Space

Articulation
and
Territoriality

SPACE ARTICULATION
It is a method of styling the joints in the formal
elements of architectural design. Through degrees of
articulation, each part is united with the whole work by
means of a joint in such a way that the joined parts are put
together in styles ranging from exceptionally distinct
jointing the opposite of high articulation-fluidity and
continuity of joining.
In highly articulated works, each part is defined precisely
and stands out clearly. The articulation of a building reveals
how the parts fit into the whole by emphasizing each part
separately.

horizontal elements

DEFINING
SPACE

Base Plane
Elevated Base
Plane
Depressed Base
Plane
Overhead Plane

BASE
PLANE

A horizontal plane laying as a figure

on a contrasting background defines
a simple field of space.

For a horizontal plane to be seen as a figure, there

must be a perceptible change in color, tone, or
texture between its surface and that of the
surrounding area.

ELEVATED BASE
PLANE
A horizontal plane elevated above the
ground plane establishes vertical
surfaces along its edges that reinforce
the visual separation between its field
and the surrounding ground.

Here are some of the examples of elevated base plane:

Elevating a proportion of the base

plane creates a specific domain within
a larger spatial context.

The degree which spatial and visual continuity is

maintained between an elevated space and its
surroundings depends on the scale of the level of
change.

The degree which spatial and visual continuity is

maintained between an elevated space and its
surroundings depends on the scale of the level of
change.

THE FORBIDDEN CITY China

DEPRESSED
BASE PLANE

A horizontal plane depressed into

the ground plane utilizes the
vertical surfaces of the lowered
area to define a volume of space.

Lowering a portion of the base isolates

field of space from a larger context.

The depressed field can be

an interruption of the floor
plane and remain an
integral part ofthe
surrounding area.
Increasing the depression
depth weakens itsvisual
relationship with the
surrounding space and
strengthens its definition as
a distinct volume of space.

Once the original base

plane is above our eye
level, the depressed field
become a separate and
distinct room itself.

Creating astepped, terraced

orramped transition from one levelto
the next helps promote continuity
between a sunken space and the area
that rises around it.

Extroverted = the act

ofstepping up to an
elevated space;
implying significance of
place

Introverted = lowering of a space below its surrounding;

protective/ sheltering qualities.

Example of depressed base

plane:

A sunken courtyard, while protected from

surface-level win and noise by themass
surrounding it, remains a source ofair,
light, andviews for the underground
spaces opening onto it.

The ground plane can be lowered to define

sheltered outdoor spaces for underground buildings.

Example of overhead plane:

OVERHEAD
PLANE

A horizontal plane located

overhead definesa volume of
space between itselfand the
ground plane

An overhead plane defines a field of space between

itself and the ground plane. The edges ofthe
overhead plane establish the boundaries of this
field, its shape, size and height above the ground
plane determines the formal qualities ofthe space.

An overhead plane has the ability to define a

discrete volume of space virtually by itself.

Visually reinforcing theboundaries ofthe defined

volume of space of an overhead plane.

STEEL JOIST

WOOD TRUSS

MASONRY VAULT

The major overhead

element of a building is its
roof plane, not only
sheltering interior spaces
but has a major impact on
the overall form ofa
building and the shaping of
its spaces.

The ceiling plane ofan interior space can reflect the form
ofthe structural system supporting the overhead floor or
roof plane. Since it need not resist any weathering forces
nor carry any major loads, the ceiling plane can also be
detached from the flooror roofplane and becomes a
visually active elementin space.

The ceiling can be manipulated to define and articulate zones

ofspace within a room. It can be lowered or elevated to
alterthe scale ofa place, define a path ofmovement through
it orallow natural light to enter it from the above.

The form, colour, texture and pattern of the

ceiling can be manipulated as well to improve the
quality of light and sound within a space or give a
directional quality or orientation.

TERRITORIALITY

In highly articulated works, each part is defined

precisely and stands out clearly. The articulation of a
building reveals how the parts fit into the whole by
emphasizing each part separately

Territoriality provides the frame in which things are

done, places to learn, places to play. Safe places to hide,
-basic to territoriality is a sharp sense of the limits that mark
the distance to be maintained between individuals.
Territory is something which is relevant to the individual,
to the MICRO-group such as inhabitants of the same floor of
a block of flats, through various social groupings to the
MACRO-group of the town and City. In times of conflict,
territorial instincts are inflated to include whole groups of
nations.