College of Engineering & Architecture

ARC 204 Theory of Architecture I

Spaces II
 ROUTINE:
• Defining Architectural Space
(Horizontal Planer Elements)

• Spatial Relationships

• Ordering & Principles

Defining Space – Planer Elements

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
.

Depressed Base plane

A horizontal plane depressed into the ground
plane utilises the vertical surfaces of the lowered
era to define a volume of space.

Overhead plane
A horizontal plane located overhead defines a
volume of a space between itself and the ground
plane.
Defining Space – Elevated Base
Plane
Elevated Base plane

A horizontal plane elevated

above the ground plane
established vertical surfaces
along its edges that reinforce the
visual separation between its
field and the surrounding
ground.
Al Azhar Park, Egypt
Defining Space – Elevated Base
Plane
The degree to which spatial and visual
continuity is maintained between an elevated
space and its surrounding depends on the
scale of the level change

1- the Edge of the field is well defined.

- Visual and spatial continuity is maintained.
- Physical axis is easily accommodated

2- Visual continuity is maintained

- Spatial continuity is interrupted.
- Physical axis requires the use of stairs or ramps

3- Visual and spatial continuity is interrupted.

- The field of the elevated plane is isolated from
the ground or floor plane
- The elevated plane is transformed into a sheltering
element for the space below.
Defining Space – Depressed Base
Plane
Depressed Base plane

A horizontal plane depressed into

the ground plane utilizes the
vertical surfaces of the depression to
define a volume of space. Antalya- Turkey
Defining Space – Depressed Base
Plane
The degree of spatial continuity between a depressed field and the raised area
surrounding it depends on the scale of the level change

- The depressed field can be an interruption

of the ground or floor plane and remain an
integral part of the surround space

- Increasing the depth of the depressed field

weakness its visual relationship with the
surrounding space and strength its
definition as a distinct volume of space.

- - Once the original base plane is above our

eye level, the depressed field becomes a
separate and distinct room in itself
Defining Space –Overhead Plane
Overhead plane
An overhead plane defines a filed of space between
itself and the ground plane. Since 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.

Overhead plane has the ability to define discrete

volume of space by itself.

If the edges of the overhead plane are turned downwards,

or if the base plane beneath it is articulated by a change in
level, the boundaries of the define volume of the space will
be visually reinforced.

If vertical linear elements such as columns, posts are used to support the
overhead plane , they will aid in visually establishing the limits of the defined
space without disrupting the flow of space through the filed.
Defining Space –Overhead Plane

• Since the edges of this field are

established by the edges of the
overhead plane, the form of the space
is determined by the plane’s shape,
size, and height above the ground
plane and these characteristics are
determined by the structural system.

• The overhead plane articulate the

space into zones. And it contain lights
and sound treatments.
Class Discussion

Depressed plane, Defining the Plaza in Rockefeller Centre, USA

Class Discussion

Structural System Overhead Plane

Class Discussion

Structural System Overhead Plane - Vault

Class Discussion

Overhead plane, Defining the Piazza in Al Haram Al Madani, KSA

Spatial Relationships
Spaces linked by a common
space

The Intermediate space can differ in form to The Intermediate space can be the dominant
express its linking function. space in the relationship

The Intermediate space can be equivalent in

size and shape and form a linear sequences of
The Intermediate space form can be residual
spaces
in nature and can be determined solely by the
forms and orientation of the two spaces being
linked

The Intermediate space can be linear in form to link between spaces

distant from each other, or join spaces that have no direct relationship to
one another
Spatial Relationships

Space within a space,

The Glass House, New Canaan, USA
Spatial Relationships

Interlocking Spaces
Class Discussion

Adjacent Spaces
Elevated Plane by steps
L – Shaped configuration of planes
Class Discussion

Spaces Linked by common space, Partial Zone Madinty ,Egypt

Class Discussion

Adjacent Spaces
Depressed Plane defining a volume
Colonnade defining a plane
Four planes: Enclosure
Centralized form organization
Ordering & Principles
Architecture cannot fulfill its function & transmit its message unless it presents an
ordered pattern. Order without diversity can result in monotony or boredom;
diversity without order can produce chaos. If there is no order, there is no way of
telling what the work is trying to say.

The following principals can be utilized to create the ideal sense of unity with variety:

1. Axis

1. Symmetry

1. Hierarchy

1. Rhythm/Repetition

1. Datum

1. Transformation
Ordering & Principles
Ordering & Principles
QUESTIONS?

Thank You