Architecture is a vast subject and whatever you see and observe can be part of the architecture. That's why my teacher used to say that it's not about a building, it's all about how you are observing your surroundings. My professional life was rigid and as a junior architect, I was never free to observe and create my own design forms. After all, I had to accept that whatever my senior and my clients were saying was right. So, where was my freedom? My freedom was to create a convincing design for clients. If you are a good salesman when it comes to selling your design, you are successful. This is actually my understanding but yes, we get many opportunities to explore more for a conceptual design.
For a very long time, I am searching for a good home to stay. I am now living in a small apartment and nowadays I feel 500 sft is too small for me. Recently, I started observing more locations in Kharkiv so that I can have a better idea of where to shift next. It's a huge city and while exploring, I noticed many small things which I have never noticed before.
I feel a neighborhood residential area should have some common facilities and infrastructures. Not only I focus on form and spaces but also, I notice surrounding utilities, and infrastructure as well.
I like noticing landscape, it doesn't need to be modern or unique elements. Sometimes old aged designs give us the idea for the next phase. While exploring a residential neighborhood, I have found this interesting space. I was aware of how horizontal elements define a space but never observed that so closely in person before. I was always surrounded by modern aesthetic elements so, I never paid attention to these old existing elements.
We all see and know that how a form defines a space but we never pay attention to horizontal elements for example: the base plane.
In this picture, I have found several horizontal elements that defined the space. Not only the walkways created a strong bold line that separated the ground level, but also, they performed a role in defining the spaces as well. Let me explain that elaborately. first of all, while walking, I noticed the diagonal lines; those basically defined the walkways or pathways. If I consider this walkway as a base plane or horizontal plane, it is laying as a figure on a contrasting background that defined a simple field of space.
Also, those trees were playing the role of overhead planes that defines the volume of space between themselves and the ground surface. Here, plane means horizontal surface...
The stronger the edge definition of a horizontal surface is, the more distinct will be its field.
Here diagonal lines created sharp edges and the base plane (walkway) is a little bit elevated from the ground surface to separate itself. The building itself a form that has created its own defined space but overall all planes and forms are playing a vital role to define the entire place.
Also, a notable fact is- a perceptible change in color, tone, or texture between surfaces and surroundings. One can easily identify the different surface levels and their functions. Also, it is easily understandable which one is man-made and which one belongs to nature.
I feel this example also demonstrates how this type of spatial definition can be used to distinguish between a path of movement and places of rest. It also establishes a plot from which the form of a building rises out of the ground.
Love
Priyan
Explore Life with Priyan...
"I am @priyanarc... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thought easily..."
Find me on youtube...
Don't forget to subscribe to my channel...
You can find me on Twitter...
Original post written by @priyanarc...
All the pictures used are captured by the author...
If you want this kind of GIF for yourself, Let me know...
People wants shortcuts and make it almost without thinking. But architects of '70 and '80 in Eastern Europe preferred wanted 90 degrees everywhere :)
Oh Ya, you are right... Mostly they followed a grid pattern and these diagonal lines are used to create shortcut ways.. :P
Just like our different opinions about beauty, architecture is also a subjective industry. For instance, the human experience of breathtaking vistas or panoramas is derived from the horizon line - giving us enjoyable linear spaces with horizontal perspectives. It's really up to the creative powers of the architect and designer to deliver such results.
Completely agree with you. From nature and what we see as a designer reflects in our design, forms, geometry, everything comes from nature. I guess frank Lyod Wright's first works on planes and straight lines and his designs have opened a new era for us to explore architecture more...
Bold and solid lines always help to understand the perspective and define a space as well...
Art is subjective and so is architecture, It's all about perspective which makes to look at things differently.
Wonderful post, Hope you are staying safe and enjoying the evening.
Exactly, I feel sometimes architecture is beyond our imagination, we are still trying to reach the limit...
Have a wonderful week dear...
Hi Priyan, I agree with what @storiesoferne said, architectural beauty is subjective. When I look at the horizontal elements, straight and diagonal lines with sharp edges, it makes me want to hurry and get to my destination and get the job done, no dilly dallying. Perhaps, this is the psyche of the community? What do you think?
Yes, it's psychological... When I see straight roads, I walk faster because I feel that I need to reach the destination as soon as possible plus long straight streets are boring as well. It seems like never-ending lines :P
Hello @priyanarc! Thank you for sharing this insightful post about the concept of horizontal elements in architectural design! We're glad to include your awesome content in Architecture Brew #24. Well done and all the best!
The Architecture+Design Community is an Active Member of the OCD Communities Incubation Program. Get to know more about us by reviewing our Welcome Message & Comprehensive Guidelines.