Arts Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum
Visual Arts
Video:
Form and Space
in Architecture
[Teacher notes]
Architectural Services Department
Organizer
Sponsor
Research Team
Contents
Preamble
Teaching plan
Lesson 1: Form and Space in Architecture
1.1 Form and Space in Architecture
02
1.2 The Relationship of Form and Space
02
1.2.1 Shape of Form and Space
03
1.2.2 Degree of Enclosure
06
Exercise: Case Studies on Form and Space
08
Central Government Complex
09
10
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
Diamond Hill Crematorium
11
13
Hong Kong Wetland Park
Summary, Key words and Further reading
14
Disclaimer
Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part
in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) do not reflect the
views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
2012 Hong Kong Institute of Architects
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Topic 05
Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Major teaching areas
Visual Arts:
Visual Arts Appreciation and Criticism in Context
Formal knowledge
Signs and symbols
Knowledge of history and ways of seeing
Knowledge in context
Visual Arts Making
Design and Applied Technology
Strand 1 Design and Innovation
Learning objectives
To understand the composition of form and space in architecture
To learn how form and space are affected by function and aesthetics
To see how form and space are created and how they influence context through case studies
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Interdisciplinary teaching areas
Teaching plan
Lesson
Lesson 1
Contents
1.1
Video: Form and Space in
Architecture
1.2.1
Different shapes of form and space
1.2.2
Effects of degree of enclosure on form and space
Exercise
Case studies on form and space in context through four architectural
projects in Hong Kong:
Composition of form and space in architecture through points, lines,
planes and volume
- Central Government Complex
- Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
- Diamond Hill Crematorium
- Hong Kong Wetland Park
This is a supplementary teaching note for the video Form and Space in Architecture in the teaching kit.
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Lesson 1
Form and Space in Architecture
Architectural Services Department
01
Lesson 1
Form and Space in Architecture
1.1 Form and Space in Architecture
Form and space are complementary and inseparable aspects of architecture. The form of a building is its
physical substance: the materials and structures that make up the building. They enclose or create the
spaces within it, which for people to go in to breathe in it and to experience.
Formation of Space in Architecture
Form contains functional spaces and space offers particular
experiences. Parameters controlling form and space include
shape, degree of enclosure, dimensions, proportions,
materials, colours and textures.
1
Plans
Teaching Tips
More information about
proportion can be found in Arts Topic 6:
Proportion in Architecture; and
materials and textures can be found in Arts
Topic 8 :Visit: Tin Shui Wai Municipal Services
Building Materials and Textures.
2
Point
3
Line
Volume of space
Exterior space
Axonometric drawings
Line
Interior space
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
In architectural language, the relationship between form and
space can be thought of as a solid-void relationship. The
spaces created by a building include both interior space and
exterior space, which may interweave or influence each other.
Architectural elements like columns, walls, floors and ceilings
are physical elements that shape a space.
Plane
1.
In plan, columns at four points of a square grid define
a rectangular space in between. In elevation, they are seen
as vertical linear elements of the space.
2.
In plan, a row of columns creates a line that separates two
spaces. At the same time, it creates a vertical plane
walls are vertical planes, and floors and ceilings are
horizontal planes. They create the volume of spaces for
our daily activities.
3.
Buildings in a city can be regarded as large-scale volumes.
The elevations of the buildings create external spaces
between their vertical planes. These spaces may be narrow
streets or wide plazas.
Elevation
An elevation is the vertical exterior surface of a
building: its front, back, and sides.
Plan
A plan is a scaled drawing showing the layout of
the building.
02
(above) Aerial view and (Right) plan of Paternoster Square, London.
The unified style of the surrounding building elevations (marked in red)
creates a sense of place in the Square. The irregular placement of the
buildings shapes the public space (marked in green).
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
up
Teaching Tips
More information about the building of
architectures, please refer to Science Topic 01:
Forces in Buildings - A Historical Review.
1.2 The Relationship of Form and Space
1.2.1 Shape of Form and Space
In buildings, walls and ceiling and floor surfaces are
shaped to enable specific functions and create a certain
type of spatial experience. Architects may choose organic,
flowing shapes or right-angled geometries to create a
particular environment.
