CHAPTER 3

SPACE & PLACE

PREPARED BY
SAURAV SHRESTHA
SPACE
MORE SPACE
 [SPACE]
Space can mean different
things to different people.
What is space to
astronomer , architect and
a teenager can be
completely different.

In architecture, Space can

usually mean

1. Three dimensional
geometry within which
everything exist or
move.
2. A perceptual field
where human mind
interacts with tangible
environment.
 SPACE
Space can mean different
things to different people.
What is space to
astronomer , architect and
a teenager can be
completely different.

In architecture, Space can

usually mean

1. A Visual Structure
Three dimensional
geometry within which
everything exist or
move.
2. A perceptual field
where human mind
interacts with tangible
environment.
 FORM
Form is an inclusive term that has
several meanings. In architecture,
form refers to both internal structure
and external outline and the principle
that gives unity to the whole. While
form often includes a sense of three
dimensional mass or volume, shape
refers more specifically aspect of the
form that governs its appearance.

Visual form, its dimension, its

scale and quality of its light- all of
these qualities depend on our
perception of the spatial
boundaries defined by elements of
form.

As space begins to be captured,

molded and organized by the
elements of mass, architecture
comes into being.
FORM
FORM AND SPACE
FORM AND SPACE
SPACE & PLACE
Space is an open area that
is more abstract , while
place is a location or part
of space that has meaning
and value.

Space is a place without

meaning while place is
location that has meaning
to an individual.

Leibniz defines space as a

system of relationships
between physical
elements that can be seen
measured while place is
defined as the relationship
between physical and
non-physical.
 SPACE + MEANING = PLACE

https://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/7/9/364
 SPACE + MEANING = PLACE

Place refers to the cultural meanings that people attach to a specific location or
site. Place is what gives a space meaning, “personality” and a connection to a
cultural or personal identity. It is culturally ascribed meaning given to a space. It is
the vibe that you get from certain space, and it exists for a reason.

Source : https://www.gdrc.org/heritage/sense-of-place/index.html
 SPACE + MEANING = PLACE

Place refers to the cultural meanings that people attach to a specific location or
site. Place is what gives a space meaning, “personality” and a connection to a
cultural or personal identity. It is culturally ascribed meaning given to a space. It is
the vibe that you get from certain space, and it exists for a reason.

Source : https://www.gdrc.org/heritage/sense-of-place/index.html
 CHARACTER OF SPACE
Space is always experienced in connection with time. Visiting
a different place always occurs at a different points in time.
Walking through a spatial structure allows one to experience
time and space, because the spatial sequence might be
conditioned upon speed, or might have to be completed within
certain amount of time. Our memories are usually supported
by remembering a certain space or vice versa.

Character of Space :
1. changes with time - part of day, part of year. (Function of
time)
2. Composed of material and its constituents ( how is the
ground , how is the sky)
3. How things are made ( manmade or natural place)
SPACE + TIME + HUMAN = PLACE
The concept of place is
also formed by people’s
relationship with space,
their interactions with
space and meanings they
ascribed with the space.

Place is combination of
human and natural order,
with identity. The spirit of
place depends upon
perception of deep space
due to occurrence and
formation of memories
during specific time.

Sense of place refers to

subjective and emotional
connections that
individuals or groups
develop with particular
space.
PHENOMENOLOGY OF SPACE
The phenomenology of space represents the theory that
spatial experience is directly influenced by human perception.

Spatial perception is basically product of five human senses

of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell with respect to
space.

Sensation and Awareness were already assigned to the body

before thinking process was added to them.

Our everyday life world consists of concrete “phenomena”. It

consists of people, of animals, of flowers, trees and forests,
of stone, earth, wood and water, of towns, streets and
houses, doors, windows and furnitures. And it consists of
sun, moon, and stars drifting clouds of night and day and
changing of seasons.

But it also comprises more intangible phenomena such as

feelings. This is what is “given” and this is the “content” of
our existence. Everything else, such as atoms and molecules,
numbers and all kinds of data are abstraction or tools which
are constructed to serve other purposes than those of
everyday life.
PHENOMENOLOGY OF SPACE
Place, obviously means something more than abstract
location. We mean a totality made up of concrete things
having material substance, shape, texture and color. Together
these things determine an character which is the essence of
place.

