached from the floor or roof plane
and becomes a visually active element in space.
 The ceiling can be manipulated to define and
articulate zones of space within a room. It can be
lowered or elevated to alter the scale of a place,
define a path of movement through it or allow
natural light to enter it from the above.
The form, colour, texture and pattern of
the ceiling can be manipulated as well to
improve the quality of light and sound
within a space or give a directional
quality or orientation.
TERRITORIALITY
In highly articulated works, each part is
defined precisely and stands out clearly. The
articulation of a building reveals how the parts
fit into the whole by emphasizing each part
separately
Territoriality provides the frame in which
things are done, places to learn, places to play.
Safe places to hide, -basic to territoriality is a
sharp sense of the limits that mark the distance
to be maintained between individuals.
Territory is something which is relevant to
the individual, to the MICRO-group such as
inhabitants of the same floor of a block of flats,
through various social groupings to the MACRO-
group of the town and City. In times of conflict,
territorial instincts are inflated to include
whole groups of nations.