Ancient Greece is renowned for the beauty of its classical
architecture, which was constructed using orders ,
or formal proportioning systems. The Greeks used this
method as a way of relating the human environment to
the divine ordering systems of nature and the gods. Today,
however, using such symmetrical and standardized forms
might be seen as overly rigid.
p
Parthenon, Athens
03
Form follows function.
Five points of modern architecture
American architect Louis Sullivan
Le Corbusier
Many architects have a signature style that can be seen in
the forms they choose to create. Depending on the project or
the client, they may focus mainly on accommodating a certain
function or on creating an interesting spatial experience.
1.
Pilotis: Space is structurally supported by
pillars (points). The building is raised off
the ground to provide circulation space
and room for services.
Form and space are complementary: form creates space. And
since the space must be used for particular functions, form
must follow function.
2.
Free faade: Because of the use of
pillars, the faade of the building is formed
according the internal use of space rather
than supporting walls (plane).
3.
Open floor plan: Since pillars are the only
structural elements, floor space is left free
from a rigid configuration of structural
walls.
SPACE
complementary
FORM
for
follows
Le Corbusier designed the Villa Savoye in Poissy, France
to embody the five points of modern architecture (Les 5
Points d une architecture nouvelle) that he developed in
the 1920s.
5.
Roof garden: The roof garden is conceived
as a compensation for the area of ground
plane consumed by the buildings
footprint.
Teaching Tips
More information about
classical order in Greek temples can
be found in Arts Topic 6: Proportion in
Architecture; and
modern architecture can be found in
Design and Technology Topic 4: Video:
Modernism in Architecture.
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
FUNCTION
4. Horizontal strip windows: Horizontal
windows allow a view across the horizon
and bring natural light into the building.
04
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
0
p
10 m
(above) First floor and (below) ground floor plans of the Villa Savoye. A grid of pillars is the basic structure of the
building, supporting horizontal beams and slabs. Elevating the first floor provides a better view through the strip
windows. Rooms can be configured according to the function of the space.
Its inside order accommodates the multiple functions of a house,
domestic scale, and partial mystery inherent in a
1:200
sense of privacy. Its outside order expresses the unity of the idea of house at an easy scale appropriate to the green
field it dominated and possibly to the city it will one day be part of.
Robert Venturi, Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture, 1966
05
1.2.2 Degree of Enclosure
The degree of enclosure of a space depends on its function and
nature and the degree of privacy or weather protection required.
It affects the comfort of the space, influencing factors like natural
light and ventilation. From the outside, the elements of enclosure
also influence the elevations of the building.
Three typical ways to vary the degree of enclosure:
The structural formation of building components can be
designed to create openings.
Permeability of the enclosure is influenced by fenestration
or skylights.
Transparency can be created by using glass, polycarbonate,
or other transparent or translucent materials.
Bricks are solid and impermeable. However,
when they are layered in a special way, brick
walls can still be permeable to light and air
ventilation.
Fenestration
Fenestration is the arrangement of openings or windows on a
building.
[Discussion]
1
How do you compare different enclosed spaces? Experiment with physical models of the three plans below.
1
Plans
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Faade
A facade or faade is generally the most important exterior side
of a building, usually, but not always, the front. The word comes
from the French word for frontage or face. In architecture, the
faade of a building is often the most important from a design
standpoint, as it sets the tone for the rest of the building.
Suggested Answer
1. A space is defined by four columns.
The space is open to four sides although the columns suggest a indistinct boundary of the space from
the exterior. The roof suggests an enclosure but the enclosure is not constricted.
2. A space is defined by four separate walls.
The space is more enclosed than the first case. The open junctions of the walls reveal external views.
Interaction with the exterior space is possible .
3. A space is defined by four connecting walls.
The four walls completely separate the interior and exterior spaces, except one small opening for access.
The space is very enclosed and private.
06
The Church of Light in Osaka, Japan
was designed by the architect Tadao
Ando. The structure is made of
opaque concrete with the exception
of an opening behind the altar that
forms a cross. Natural light passes
through this gap to illuminate the
interior of the church and create a
sacred and peaceful atmosphere.
Ani Chan
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
I.M. Pei designed these
transparent pyramid-shaped
skylights as additions to the
Louvre Museum in Paris. Their
geometry and transparency
contrast interestingly with the
surrounding historic buildings.
The skylights provide natural
illumination to the museums
underground reception area.
