Spatial Design 1 /Weekly learning
Weekly learning
Week 1- Week 14
A few notes on what you’ve learned during lectures and through self-initiated learning.
Week 1:
Introduction to Spatial Design
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkb3Og-bgJI
Summary
Design inspiration can be traced back to early human cave dwellings, such as the Red Caves in Sarawak, Malaysia, which are significant in studying human migration. Nature serves as a rich source of inspiration, as seen in the hexagonal patterns of honeycombs inspiring architectural designs or the natural ventilation technology used in Hara, Zimbabwe, achieving energy efficiency and cooling.
First, it introduces its definition, emphasizes the connection between architecture, design and people, integrates professional advantages based on interior design, and the core is to create a space that fits the user, with equal emphasis on functionality and practicality.
Then, application examples are listed, such as educational institutions creating a learning atmosphere, retail environments helping marketing, public spaces providing leisure places, and residential design optimizing life experience.
Then, the key concepts are explained. Space is a physical area to be shaped, and places are full of meaningful emotions. Design should enhance interaction, be user-centric and maintain flexibility.
Finally, successful projects such as the New York High Line Park, Kuala Lumpur Red Scale, and IKEA are shown to reflect the value of space design in different scenarios.
Learning experience
After studying this space design course, I have gained a lot. Before, I had a superficial understanding of the surrounding space and had never thought deeply about the design logic behind it. Now I understand that space design is ubiquitous and far-reaching. From the layout of the school affecting learning efficiency, to the display of the shopping mall guiding shopping behavior, to the planning of the park creating a leisure atmosphere, it is inseparable from it. These cases made me realize that good space design can greatly improve the quality of life. I also deeply understand the difference between space and place, and realize the importance of designers transforming space into a warm place. This has inspired me to observe space more keenly in my daily life. I look forward to using what I have learned in the future to create a more comfortable, efficient and emotional space environment for myself. I also hope to have the opportunity to participate in the action of improving public space so that more people can benefit from high-quality space design.
Week 2:
Spatial Design and Conceptual elements of Design
https://youtu.be/y5C9WLulyzY?si=NHDHmTP2lCTr2Xlh
Space design, as an emerging concept beyond traditional design, integrates multiple elements such as architecture, landscape, interior design, urban design, service design, and public art. It focuses on the arrangement and flow of people within environments, emphasizing the sense of place, identity, and regional spirit.
Key Skills
Space designers need to master a series of core skills:
- Design Thinking: Possess innovative abilities to enhance the user experience in spaces.
- Behavioral Insights: Deeply understand human behavior and accurately grasp the interaction between people and the environment.
- Environmental Psychology: Recognize the psychological impact of space to inform design decisions.
- Space Planning: Properly arrange furniture, circulation paths, and partitions.
- Software Proficiency: Skillfully use design software for drawing, modeling, and visualization.
- Color and Material Selection: Be familiar with color psychology and select materials based on aesthetics, durability, and functionality.
- Communication and Collaboration: Develop strong communication skills to clearly convey design concepts.
- Design Trends: Stay updated with trends, prioritize sustainability, and embrace emerging technologies.
- Project Management: Effectively control time, resources, and budgets.
Sources of Inspiration
Conceptual Elements of Design
Design comprises three fundamental elements: points, lines, and planes:
- Points: Widely applied in lighting and furniture design, influencing space atmosphere, usability, and experience. For example, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama's works, such as Infinity Mirror Room and Obliteration Room, leverage point elements with strong visual impact, engaging the public in creative participation.
- Lines: Straight and curved lines serve diverse functions. Indian designer Hardik Dahdi skillfully uses lines to blur boundaries between the interior and exterior. The Guangzhou Opera House in China incorporates line designs inspired by natural landscapes to create dynamic interior spaces.
- Planes: These include overhead planes (e.g., ceilings, canopies), vertical planes (e.g., walls), and foundational planes (e.g., floors), each serving distinct roles such as providing shelter, defining space, or supporting structures. The Piazza San Marco in Venice and rural housing projects demonstrate the effectiveness of planes in shaping spaces for different scenarios.
Learning experience
After this space design course, I gained a deeper understanding of the spaces around me. I now see how design shapes everything from school layouts that boost learning to park plans that foster relaxation. Good design greatly enhances life quality, transforming spaces into warm, meaningful places. This course has sparked my interest in observing spaces and inspired me to create comfortable, efficient, and emotional environments for myself and others. I hope to contribute to improving public spaces, benefiting more people through thoughtful design.
Week 3:
Decoding Spatial Perception: Gestalt Principles of Visual Perception
Space Design Course · Lecture 3
Topic: Spatial Perception and Gestalt Principles
This lecture focuses on the importance of spatial perception and the application of Gestalt principles, aiming to help learners understand how the human brain organizes and interprets visual elements, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and experience of space design.
