Chapter Four: Organization

Spatial Relationships

Spatial Relationship defines how different spaces interact with one another. There can be spaces within another space, interlocking space, adjacent space, and spaces linked by a common space.

 

Space within a Space

 

Resource: 2014interiordesignarticle.com

 

These images show a clear picture of a space within a space being implemented in an interior space. In this large, open office area, a renovated shipping crate is being used as a seating area. Utilization of this spatial relationship helps to separate the different areas of used space and great a feeling of intimacy.

 

 

Adjacent Spaces

When two volumes of space stand beside one another, sometimes sharing a boarder, they are considered to be adjacent spaces. The different spaces can be separated by two physical borders, a freestanding plane, columns, or a change in elevation.
 

 

 

 Resources: onekindesign.com

 

 In this image you can see that these two interior spaces are being both separated and connected at the same time by a difference in elevation. Although each is a space within itself, their shared border, which is a change in floor height, makes them adjacent and unified.  

 

Spaces Linked by a Common Space

When two separate volumes of space are connected to one another by a third space, it is considered to be a space linked by a common space.

 

Resource: scad.edu

 

It is easy to see an example of spaces linked by a common space in this image of the SCAD Museum of Art and Eichberg Hall. The two buildings have been linked by the rectangular courtyard that is created between them. Though each structure is a space of its own, this outdoor space creates a unites among them.

 

 

 

Spatial Organization

 

The organization of buildings or the spaces within a building is used to satisfy specific functions, to create privacy, and usable outdoor spaces. Types of spatial organization include centralized, linear, radial, clustered, and grid.

Radial Organization

Radial organization occurs when a dominant, centralized space has a number of radial, linear spaces radiating from its center.

 

Resource: thetimechamber.co.uk

In this aerial shot of the Devon County Pauper Lunatic Asylum, its radial organization is obvious. The dominant space of the structure is the cubic space in the center surrounded by a semicircular space. There are six linear wings extending radially from the dominant structure.

 

Grid Organization

The grid organization occurs when a three dimensional grid arranges multiple spaces into a repetitive, organized physical position.

 

Resource: savannah.com

 

In this aerial image of the Historic District of Savannah, you can see the buildings have been organized into a grid. From above it may look only two dimensional but at street level, the three dimensional organization becomes evident.