Qualities of Architectural Space

ARCH 413 | Theory of Architectural Design II

Slideshow developed by:
Arch. Edeliza V. Macalandag, UAP
Bohol Island State University | College of Architecture & Engineering

Text from Ching, Francis D.K. Architecture: Form, Space and Order
… Man imagines in the first place the space which surrounds
him and not the physical objects... All static or mechanical
dispositions, as well as the materialization of the spatial
envelope, are only means for realizing an idea which is vaguely
felt or clearly imagined in architectural creation…
… Architecture is art when the design of space clearly takes
precedence over the design of the object. Spatial intention is
the living soul of architectural creation….
August Schmarsow
Qualities of Architectural Space
1. PROPORTION
2. SCALE
3. DEFINITION
4. DEGREE OF ENCLOSURE
5. LIGHT
6. VIEW
The qualities of architectural space are
much richer than what diagrams are
able to portray.
The spatial qualities of form,
proportion, scale, texture, light and
sound ultimately depend on the
properties of the enclosure of a space.
Our perception of these qualities is
often a response to the combined
effects of the properties encountered
and is conditioned by culture, prior
experiences, and personal interest or
inclination.

Qualities of Architectural Space

 Properties of Enclosure Qualities of Space
SHAPE Form
SURFACE Color
EDGES Texture
Pattern
Sound
DIMENSIONS Proportion
Scale
CONFIGURATION Definition
OPENINGS Degree of Enclosure
View or outlook
Light

Qualities of Architectural Space

Qualities of Architectural Space
Qualities of Architectural Space
Wafra Living Complex, Kuwait, AGI Architects
Term Project
TABLE OF SPATIAL QUALITIES
Color Texture
Proportion Form
Wall Floor Ceiling Wall Floor Ceiling

RM 1

RM2

RM3

Qualities of Architectural Space

TABLE OF SPATIAL QUALITIES
Light
Enclosure View
(Volume Ratio)

RM 1

RM2

Qualities of Architectural Space

ACCESSIBILITY ANALYSIS

Furniture Density Circulation Area

Floor Area (m2)

RM 1 Furn. Density (m2)

Free Space (m2)

RM2

Qualities of Architectural Space