A place is therefore a qualitative, “total” phenomenon, which

we cannot reduce to any of its properties such as spatial
relationship without losing its concrete nature out of sight.

Everyday experience tells us that different actions needs

different environment to take place in satisfactory way.

Places cannot be described by means of analytic, “scientific”

concepts.

Phenomenology was conceived as “return of things”, as

opposed to abstractions and mental construction and more
focused in phenomenology of everyday lives.
 STRUCTURE OF PLACE
Structure place ought to be described in terms of
“landscape” and “settlement” and analyzed by means of
categories of “space” and “character”.

Space denotes three dimensional organization of the

elements which makes up a place. It represents both visual
structure and a perceptual field.

Character denotes the general atmosphere which is the most

comprehensive property of any place.

Phenomenology of place therefore has to comprise the basic

modes of construction and their relationship to formal
articulation.

The structure of place is not fixed, eternal state. It is

spontaneously experienced totality which can be illuminated
by the analysis of the aspects of space and character.
GENIUS LOCI : ESSENCE OF PLACE
Genius Loci is a roman concept or belief that every
independent being has its genius, its guardian spirit. This
spirit gives life to people and places accompanies them from
birth to death, and determines their character or essence.

The genius thus denotes

what a thing is or what it wants to be ?

In Simple words, Genius Loci can mean the atmosphere of a

place with reference to the impression that it makes on the
mind. It can be the intangible quality of physical place,
perceived both physically and spiritually. It reveals itself
through visible tangible and perceivable non-physical
features.
 ATMOSPHERE
The atmosphere effect of a space is essential to human well-being yet it is difficult to precisely
define or to gauge and can only be partially justified using analytical methods.
Diffusive visual qualities of atmosphere makes it difficult to plan, present or understand.
In addition to visual aspects, other sensory stimuli such as the scent of wax, the warmth of the
flame, and it’s occasional quiet, sizzling sound all account for the inviting atmosphere.

https://www.iaacblog.com/programs/atmosphere-architecture-theory-knowledge/
 ATMOSPHERE
Comfort, cosiness and well-being are spatial effects that cannot be truly gauged but are perceived
immediately.Atmosphere is a typical and tangible spatial phenomenon. A room’s atmosphere
addresses the entire range of human senses in a very direct and complex manner and eludes rational
comprehension. The effect often referred as “well-being” is very difficult to define, partly because
sensing is so subjective.

https://placesjournal.org/workshop-article/revisiting-atmosphere-in-architecture/
?cn-reloaded=1
 SENSING ATMOSPHERE
Atmosphere exists as the focal points where people are found. Atmosphere can also be defined by
human activity as well as by all spatial parameters and qualities that the senses and the mind can
perceive.
 SPATIAL PERCEPTION
Perception is ability to see, hear, or become
aware of something through senses. It can
also be understood as the way in which
somethings is regarded, understood or
interpreted.

Spatial perception is the ability to perceive

and understand spatial relationships. It
involves the ability to perceive and visually
understand information such as features,
properties, measurement, shapes, position
and motion.

Visual perception is how people experience

and perceive the built environment through
visual senses.

Perceptual space is the perceived space a

building occupies based on a fixed view
point.

Perceptions are understood through

knowledge and experience and sometimes
through instantaneous emotions and
recollections. With age, comes experience
https://www.archdaily.com/935067/how-colors-change-the-perception-of-interior-spaces and with experience comes varied
perceptions.
 ELEMENTS AFFECTING VISUAL PERCEPTION
Intangible Elements
1. Dimension
2. Proportion ( use of mathematical computations,
geometry, orders, human proportion and scale )
3. Color
4. Light ( physical stimulation, meaning, expression)
5. Reflection ( water, mirrors)
6. Nature ( as elemental aspect in space.

Tangible Elements
1. Form
2. Materials ( Natural and Synthetic)
3. Texture (optical texture and tactile texture)

https://redhousecustombuilding.com/how-paint-can-shape-a-room/
GESTALT : LAWS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION
Gestalt theory is a theory of visual perception that explains how human process
visual stimuli. It states that the human brian will try to organize complex designs into
a whole, rather than series of elements.