1. The Importance of Spatial Perception
The beauty of space design lies in the brain’s perception of shapes, spaces, and forms. Understanding the principles of visual perception is crucial for creating practical and aesthetically pleasing spaces:
- Attracts attention, making the design more visually compelling.
- Maintains visual balance, fostering a sense of harmony.
- Enhances user experience, making spaces more appealing and functional.
2. Overview of Gestalt Principles
Gestalt principles reveal how the human brain organizes visual information. These core concepts have broad applications in space design:
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Figure-Ground
The brain distinguishes objects (figure) from their background. Skillfully leveraging this principle creates visual focus and contrast.
Example: The cross in the Church of the Light contrasts sharply with the concrete walls, emphasizing its sacred presence. -
Proximity
Elements placed close to each other are perceived as a group. Arranging elements such as windows or webpage items logically enhances organization and rhythm while guiding the viewer’s gaze. -
Closure
The brain tends to fill gaps in visual elements to form complete shapes.
Example: The open-frame structure of the CCTV Headquarters illustrates the sense of unity in complex designs. -
Symmetry
Symmetrical arrangements bring visual pleasure and a sense of order.
Example: The bilateral symmetry of St. Peter’s Basilica and the radial symmetry of the Lotus Temple demonstrate harmony and guide the viewer’s attention. -
Continuity
Elements aligned along continuous lines or patterns are perceived as a whole. Using balconies or lines in architecture can guide the viewer's gaze, creating a seamless spatial experience and avoiding visual interruptions. -
Similarity
Elements with similar colors, shapes, or materials are grouped together, enhancing cohesion and balance.
Example: Repeated use of building materials or forms helps create a unified and harmonious spatial experience. -
Simplicity
Removing unnecessary details highlights key elements, making spaces clean, aesthetic, and functional.
Example: The minimalist design of the Guggenheim Museum emphasizes its core functionality and visual focus.
This lecture provides practical cases and image analyses to help learners understand how these principles enhance design. Learners are encouraged to observe how these principles improve design outcomes and apply them in practice to elevate their own work. The course emphasizes that mastering Gestalt principles not only deepens appreciation of art but also makes designs more logical and creative.
This space design course has been truly inspiring. The Gestalt principles have given me a fresh perspective on space design. Concepts such as figure-ground relationships and proximity enable me to analyze the interaction between architecture and its environment more keenly.
Zaha Hadid's works exemplify these principles beautifully. Her unique use of lines and forms highlights the figure-ground relationship, making the architectural structures stand out distinctly in their surroundings. The layout of elements follows the principle of proximity, enhancing the cohesion and continuity of the design. In spatial arrangements, principles like closure and continuity create seamless and imaginative experiences, breaking conventions and delivering striking visual impact.
I’ve realized that great design lies in the artful application of these principles, inspiring me to keep exploring and integrating theory into practice in my future studies.
Week 4 :
Decoding Spatial Perception: Compositional Principles
Six Key Design Principles of Visual Perception Synthesis
This article elaborates on six core principles of visual perception synthesis, their applications, and real-world examples, offering both theoretical and practical guidance for designers.
1. Contrast Principle
- Definition and Function: Highlights differences between objects to enhance depth and interest in design, avoiding monotony.
- Applications and Examples:
- Size Contrast: Proportional furniture arrangements in interior design, and scale contrasts between plazas and courtyards.
- Shape Contrast: Building facades with openings, asymmetrical layouts, and complementary color usage.
- Material Contrast: Combining different textures and finishes for visual appeal.
2. Proportion Principle
- Definition and Function: Utilizes size differences among elements to create focal points and surreal effects, drawing attention and enhancing readability and aesthetics.
- Applications and Examples:
- Oversized Objects: Creating striking visuals through scale contrasts with people or spaces.
- Text Size: Highlighting key information in posters and interfaces.
- Spatial Ratios: Employing vertical elements in libraries or small buildings to emphasize functionality and design.
3. Repetition Principle
- Definition and Function: Strengthens unity, order, and depth by repeating colors, elements, or forms.
- Applications and Examples:
- Interface Design: Repeating icons or color schemes for visual harmony.
- Architectural Design: Balcony arrangements or shadow patterns that establish rhythm.
4. Rhythm Principle
- Definition and Function: Guides attention through repeated and varied elements, infusing designs with vitality and cohesion.
- Applications and Examples:
- Form Rhythm: Repeated geometric designs in domes or plazas.
- Gradient Rhythm: Gradual color changes in stairs or wall designs that evoke a sense of movement.
