Spatial Organizations

Part 1:

The term "spatial organizations" refers to the ways in which the spaces of a building are arranged. In his book titled Architecture: Form Space and Order Francis D.K. Ching illustrates spatial organization types. On page 195 you will find five spatial organization types, and as you continue to read, you will find examples of each type. 

Assignment:

SO.1.1. The first part of this assignment is a research project. You will be finding images, and you will be arranging them in Google Slide document.

SO.1.2. Choose one example of each spatial organization type. Find an image of the building. Select an image that best describes its type. If it is a centralized organization, choose an image that illustrates that quality. We should be able to identify the type from the image you have selected. Make sure that you save the url link where you found the image.

SO.1.3. Create a Google Slide file inside your Google Drive folder. Name the file.

SO.1.4. Rename the file with your first and last name followed by Spatial Organizations. To rename click in the upper right. Create 6 pages by clicking on the + symbol.

SO.1.5. The first page of the document should include the title "Spatial Organizations" and your name. Include one image for each organizational type on slides 2-5. Include the name of the building, the architect and the url link where you found the image. Do not include words that describe the spatial organization type. 

SO.1.6. Sort the images so that they are in a different order than the types listed on page 195. To re-sort the slides, left click on the slide on the left of your screen, and drag it to its new position in the list.

Assessment: Your work will be assessed on adherence to the instructions above and the appropriate selection of an image that convey to spatial organization type.

Part 2:

In this part of the exercise you will be applying your understanding of organizational types to develop arrangements of your spatial modules. 

Assignment:

SO.2.1. First, you will need to construct a context model. Board material will be provided. 

SO.2.2. Using the dimensions shown below, cut out a rectangular sheet to serve as the bottom layer of your model. Cut out ten L-shaped pieces. DO NOT GLUE THE LAYERS TOGETHER.

SO.2.3. Draw a 1 foot grid on the base and top layers.

SO.2.3. Choose one spatial organization type from Part 1 of this exercise. Arrange 4 spatial modules on the context model using the spatial organization type that you have selected. Again, do not glue the model. You can use clear tape to hold the pieces together. Take 5-10 photographs of the model with a black background.

SO.2.4. Choose two more spatial organization types, and repeat the process above.

SO.2.5. Create a folder in your Google Drive folder called Spatial Organization Types. Include the specific spatial organization type in the file name (Central, radial, etc.). Upload the images to your Google Drive folder. 

Part 3:

In this part of the exercise you will be advancing and developing the organizational type. 

SO.3.1. Following a discussion of your studies from Part 2, choose an organizational type to develop. It is best to continue working without glue, but you may want to rebuild parts of your model as you go. Using a thicker board material for your modules may help. To keep the layers of your context model from moving, try using sewing pins or T-pins. This is a study model and so it is ok that it isn't perfectly precise. It is better to use working methods that allow you to be flexible. 

SO.3.2. Additional Constraints:

• You need to provide at least one stepped connection between the higher and lower parts of your context model. Each step riser should be 6 inches high and each step tread should be no smaller than 12" deep.
• With the exception of the stair risers all edges of planes should fall on the 1 foot grid. 
• You can add mass to your context model and you can carve into your context model, but you can not alter or build within 3 feet of the edge of your context model. 
• All spaces must be habitable with a minimum head height of 8 feet. It is ok to adjust your spatial modules if necessary or modify the base plane to meet this constraint.
• All planes must be parallel or perpendicular to the edges of the context model. No curves or rotated planes. 

SO.3.3. Additional Considerations: 

• What happens when the plan of one module aligns with the plane of the next? 
• What happens when the layers of your context model align with the horizontal layers of your modules?
• How can you use the context models to reinforce and help form space?
• How might a person walk through the spaces?
• How do you make beautiful space?

SO.3.4. Following a critique of your project, make adjustments. Photograph your model with a black background. Take plenty of images, and include at least one from directly above, one from each side similar to an elevation drawing, one from each corner. Create a folder called Design Development and upload your images to the folder. It is not necessary to rename the images.  

Assessment: Your work will be assessed on craftsmanship, adherence to the constraints, and the breadth of variation.

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