Key Ideas behind Gestalt theory :

1. Emergence ( The whole is identified before the parts.)
2. Reification ( Our mind fills in the gaps)
3. Multi-stability ( The mind seeks to avoid uncertainty)
4. Invariance ( We’re good at recognizing similarities and differences)
GESTALT : LAWS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION
Gestalt theory is a theory of visual perception that explains how human process
visual stimuli. It states that the human brian will try to organize complex designs into
a whole, rather than series of elements. The word “Gestalt” in german means ‘shape’
, ‘form’ , ‘essence’ or ‘whole’.
Gestalt Laws of visual perception
1. Simplicity or Good Figure
2. Figure and Ground
3. Similarity
4. Proximity
5. Continuity
6. Closure
7. Focal point
8. Symmetry
GESTALT : LAWS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION
1. Simplicity or Good Figure
People will perceive and interpret ambiguous or complex images as the
simplest form possible.
2. Figure and Ground
3. Similarity
4. Proximity
5. Continuity
6. Closure
7. Focal point
8. Symmetry
GESTALT : LAWS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION
1. Simplicity or Good Figure
2. Figure and Ground
Elements are perceived as either figure (the element in focus) or ground ( the
background on which the figure rests)
3. Similarity
4. Proximity
5. Continuity
6. Closure
7. Focal point
8. Symmetry
GESTALT : LAWS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION
1. Simplicity or Good Figure
2. Figure and Ground
3. Similarity
Elements that share similar characteristics are perceived as more related than
elements that don't share those characteristics.
4. Proximity
5. Continuity
6. Closure
7. Focal point
8. Symmetry
GESTALT : LAWS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION
1. Simplicity or Good Figure
2. Figure and Ground
3. Similarity
4. Proximity
Objects that are closer together are perceived as more related than objects that
are further apart.
5. Continuity
6. Closure
7. Focal point
8. Symmetry
GESTALT : LAWS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION
1. Simplicity or Good Figure
2. Figure and Ground
3. Similarity
4. Proximity
5. Continuity
Elements arranged on a line or curve are perceived as more related than
elements not on the line or curve.
6. Closure
7. Focal point
8. Symmetry
9. Past Experiences
GESTALT : LAWS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION
1. Simplicity or Good Figure
2. Figure and Ground
3. Similarity
4. Proximity
5. Continuity
6. Closure
When seeing a complex arrangements of elements, we tend to look for single,
recognizable pattern.
7. Focal point
8. Symmetry
9. Past Experiences
GESTALT : LAWS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION
1. Simplicity or Good Figure
2. Figure and Ground
3. Similarity
4. Proximity
5. Continuity
6. Closure
7. Focal point
Elements with a point of interest, emphasis or difference will capture and hold
the viewer’s attention.
8. Symmetry
9. Past Experiences
GESTALT : LAWS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION
1. Simplicity or Good Figure
2. Figure and Ground
3. Similarity
4. Proximity
5. Continuity
6. Closure
7. Focal point
8. Symmetry
People tend to perceive objects as symmetrical shapes that form around their
center.
9. Past Experiences
GESTALT : LAWS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION
1. Simplicity or Good Figure
2. Figure and Ground
3. Similarity
4. Proximity
5. Continuity
6. Closure
7. Focal point
8. Symmetry
People tend to perceive objects as symmetrical shapes that form around their
center.
9. Past Experiences
Elements tend to be perceived according to an observer’s past experience.
FIGURE AND GROUND THEORY
Figure-ground theory is a graphic tool used in urban planning to
explore the relationship between buildings and open spaces. It’s
based on the idea that buildings are solid masses (figure) and
public spaces are voids (grounds)

In simple words, Figure ground diagram or drawing is a way of

identifying a figure from the background by using contrast.

Figure ground theory is used to

1. Distinguish the structure of urban spaces
2. Form a hierarchy of spaces and scales
3. Explore built form patterns
4. Explore continuity of open spaces
5. Identify a “fabric” of urban structures
6. Manipulate the relationship between “figure” and ground”
 FIGURE AND GROUND THEORY
Figure-ground theory is a graphic tool used in urban planning to
explore the relationship between buildings and open spaces. It’s
based on the idea that buildings are solid masses (figure) and
public spaces are voids (grounds)

In simple words, Figure ground diagram or drawing is a way of

identifying a figure from the background by using contrast.

