Space+&+Scale

Space
The most important thing at the moment of design is the creation of spaces. Space is basically formed by the relationship between an object and a human being who perceives it. This is the reason why the most important factor to take into account is the human unit; because in all kinds of space the human unit is the definer of spatial measurement (proportion) and it is important because people relate everything in their environment to themselves. Space, although primarily determined by sight, in the case of architecture, it is also affected by olfaction, audition and tactility. Technically speaking, interior architectural space is delimited by a floor, a wall and a ceiling. On the other hand, exterior architectural space is the one created by delimiting nature; it is a man-made environment with a purpose that is delimited only by a floor and a wall, making the choice of colors and textures in its design very important. The evolution of the space has 4 basic stages: define, determine, decide and refine; to finally consider the use and purpose of each space and design accordingly. There are two kinds of architectural space: the one whose vector focuses inward to a center, and the other whose vector diffuses outward form the center. The positivity of space (centripetal) indicates the existence of human intentions or of planning with regard to the space, the negativity of space (centrifugal) implies that the space is spontaneous and has no plan. While nature is a centrifugal space that extends to infinity and therefore considered negative space, exterior architectural space has a centripetal quality, creating a positive space inside a frame. The ability of an architect is judged by how effectively the available space is molded and structured. Interior space is delimited by a floor a wall and a ceiling. Exterior space is separated from nature by a frame, and it’s not nature itself. These spaces are determined by spatial definers such as walls, hedges, sidewalks, trees, flags, etc. Proportion and scale also affects definition of space. Space could be classified in positive and negative space. The first one indicates the existence of human intentions or of planning with regard to the space, and the second one implies that the space is spontaneous and has no plan. In Urban Planning is also very important to take in consideration spaces but in bigger scale.

**Urban space** is defined by surrounding surfaces: building façades, the pavement, and local nodes such as trees and street furniture. We define our living space by connecting to solid boundaries, visually and acoustically as well as through physical contact. Indoor space is almost totally enclosed by structures. Strictly speaking, outdoor space doesn't need buildings at all; only surrounding surfaces, nodes for sitting and standing, and paths. As a large portion of urban space is open to the sky, those small parts that are able to connect are crucial because they represent a fraction of the total subtended solid angle of our perceptual field.



1- Why is important think about space in urban planning? 2- Which are the different types of space? Explain each one 3- Complete the following sentences: a- The evolution of the space has 4 basic stages: define, .......................... and refine b- There are two kinds of architectural space: the one whose vector ........................ to a center, and the other whose vector .......................... form the center c- Space could be classified in .................................. space.
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Scale
** Scale ** refers to how we perceive the size of a building element or space relative to other forms; **is that quality which makes a building appears correct**. The most common expressions related to this word are human scale, inhuman scale, out of scale, automobile scale, etc. Each has different meanings, but the main idea is try to communicate the relative size of things. That’s the reason why instead of say “That house is three times big as it should be”, architects say “That house is out of scale”. We tend to use other elements of know-size in their context as measuring devices know as scale-giving elements who size and characteristics are familiar to us through experience and the human figure. In architecture we are concerned with 2 basic types of scale:

1. ** Generic scale ** : the size of a building element //relative to other forms in context//. And from this definition we can obtain 3 kinds of scale. ** Natural scale ** is the attempt to make a building express its actual dimensions. Natural scale is obviously to be sought in the ordinary workaday structures of the world. **Heroic scale** is the attempt to make a building appear as large as possible; this is not a falsification of scale. **Intimate scale** is the desire to make buildings or rooms appear smaller than their actual size; it is seldom desirable and is difficult to achieve.

2. ** Human scale: ** the size of a building or space //relative to the dimensions and proportions to the human body//. And from this definition we can obtain 3 kinds of scale. **Physical scale**, which is measurable, and helps to know the right size of things in a physical way. **Associative scale**, which is determined by precedent, this type of scale is just real and measurable for the sense; eyes and memory do the measuring. **Effectual scale**, it refers to the way we feel inside a space, such as rooms, buildings or open spaces; this scale depends on the person that experiences the scale and the circumstances of the moment, for this reason effectual scale is psychological. From this type of scale, we can obtain three kinds of scale impressions: natural, heroic and intimate scale. The first principle in achieving this important quality is that scale is produced by introducing into the design some unit which acts as a visual measuring rod and the size of which the human being appreciates easily, naturally and instinctive. The second great principle of scale is the elements in a building which have the closest and most direct touch with the activities and bodily functions of a human being are the most powerful elements in giving scale to that building//. Scale is essentially a quality which relates buildings to human beings.//

1-Why the scale should be considered when we make a design? 2- How many types of scale are there? Explain each one 3- Find 3 expressions related with the word "scale". Explain what they mean
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