Skylights
underground
Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, France was
designed by Le Corbusier. Coloured translucent
glazing and irregular openings create a
dramatic pattern of light inside the chapel.
Teaching Tips
More information about Ronchamp Chapel
can be found in Arts Topic 1: Art and
Architecture.
07
[Exercise]
In the video, architects introduce four different building projects
in Hong Kong:
Central Government Complex
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
Diamond Hill Crematorium
Hong Kong Wetland Park
What do you think about these buildings? How do you see these
buildings according to:
2. Space created What kinds of space are created? What
is the atmosphere of the space? What elements define the
space?
3.
Sense of place (genius loci) How does the form of the
building sit within the context?
In classical Roman religion, a genius loci was the
protective spirit of a place. There are many Roman altars
found in Western Europe dedicated in whole or in part to
the particular genius loci. In contemporary usage, genius
loci usually refers to a locations distinctive atmosphere,
or the sense of place.
4.
Design concept What is the design of the building
trying to achieve or communicate? Is there any symbolic
meaning behind the design for the building form and the
spatial experience created?
5. Functional considerations What practical considerations
guided the architects while they were working on these
projects? What factors influenced the designs space and
form?
Architectural Services Department
3
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
1. Creation of forms How is the form of the building
composed? How are different building masses being put
together? What kinds of enclosure the building has?
Architectural Services Department
4
Teaching Tips
Teachers can divide the class into groups
to examine one of the case studies, or pick
the most suitable ones for discussion.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Central Government Complex
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
Diamond Hill Crematorium
Hong Kong Wetland Park
08
The Central Government Complex at Tamar was designed by Rocco Design
Architects Limited. It was completed in 2011. Rocco Design Architects Limited
Suggested Answer
Central Government Complex
1.
Creation of forms
Blocks in different geometries (linear blocks, rectangular block and circular blocks)
High and low linear blocks with face-to-face contact, forming a gateway
Block-to-block separation creates outdoor space
Glazing supports the idea of an open and transparent government
2.
Space created
Different blocks housing different government departments and offices
An exterior public central park area with sculptures
An pedestrian walkway linking to Victoria Harbour
3.
Sense of place
Outstanding building on the waterfront of Victoria Harbour
An iconic landmark in Hong Kong
4.
Design concept
Openness - Door always open
Enjoyment - Land always green
Sustainability - Sky will be blue
Communication - People will be connected
5.
Functional considerations
Identity of the government building
Unity for the whole site development
Organizing different building blocks to connect Admiralty and Waterfront Promenade
Accessibility and circulation to and within the complex
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
09
Suggested Answers
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building
1.
Creation of forms
Dividing a single rectangular block into two blocks for indoor
recreation centre and library
Adding and transforming building masses for specific spatial
requirement
Use of materials inspired by the urban and historical context
Openness of the building mass and translucent materials
allowing public interaction and penetration of natural light
Space created
Subdividing internal spaces for indoor recreation block and
library block
Different functions are arranged in a dynamic way, like the
organization of a Chinese treasure cabinet
Dimensions of spaces depend on the functions and hence
influence the formation of the building faade
Creating a public plaza
3.
Sense of place
Connection to the Tin Shui Wai urban context and the Ping
Shan heritage area
Connecting history and the present modern age
4.
Design concept
Forming a hub for human interaction
Connecting the urban development of Tin Shui Wai with the
heritage cluster in Ping Shan
Design inspiration from the site
5.
Functional considerations
Fitting different functions into the building
Satisfying the spatial requirements of different rooms
Interaction of different spaces
Social and environmental impacts on the site
Accessibility and circulation to and within the building
Design process of composition
Architectural Services
Department
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
2.
Teaching Tips
More information of the design of
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and
Cultural Building can be found in
Arts Topic 08: Visit: Ping
Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and
Cultural Building Materials
and Textures; and
Design and Applied
Technology Topic 09: Visit:
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure
and Cultural Building
Architecture for Community.
