Form and Space

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The rule of form and space: the unity of opposites states that in order to better comprehend and analyze a composition or picture plane, we tend to break the image down in order to organize its elements. This particular breakdown consists of two different groups: positive and negative space. The positive space is normally the figure or object in the composition and the negative space is normally the background. Sometimes the negative space can even form a completely different image itself. Just like how form and space work together in order to create an architectural design or structure, positive and negative space work together in order to create any type of composition. In the example above, the second image shows the negative space in pink and the positive space in black. This is a perfect example of how negative space can also create its own image. The last picture is a diagram that breaks down the positive and negative spaces using different design styles. The negative is depicted with pink and white vertical lines and the positive space is portrayed with a yellow pointillism design.

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When defining space with horizontal elements, four different planes are taken into consideration. Defining space with horizontal elements consists of base plane, elevated base plane, depressed base plane and overhead plane. Base plane is when a horizontal plane lies as a figure on ground level with a contrasting background. The plane then acts as its own field of space. An example of this is a field of grass. Elevated base plane is when a horizontal plane is elevated above the ground plane. An example of this is a hill or mountain. Depressed base plane is when a horizontal plane is pushed into the ground plane in order to create a space or volume. The image above is a perfect example of depressed base plane because the hole is pushed into the ground plane in order to give it its depth and shape. The pink object represents the depressed base plane and the yellow object depicts the ground plane that it was pushed into. Last but not least, overhead plane is when a horizontal plane is located above the ground plane in order to create its own volume and space between the object itself and the ground plane. An example of this is a tree or a house.

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Defining space with vertical linear elements is broken down into five different categories: single vertical plane, L-shaped planes, parallel planes, U-shaped planes and four planes or closure. A single vertical plane is one plane that depicts its particular space in an interior or composition. An L-shaped plane is two single planes that are combined in order to depict space in a corner. Parallel planes are two parallel, vertical, single planes that show volume or space between them. The image above is an example of parallel planes because the two parallel planes shows the composition between them, which is the bathtub and the window. The pink lines represent the parallel planes and the yellow lines represent the composition in between them that the planes form. U-shaped planes are three single vertical planes that show volume or space toward an open end or side. Four planes or closure are four vertical single planes that establishes boundaries and creates an enclosure or interior. A typical room is an example of this.

  

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The three qualities of architectural space are: degree of closure, light and view. These qualities emphasizes the structure and architectural space in an interior. Degree of closure is the overall form of the space. Light is the illumination or light source in an interior and view is the outlook or focus in a particular space. The image above is an example of light. In the second image, the pink lines show the light source in the interior, which are the windows. In the third image, I specifically diagrammed each individual window and how the light source comes into the room.

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Openings in space-defining elements are portrayed in three different ways: within planes, at corners and between planes. When an opening is shown within planes, the opening is within a ceiling or wall plane and its surrounded on all sides by the surface of the plane. These openings can be centered, off-centered, grouped, deep-set or in a skylight. The image above is an example of grouped openings within a plane. The pink lines show the planes that are open and the yellow shows the plane that the planes were cut or derived from. When an opening is at the corners, the opening is located along one edge or at corner of a wall or ceiling plane. These openings can be along one edge, along two edges, turning a corner, grouped or in a skylight. When an opening is located between planes, the opening is extended vertically between the floor and ceiling planes or horizontally between two wall planes. It can even extend far enough to occupy the entire wall or ceiling plane. These openings can be vertical, horizontal, 3/4 of an opening, window-wall, or in a skylight.