Architecture Goes to School - Relationship of Space

Interconnectivity
Today we are going to explore the relationship of space on our site map and how spaces and buildings are interconnected. We will also look at how relationships between people impact how a space is designed. Think about the relationship of school peers compared to a family or strangers at a dentist's office... 


Discussion Activity: Discuss the differences in these spaces in small groups of 3-4.


We will explore the follow questions as we examine our planned spaces and structures...


Questions to Guide Us
1. How does the placement of buildings, spaces and structures impact human relations? 
2. Where should things be logically located in a community?
3. Where should things be logically located inside a public building? Office? House? Apartment building? 


Activity... Diagramming Spaces
Using our sketchbooks, site map and tracing paper, we are going to diagram spaces of various buildings or spaces that our group is designing for the project. We will explore the question, "How do all the parts fit in a community or neighbourhood? How can you give each part an entry to the community? How do you connect spaces together? 


Quality of Space
Quality of space explores "visual quality". So what does that mean? In visual quality, we will explore proportion (see the math connection) and height/width relationships in buildings. What is best when planning? How is proportion important to planning? How does proportion create visual interest?? 


Quality of space also examines issues such as, how do we use natural light when planning spaces? Why do we need to consider the use of natural light? What are the sustainable benefits? 


Quality of space even explores issues in shared spaces outdoors. When planning natural landscapes, do we want "hard edged" or manicured? What is the difference? 


Quality of space also looks at apartment size and minimal living. What are these things? What's the benefit to how we live? What's the benefit to a community? What are the sustainable benefits?


Project Planning - Steps to Narrow Down the Plans


Chang mapped out the boundaries for each group into identifiable areas so that you know where to put your structures, buildings and spaces on the map. Today you will work with these boundaries on tracing paper... planning it all out! Remember that your group will have a limited space... so you will need to explore "Quality of Space" and "Interconnectivity".


Groups...
1. All students will have their sketchbook and be assigned spaces or buildings within each group to plan.


2. Each group will have tracing paper. Place this over your area and start "blocking out" or deciding how the space will be used visually. Make sketches to go with these blocked out spaces in your sketchbook.


3. In your sketchbook, plan or "LIST" how the space will be used. What important considerations do you need to have in mind? Examine issues such as size of the room, how the space will be used in that area, what is the relationship of the people using the space? (For example the space used for a family is much different than that of a dentist's office where strangers might be waiting for appointments or even a restaurant.)


* Each group member must have their sketchbook, pencils, marker, site map and tracing paper. 




ASSIGNMENT DUE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13TH.
SIX SKETCHES IN YOUR SKETCHBOOK

You are to create a minimum of 6 sketches of buildings or spaces for your group's project in your sketchbook. Regardless of your drawing ability, sketch images of structures or spaces that connect to the assigned space for your group. Make sure your sketches are:
3-D (Street level three dimensional image)
2-D (looking down on the site plan)
*You must also explore the CONNECTIONS to other areas, including:
downtown, Warehouse District, or other spaces in our project site (other group's projects)

With each sketch, include a list to describe how the facility will be used - Answer all of the following questions in LIST form with your sketch in your sketch book...

1. What activities will take place in the building or space?
2. What services will be included in the building or space?
3. Who will use it? or Who will live in it?
4. How big of a space or structure does it need to be?
5. What does it need to be near? What does it need to connect to (remember "Interconnectivity")?

Due: Thursday, October 13th - mark will be in Social Studies.