Placing figures completely randomly or deliberately

“unorganized” can result in creating a negative space whereas
placing figures in a organized way (or randomly but with luck)
will result in creating positive space.

https://schpeckle.com/figure-ground-theory/#:~:text=A%20figure%2Dground%20diagram%20or,light%20or%20solids%20and%20voids.
 LINKAGE THEORY
Linkage theory in architecture focuses on the lines that connect
different urban elements. These lines can be expressed through
streets, pedestrian ways, riverbanks, and other linear spaces. The
theory emphasizes on the circulation spaces that connect one
urban element to another and the spatial sequence of the city.

Linkage theory involves organizing the connecting lines and

designing the spatial datum of the building line to the space. Spatial
datum may include
1. Site line
2. Direction of movement
3. Axis
4. Building edge

Linkage theory stresses on the circulation spaces connecting one

urban element to another and the spatial sequence of the city.
 PLACE THEORY
Place theory in architecture focuses on the
cultural and human characteristics of physical
space. It emphasizes the contextual meaning
of space, which is derived from its social,
cultural and historical-emotional content.

Place theory requires a study of the historical

identity of place in relation to the needs of its
contemporary users. It understands urban
form from humanistic perspective, paying
attention to the social and cultural values of
the physical space.

Place theory is also the basis for

place-making, a multi-faceted approach to
planning, design and management of public
spaces. It capitalizes on a local community’s
assets, inspiration and potential, with the
intention of creating public spaces that
improve urban vitality and promote public
health , happiness and wellbeing.

Place theory adds a human touch to the

previous theories by paying attention to the
historical, cultural and social setting of
particular urban design.
https://parcitypatory.org/2023/06/29/placemaking/
PLACE MAKING
Placelessness is a condition where an environment lacks
significant places and the associated attitude of a lack of
attachment to place.
This can occur due to homogenizing effects of modernity,
such as commercialism, mass consumption, and standard
planning regulations
 PLACEFULNESS
Placefulness in architecture is characterized by authenticity, which
can be reflected through the use of distinctive architecture or
public art.
 PAST QUESTIONS

Space and Place . Definition , Difference and Design

a. (2068 Bhadra) _ Write Short Notes on Space and Place.
b. (2069 Bhadra)_ Explain Space and Place with suitable examples
c. (2069 Poush)_ Write short notes on Space and Place
d. (2070 Bhadra)_Write short notes on Space and Place
e. (2070 Magh)_Write short notes on Space and Place.
f. (2071 Bhadra)_Write Short Notes -Space and Place
g. (2071 Magh)_What is your understanding of Space and Place explain by providing suitable examples.
h. (2072 Ashwin)_Write what you know about space and place ? Explain with examples.
i. (2075 Bhadra)_Explain Space and place with suitable examples. Discuss the role of architect in creating a place with suitable examples and sketches.
j. (2076 Bhadra)_Explain the differences between space and place. What are the basic elements of place ? Explain each of them in brief.

Beautiful City (Placelessness/Placefulness)

k. (2069 Poush)_ What is your imagination of the beautiful city (beautiful Kathmandu).Justify your answer with suitable examples.
l. (2070 Bhadra)_What is your imagination of a beautiful place ? How can you transfer a space into a beautiful place provide justifiable explanations with suitable
examples?
m. (2072 Ashwin)_ Write short notes on Beautiful city movement.

Linkage theory
n. (2068 Bhadra) _ Write Short Notes on Linkage Theory

Theory of Figure and Ground

o. (2070 Bhadra)_Write short notes on figure and ground.
p. (2071 Bhadra)_What do you now about theories of figure and ground. Explain Linkage and Place.
q. (2076 Baishakh)_What is figure and ground theory ? Explain its importance in architectural design with sketches and examples ?
r. (2076 Bhadra)_Theories of figure and ground.

Visual Structure and Form

s. (2071 Bhadra)_Explain what do you understand by visual structure
t. (2069 Poush)_ Write short notes on Form ?