Organization

Spacial Relationships

There are few spaces that stand alone. Usually multiple spaces are composed together based upon their proximity, function, or path of movement. A few ways spaces can be related to one another include; a space within a space, interlocking spaces, adjacent spaces, and spaces linked by a common space. I will delve more deeply into two of these in order to get a better understanding of space relationships.

Space Within a Space

This occurs when a smaller space is contained within the volume of a larger space. The smaller space depends on the larger space for a link to the exterior environment. In order for this relationship to work the smaller space must be an appropriate size compared to the larger space. If the smaller space grows in size the larger space starts to lose its impact. It will only act merely as a shell for the smaller space. To make a larger impact the smaller space might be altered in both orientation and form in comparison to the larger space. This makes both spaces more dynamic and contrasting.  

 

A visual representation of a space within a space in the built environment:

Here we see the small irregular shaped space under the stairs. It is a great space saving technique for the client. This space is a small chuck out of the larger stair area, which is actually a space within the room. To draw it out even further the room is a space within the overall house.

Space Linked by a Common Space

When two space are separated by distance they often rely on a third intermediate space to join them. The relationship between the two spaces in effected by the common space that they share. The linking space between the two my differ in both form and orientation to further stress it function and relationship to the two other spaces. Size also plays a part in linking spaces together. The linked space may be the same size as the others to form a continuous flow from each space or it could be so large that it starts to impact various spaces.

An visual representation of spaces linked by a common space in the built environment:

 

Here we see this hallway acting as the linking space between the various rooms of this house. It is the common space where all other rooms meet. You could also say that it is an adjacent space to all of these rooms as well.

Spatial Organizations

Now I will stress some of the ways our spaces can be organized and arranged. The way spaces are arranged really impact their importance and role within the overall spacial environment. The main spatial organizations include; centralized organization, linear organization, radial organization, clustered organization, and grid organization. Again I will focus on a few to get a better understanding of their impact in the built environment.

Linear Organization

Linear Organizations are composed of a sequence of repetitive spaces. The spaces may be linked directly or through another separated linear space. The direct spaces are in most cases alike in form, scale, and function. Ones linked by another linear space sometimes are composed of different shapes, sizes, and functions. Position, size, and form can help accentuate certain parts of the line. Linear organizations are pretty versatile and quite often their arrangements suggest a path of movement, extension, or growth.

A visual representation of linear organization in the built environment:

 

Both the pot rack and the metal shelf above the stove provide linear ways of organization. The shelf and rack act as a separate linear element to organize the elements rather than a direct of version of the linear element. Elements vary in size and shape to provide different points of emphasis.

Central Organizations

Central Organizations consist of one or more secondary spaces grouped around a prime central space. This organization is quite stable. The spaces may be in similar size, form, and function to that of the original space and surrounding spaces. Quite often they will however differ in qualities to stress their purpose and importance. It is a fairly non-directional organization the only direction really is towards the center.

A visual representation of central organization in the built environment:

Here we see the coffee table acting as the center dominating element for the space and the the rest of the furniture . The various chairs and tables act as another circular layer around the central point.

Grid Organization

Grid Organization consists of spaces that organized and regulated by a grid pattern or field. A grid is constructed by two or more sets of perpendicular lines arranged in a regular pattern. This is also a very stable organization due to the regularity and continuity in its pattern.

A visual representation of a grid organization in the built environment:

Here we see the picture frames hung and organized in a grid pattern. There are multiple points of intersection amongst the organization. Hanging the pictures this way creates a very orderly, balanced, and calm composition of elements.