5. Balance Principle
- Definition and Function: Ensures visual stability through symmetrical or asymmetrical layouts, fostering harmony.
- Applications and Examples:
- Symmetrical Balance: Traditional Chinese architecture with mirrored arrangements.
- Asymmetrical Balance: Natural distribution in stone arrangements or bridge connections.
6. Hierarchy Principle
- Definition and Function: Arranges elements to emphasize key features, creating visual attraction and guiding the viewer’s gaze.
- Applications and Examples:
- Architectural Design: The structural emphasis of Florence’s dome or Brasília's buildings.
- Spatial Design: Using varied heights and structural depths to highlight focal points.
Learning experience
These principles are essential tools for design work. By mastering and applying them effectively, designers can craft visually appealing, functional, and impactful creations that enhance user experience and make a strong impression.
Week 5：
Form Defining Space: Horizontal elements
Form and Space Theory: The Role and Application of Horizontal Elements
1. Foundation of Form and Space Theory
- Interdependence of Space and Form: The core of spatial design lies in the integration of space and form. Space serves as a canvas, while form imparts its characteristics and functions. The two are interdependent.
- Urban Design Example: Buildings and other forms shape street spaces, influencing people's activities and interactions. The relationship between buildings and spaces defines both the functionality and aesthetic value of a city.
- Paris Example: Urban spaces (such as circulation and public areas) and forms (such as buildings) jointly create the city's landscape.
2. Types and Functions of Horizontal Elements
- Base Surface: Differentiates from surrounding areas through color, tone, or texture to highlight functional zones. For example, the contrast between hardwood floors and carpets, or corridors that connect interior and exterior spaces to enhance continuity.
- Raised Base Surface: Elevated above the ground, with vertical edges creating a visual separation. Examples include buildings like the Ba Kong Temple and the Forbidden City, where height variations affect spatial continuity and accessibility.
- Lowered Base Surface: Sunken below ground level, defining space through vertical planes. Common in theaters, step landscapes, or underground villages, such as the Greek theater or China's underground villages. These areas have unique effects on acoustics, vision, and thermal insulation, with depth and transitional design influencing continuity.
- Suspended Surface: Located overhead, such as building roofs, exhibition umbrellas, or cantilevered roofs, these elements define spatial boundaries, provide shading, and create open, flexible indoor and outdoor spaces conducive to events and interactions.
3. Design Case Studies
- Yuechen Courtyard Kindergarten: Demonstrates the relationship between form and space through glass walls, ceilings, and furniture layout, creating a functional learning environment.
- Modern Residential Architecture: Uses concrete forms and interior space design to illustrate the interaction between form and space, highlighting the combination of material and spatial perception.
- Vietnam War Veterans Memorial: Initially controversial, the sunken design has become a significant memorial, showcasing how art can express historical memory.
4. Conclusion and Application
- Understanding the relationship between form and space, as well as the design principles of horizontal elements, helps designers meet functional needs and enhance emotional and sensory experiences.
- In future design practices, designers should apply these theories and principles to create spaces that are not only functional but also rich in emotional and sensory experiences.
Learning experience
For the afternoon tea venue I plan to build, I aim to combine spatial design with emotional experience to create a space that is both comfortable and conducive to interaction. Through careful spatial planning, I want to design a place where people can relax and enjoy moments of tranquility, while also fostering social interactions and meeting the needs of people for both socializing and leisure.
I plan to apply design principles such as using contrasts in color, material, and lighting to enhance the atmosphere of the space. By incorporating Gestalt principles, I aim to create visual focal points and spatial flow, guiding attention to different areas and providing a pleasurable sensory experience. Additionally, I want to introduce interactive elements into the space to encourage participation, making the venue more dynamic and engaging.
Comfort and functionality are also essential in the design. I will organize the layout and zones effectively, such as creating small areas for individual enjoyment or open spaces that promote social exchange. Overall, I want this afternoon tea venue to be a space where people can relax their minds while also inspiring creativity and interaction.
Week 6：
Form Defining Space: Vertical elements
Vertical Linear Elements
• Vertical linear elements, such as columns or towers, define the vertical edges of a space, draw attention, and create focal points, adding iconic features to urban and architectural spaces.
Single Vertical Plane
• A single vertical plane uses an independent upright surface to define space, such as walls or partitions, to create boundaries and zones, often used to separate different functional areas.
L-Shaped Planes
• L-shaped planes are self-supporting and flexibly define spaces. They create distinct areas for living, dining, and resting, enhancing privacy and enclosure.
Parallel Vertical Planes
• Parallel planes form a corridor effect in space, emphasizing directionality. They are commonly used in public spaces to guide movement and enhance visual continuity.
