How do architects create spaces that make people feel comfortable? What causes some buildings and spaces to draw people in?
In 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School, Matthew Frederick explains how spatial design principles shape our everyday environments. From shopping malls to urban plazas, these concepts determine how we experience and interact with the spaces around us.
Learn more about how positive and negative spaces create environments that leave lasting impressions.
Understanding Spatial Design Fundamentals
Grasping spatial design principles is crucial for crafting architectural environments that hold significance and serve their intended purpose. These principles highlight the skillful organization of spaces and the captivating characteristics of geometric shapes, which collectively create a unique atmosphere in architectural creation.
The Role of Positive and Negative Space
Understanding both positive and negative spaces is vital for designers. Positive spaces are specifically crafted for human activities, where people typically spend most of their time. In contrast, negative spaces promote movement and pathways, essential for maintaining steady flow throughout the design.
For example, in malls, department stores serve as positive spaces that exert beneficial influence, while corridors and pathways create negative spaces that amplify commercial activity and guide individuals toward various attractions.
Urban vs. Suburban Spatial Relations
The relationship between buildings and their surrounding spaces varies significantly between urban and suburban settings. Suburban structures often fail to contour their surrounding voids, resulting in undefined areas. Urban buildings, however, can be designed to give positive shape to adjacent plazas, courtyards, and squares, forming meaningful public spaces.
Creating Atmospheric Environments
Architecture goes beyond merely erecting structures—it’s about creating environments that foster distinct atmospheres. The careful arrangement of spaces aims to provoke particular emotional reactions through architectural features.
The Power of Place Identity
A location’s distinct essence, or “genius loci,” emerges from areas with unique architectural character and specific sensory qualities. These environments often create memorable impacts through their distinctive ambiance and design characteristics.
Entry Sequence Design
Your perception of a space is significantly shaped by how you enter and approach it. A thoughtfully orchestrated entry sequence builds anticipation before culminating in satisfaction, whether leading to a grand structure or a sacred space.
Geometric Forms and Spatial Dynamics
The use of various geometric shapes is crucial in crafting spatial environments, as each shape instills unique emotional and dynamic qualities within the space.
Squares evoke solidity and repose, while rectangles, with their extended shape, suggest progression or direction. Meanwhile, circles create cohesion by maintaining a consistent connection with all adjacent points, fostering an atmosphere of unity and concentration.
The Art of Spatial Design
The essence of architectural design lies in applying fundamental principles and understanding how spaces interrelate to craft environments that are both visually attractive and functional. By understanding the interplay between solid and void spaces, acknowledging the emotional impact of different shapes, and thoughtfully organizing architectural elements, architects can create meaningful and cohesive progressions of space.
