SPACE & ARCHITECTURE

LEVEL 2
Conceptual

ANIMATION ACADEMY

2010

SPACE FORM & FUNCTION

1

Space, Form and Function in Architectural Design

Research and analysis are vital components of the design process, especially when exploring form, space and Function. Ultimately, the research this will lead to the development of form, and from that, space and functionality will follow.

Space
The space a building occupies and the space within a building are very important in architecture. Understanding how to define one space, enables the overlapping of multiple spaces to explore the variety of spatial zones established in a project. The number of different ways to define a space depends on the clarity of the elements that form the space.

Image_01

The illustration displays a quick concept sketch of a building as a cut away. This shows how the space within can be organized. How will people move around the space? Will they be free to roam in an open plan? Will they be guided by a path to a certain destination within a building?

SPACE & ARCHITECTURE

LEVEL 2
Conceptual

ANIMATION ACADEMY

2010

SPACE FORM & FUNCTION

2
Another important concept is axonometric drawing. It is an objective, three-dimensional representation that combines plan section and elevation information on a single, abstract drawing. It depicts a view that cannot be perceived in real space. The ease of construction relies on the fact that all parallel elements remain parallel. When using axonometric drawing as a design tool, architects usually think in terms of volume. Using the axonometric drawing enables architects to see and represent space as a physical thing. Digital 3D software is very widely used in the creation of digital spatial models. It is a quick way to block in a space or change things around. With a physical model, these elements would have to be carefully crafted.

Form
Form relates to both internal structure and external outline, and the principle that gives unity to the whole. Architects can give their ideas physicality through drawing. They will employ many drawing styles and mediums, and typically these are selected based on the criteria of design intention and audience.

Image_02

SPACE & ARCHITECTURE

LEVEL 2
Conceptual

ANIMATION ACADEMY

2010

SPACE FORM & FUNCTION

3
The form an architectural design takes will govern the functionality of the building. There are many different types of form, but essentially a form is born from a shape. Understanding form means understanding shapes. Comprehending how shapes work precedes blending them with other shapes to get a functional, yet aesthetic building. Form has several properties that must be considered: Shape Size Color Texture Position Orientation

Shapes define a form. The concept stage is used to define the size and proportions. Color and texture are then added, giving the form its final look. Aesthetics are taken into consideration when designing a form. Those shapes can be either regular or irregular. In 3D digital modeling, architects start with primitive shapes, define a width and a length for that shape, and then add height to give the shape a volume. They can then start to model the shape to create a more organized form. It is at this point that they can start to think about organization of space within the form. Functionality is built in once the form has been defined.

Image_03

Image_03 illustrates how form can be ordered in many different ways: Centralized Form: A number of secondary forms clustered about a dominant, central parent form. Centralized forms require the visual dominance of a geometrically regular, centrally-located form such as a sphere, cone, or cylinder. They are ideal as freestanding structures isolated within their context, dominating a point in space, or occupying the center of a defined field. They can embody sacred or honorific places, or commemorate significant persons or events.

SPACE & ARCHITECTURE

LEVEL 2
Conceptual

ANIMATION ACADEMY

2010

SPACE FORM & FUNCTION

4
Linear Form: A series of forms arranged sequentially in a row. A linear form can result from a proportional change in a forms dimensions, or the arrangement of a series of discrete forms along a line such as in a wall or path. Radial Form: A composition of linear forms extending outward from a central form in a radial manner. Radial form combines the aspects of centrality and linearity into a single composition. Clustered Form: A collection of forms grouped together by proximity or the sharing of a common visual trait. A clustered organization groups its forms according to functional requirements of size, shape, or proximity. While it lacks the geometric regularity and introverted nature of centralized forms, a clustered organization is flexible enough to incorporate forms of various shapes, sizes, and orientations into its structure.

Image_04

In Image_04, clustered forms make up the exterior of this contemporary office block.

Function
Purely functional solutions to problems often lead to the design of buildings, not architecture. When generating ideas about possible architectural design solutions to a given problem, architects need to consider both the functional and artistic aspects. A design process always starts with a concept phase

SPACE & ARCHITECTURE

LEVEL 2
Conceptual

ANIMATION ACADEMY

2010

SPACE FORM & FUNCTION

5
When discussing functionality, does form follow function? Or does function follow form? Frank Lloyd Wright believed that form and function are one. However, in contemporary architecture it seems evident that function follows form. Some would argue that without an understanding of form, it is impossible to comprehend function. A building needs to have a use, a purpose or reason for existing in the built environment. Functionality is a key component in integrating architecture and the environment.

Image_05

Consider the illustration and the functionality that can be derived from a drawing. This structure has been designed containing residential and commercial elements, each with a separate address. There are separate entrances to residences to the left and right of the central arm. The central arm itself forms the commercial space, and also has its own entrance.

SPACE & ARCHITECTURE

LEVEL 2
Conceptual

ANIMATION ACADEMY

2010

SPACE FORM & FUNCTION

6

Image_06

Look at the two illustrations. These drawings explore aspects of functionality. In this particular case, the sketch is a study of how windows and openings will function. Image_22 shows how the base of the building might utilize several functions, the most obvious being the main entrance as well as a public space. Consider how the space would change if it was utilized as an entrance to an underground garage. The main entrance would be at another part of this building.

Image_07

SPACE & ARCHITECTURE

LEVEL 2
Conceptual

ANIMATION ACADEMY

2010

SPACE FORM & FUNCTION

7
Space, form and function constitute a large part of architectural design, and are important at every stage of the design process. There is a need for a coherent relationship between all three factors. Spatial relationships need to be studied and explored: How will the space be occupied? Will the forms interlock or will they be adjacent to each other? What will be the purpose of the building?

Considerations regarding circulation and movement around and within the space need to be made at an early stage. When creating interior public spaces, architects need to ask themselves: Will the public be able to relate to the outside? If there is enough natural daylight in the building? What kind of atmosphere will this create?

The debate regarding form following function or function following form will continue for a long time, but in contemporary architectural design form seems to be a very important starting point. Every design starts out with a shape, that shape is crafted into a form. Space and functionality are then built into and around that form