U-Shaped Planes
• U-shaped planes have both inward and outward focus, creating semi-enclosed spaces suitable for communities and public areas, promoting interaction and connection.
Four-Plane Enclosure
• Four vertical planes enclose a space, a common design method used in courtyards and similar areas, creating a private, peaceful inward-facing space
Week 7:
Form Defining Space: Opening
1. Basics of Form and Space Theory
This lecture focuses on enclosed spaces (e.g., rooms) and the role of openings within these spaces. Building on the previous two lectures (horizontal and vertical elements), it emphasizes how openings impact spatial connections, light penetration, ventilation, and visual guidance.
2. Functions and Effects of Openings
Provide entry and exit points, influencing circulation and accessibility.
Enhance light and ventilation, improving spatial comfort.
• Aesthetics:
Emphasize the visual connection between interior and exterior, enhancing openness and fluidity.
• Spatial Experience:
The position, size, and number of openings affect the sense of enclosure, light distribution, and ambiance.
Variations in light and shadow create dynamic visual effects, adding spatial interest.
3. Three Types of Openings
1. Openings Between Planes
• Features: Fully enclosed within walls or ceilings, these openings act as focal points in the space.
• Examples:
• Ground-level windows on rectangular walls create distinctive visual effects.
• Vertical openings in modern buildings enhance verticality and contemporary aesthetics.
2. Corner Openings
• Features: Openings at corners blur the intersection of walls, creating dynamic effects through light and sightlines.
• Examples:
• A modernist building in Paris uses corner openings to blur the boundary between interior and exterior, enhancing fluidity and openness.
• High-positioned windows maximize natural light while preserving wall space for displays.
3. Openings Extending Between Planes
• Features: Openings that span vertically (floor to ceiling) or horizontally (across walls), extending the sense of space.
• Examples:
• Vertical openings emphasize spatial height; horizontal openings broaden the view.
• Skylights capture natural light, balancing brightness and shadow for a layered spatial effect.
• Bringing in Light:
Openings shape light and shadow effects, enhancing spatial atmosphere, for example:
• Circular windows create a sharp contrast with flat white facades.
• Deep-set openings add dimensionality and visual depth.
• Guiding Vision:
• The position of openings plays a crucial role in shaping visual focus, e.g., an opening at the end of a hallway draws attention and encourages directional movement.
5. Comprehensive Application of Spatial Design
By combining horizontal elements, vertical elements, and opening design, functional and visually appealing spaces can be created:
• Combine light and shadow to add emotion and narrative to the space.
Week 9：
Spatial Relationship
This course discusses the four types of spatial relationships and their characteristics in a clear structure. Here is the main summary:
1. Space Within a Space:
• A larger space encloses a smaller space, with the smaller space relying on the larger one for connection to the exterior.
• Examples include a suspended wooden cube (used for meetings or displays) and colorful geometric shapes within a white wireframe structure (demonstrating multi-layered relationships).
2. Interlocking Spaces:
• Two spatial fields overlap, forming a shared zone while retaining their distinct characteristics.
• Examples include Tadao Ando’s 4x4 House (where the top cubic volume projects outward, connecting with nature) and Le Corbusier’s Villa at Carthage (using overlapping geometric shapes to form interlocking spaces).
3. Spaces Linked by a Common Space:
• Two separated spaces are connected by a third, intermediate space.
• Examples include designs with glass bridges linking buildings (emphasizing openness through light penetration) and the “Flowing Garden,” where a central pond yard blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces.
4. Adjacent Spaces:
• The most common spatial relationship, where spaces are clearly defined yet maintain visual or spatial continuity through interfaces.
• Examples include the Lawrence House (dividing spaces using floor levels and lighting differences) and the use of sliding doors (balancing openness and privacy).
These four types of relationships emphasize functionality, interaction, and continuity of space, offering diverse tools and inspiration for design projects.
Week 10：
Transformation of Form
This course focuses on form transformations in design, specifically additive and subtractive transformations:
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Additive Transformation
- Edge-to-edge contact: Forms meet along shared edges, creating dynamic interactions while retaining individuality, used in modular designs.
- Face-to-face contact: Forms align along parallel surfaces for seamless connections, ensuring structural integrity in precise alignments.
- Interlocking forms: Forms physically intersect, creating complex shapes and unique spatial experiences, as seen in modular furniture systems and architectural projects.
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Subtractive Transformation
- Removing parts of a form retains its identity, enhancing space complexity. Examples include creating openings in wooden structures, architectural models promoting light and ventilation, and projects like the Shanghai Expo Pavilion and Mirror Social Housing, where subtractions enhance design and functionality.
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Comprehensive Application: Both transformations can be combined to create balanced, functional, and visually engaging designs.
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