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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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