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Leisure and Cultural Building , or Ping Shan
Leisure and Cultural Building, was designed by the Architectural Services
Department and completed in 2011. Architectural Services Department
10
Diamond Hill Crematorium
1. Creation of forms
Symmetrical layout of different building masses
Symbolic geometric forms represent heaven and earth solid rectangular masses for service hall rep
resents the earth (present life) and void circular entrance space opening to the sky represents the
heaven (afterlife)
Built along the slope with minimum excavation of the land
Fair-faced concrete serves as a visual record of time passing
2. Space created
Enclosed by planes
Tranquil and comfortable interior space with plenty of natural light
Static public exterior space with lotus ponds and plants
Separate circulation paths for visitors and funeral services
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
p The Diamond Hill Crematorium, was designed by the Architectural Services Department and completed
in 2009. It has a symmetrical layout to create a formal and solemn atmosphere. Architectural
Services Department
3. Sense of place
Blending into the existing landscape
Continuous planters along building edges soften the rectilinear building form and minimize visual
impact of the building mass
4. Design concept
To provide a silent and solemn environment
5. Functional considerations
Existing landscape
Efficient circulation of people, vehicles and funeral services
Spatial atmosphere
Environmental impacts on the site
p The west elevation of the Diamond Hill Crematorium. The building masses are arranged so that the spaces
requiring higher ceilings were placed at the bottom of the slope. This minimized the degree of excavation
required. Architectural Services Department
11
Aerial photo of the Diamond Hill Crematorium. The combination of circular and rectangular forms
represents heaven and earth. Architectural Services Department
Plan of the podium level of Diamond Hill Crematorium. Circulation paths of visitors and coffins are
separated so that sorrow will not be easily triggered.
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Visitors arrive at the lower level and pass through the circular courtyard before entering the service
hall. The coffin of the deceased enters the service hall via a separate route, and is then transported
underground to the crematory. Architectural Services Department
Paths for visitors
Paths for coffins
12
Suggested Answers
Hong Kong Wetland Park
1.
Creation of forms
Geometric masses gradually merge with the existing land
scape
Water forms a link from the entrance to the indoor spaces,
and to nature
Natural finishes, many plants
Space created
Water provides a visual extension of interior space to
exterior space
p Extension of space from the
Strong connection between interior and exterior space
interior space of the visitor centre
Visitors are contained to minimize human disruption of
to the exterior pool, with a visual
natural habitats
connection to the natural habitat.
Open spaces left for nature as much as possible
Public area around the buildings
3.
Sense of place
Hidden in the landscape as part of the environment
4.
Design concept
To use nature and to be seen as part of nature
5.
Functional considerations
Bringing in the atmosphere of environmental awareness
Distancing nature from human activities
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
2.
p Sloped lawn in the Hong Kong Wetland Park with the visitor centre underneath. The building was
designed by the Architectural Services Department and completed in 2005.
p East elevation of the visitor centre. The form of the building is an extension of the earth and gradually
leads visitors to a view of nature. The roof is covered with grass. The highest point of the roof has an open
view of the wetland. Architectural Services Department
13
Summary
1.
2.
3.
4.
In architectural language, the relationship between form and space is often conceived as a solid-
void relationship.
Form contains functional spaces and space offers particular experiences.
Parameters controlling form and space include shapes, dimensions, proportions, materials, colours
and textures.
Different kinds of forms and spaces are created in response to functional requirements, context, or
the architects desire to create a unique spatial experience.
Key words
Further reading
1.
Ching, Francis D. K. Architecture: Form, Space, and Order, 3rd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
2007.
2.
Eckler, James F. Language of Space and Form: Generative Terms for Architecture. New York: John
Wiley & Sons Inc, 2012.
3.
Venturi, Robert. Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture. New York: MoMA, 1996.
4.
Foundation of Le Corbusier website
ht tp: / / www. fond at ionlecorbus ier.fr/corbuw e b /mo r p heus.as p x ?s y s N ame=ho me& s ys L ang ua ge=
fr- f r &sysI nfos=1
5.
Gehry Partners, LLP website
ht tp: / / www. fo g a.com/
6.
Tado Ando Architect and Associates website
ht tp: / / www. ta dao-ando.com/index_eng.ht ml
7.
Pei Cobb Freed & Partners website
ht tp: / / www. pcf -p.com/
8.
Rocco Design Architects Limited website
ht tp: / / www. r occ o.hk /
Arts | Video: Form and Space in Architecture
Form
Space
Fenestration
Enclosure
Facade
Elevation
Plan
Architectural Services Department
Organizer
Sponsor
Research Team
14
