Francis Ching book Form space and order question

[Mister3d]

Greetings. There are the chapter two and four. Both deal with the organization of form. But the fourth chapter seems to deal with spacial organization, whereas the second with the form organization. Still, I have hard time understanding the difference. Let's say we have linear form organization (a numder of boxes are rooms or whatever connected in some way). Both spacial and formal organization deal with the same things, except with the form we see only exterior.

I'd like to understand the difference more thoroughly between those chapters, as they seem too similar to me for some reason.

[Corey Beaulieu]

I think the simplest answer is that when you are looking at form as the question, your organization becomes that of a visual recognition. Shape and composition evoke balance and symmetry and lead you towards perceptions of hierarchy.

 

When you take this to a Spatial organization, the same concepts apply, but balance is instead on an emotional quality. How does the balance feel? When you have two rooms that are open to one another, there needs to be an apparent perception of which is which while being able to draw on a factor of both are one. Symmetry here implies evenness of use and haptic qualities over evenness of visual presence and weight.

 

Your question is valid in that the lines of understanding are very blurred. Architecture is a very purpose driven art form and each require a sense of balance. Remember though, that old schoolers often discuss designing in plan, section and elevation. This is done to encompass everything in one go. Your facades are about elevational balance/composition and lead you towards a planometric composition. Section then becomes very useful in an experiential way. Everything must be harmonious and each way of looking at your design has a push/pull effect on the others. It is important to strike a balance. When this is done right, you meet Mies' statement of "God is in the details." Architecture needs this Form, Space, and Order so that it can be born into life and Meis' comment is what give architecture spirit.

 

I hope this helps as it is how I perceive architecture and design and it has helped me over come a sort of "designers-block" more than a time or two.

Edited June 21, 2014 by CoreyMBeaulieu