HIERARCHY OF SPACES

FIGURE 25: NURAGIC AND CONTEMPORARY MUSEUM BY ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS (NURAGIC AND CONTEMPORARY MUSEUM, 2006)

Hierarchy is the principle of arranging elements to show their order of importance (Visual Hierarchy) and establishing a relationship between the form and the spaces. The order of significance aids in highlighting the spaces and forming a connection between what the user sees and perceives.

When we design spaces, the order of the spaces can be determined according to the movement of the users through various spaces. This order aids in the form development which helps orient the user orient in the structure. The visual hierarchy influences the order in which the human eye perceives what it sees. When the visual hierarchy responds to the design intent, it has a greater impact on the experience of the user.

In order to guide the human eye to see spaces and structures in an order, a few techniques such as dominance and complexity of form are used. Complex objects often dominate the surrounding spaces as the human eye spends more time trying to analyze it. This can be seen in a lot of modern buildings designed by Zaha Hadid, Frank O. Gehry, etc. Dominating architectural elements draw attention by breaking the rhythm from the surrounding spaces or structures.

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture

Significant differences in size, shape and order of spaces creates a visual hierarchy in the functional, formal, and symbolic roles they play in the structure. This makes the architect’s design intent clear to the user. This can be achieved by:

Hierarchy by Size- An element can dominate a design by being different in size from the surrounding spaces. If it is larger than the other elements, we tend to look at it first as it dominates the design composition. Similarly, when an architectural element or form is significantly smaller than the surrounding structures, the users tend to focus on it. This dominance of the form due to its steep, vertical, or transparent size creates a visual hierarchy in the design programme.

FIGURE 26: IMAGE OF THE SWORD AS SEEN FROM THE ENTRANCE (IMAGE SOURCE-AUTHOR)

Hierarchy by Shape- When there is an irregularity in the geometry of an architectural form, it gains dominance over the surrounding spaces. However, the shape should respond to the function that it houses. The design and construction of the unique form becomes keeps the user engaged with the built form. The legislative assembly in Chandigarh designed by Le Corbusier consists of a square plan but the hierarchy of spaces is visible because of the use of a hyperbolic structure which consists of the assembly hall with a parametric roof. As it contains one of the most important functions of the structure, the space stands out for the user outside the structure as well. (Parmar)

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Hierarchy by placement- With a strategic location, the space can stand out and draw attention of the users. Their distance from the other objects, their orientation and axis can gain focus as compared to the surrounding spaces as they break the order. As we walk into an atrium, the vertical size of the space, makes the users pause and appreciate the size and change in scale of the space in comparison to the surrounding spaces. Some of the crucial locations to construct such unique forms are:

• At the end of a linear or axial design composition • At the center of a symmetrical or radial design • At an asymmetrical location or in the foreground of a composition. (Parmar)

The establishment of a hierarchy of spaces within a structure leads to an enhanced relationship with the built form. The users can engage with the flow of the spaces. Hierarchy of spaces within and structure and the form of the structures within a design composition thus play an important role in keeping the user engaged with the built form. It enhances the spatial quality of individual spaces as the users can appreciate the spaces in the form of a complete architectural experience.

FIGURE 27: LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, CHANDIGARH BY LE CORBUSIER

FIGURE 28: MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY, GERMANY

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APPRECIATION SPACES

FIGURE 29:- SPIRCE- AUTHOR A structure can be perceived and felt by the senses. These senses such as smell, touch, sounds, etc. which together create a complete experience for the user. Therefore, a user interacts with a building not just by the visual cues. The relationship between the built form and the user is built not just through a series of visual cues but also through the way it is approached and confronted. This further determines the movement of the user in and around the structure. Therefore, the approach and form of the building at various point around the site forms the perception of the structure.

Some of the primary characteristics of a structure that lures its users towards it is the overall form and the spaces and activities on the ground floor of the structure. The approach spaces and the appreciation areas give the user an opportunity to see, retain and interact with the form of the structure. In this process, the user experiences a series of spaces that lead into the structure. That flow of spaces into each other without Therefore, the placement and design of these appreciation spaces takes the user on a path of exploration and discovery.

When we walk, we tend to perceive the structure primarily through our sense of sight as it is one of the most dominating perceptions of the structure. When the user is intrigued with the structure, he is motivated to walk towards it. The sight of the structure acts as a reward, making the journey towards it even more meaningful.

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture

However, this journey may not be consciously felt by the person. It is thus the role of the architect to ensure that the structure is not just seen but felt as a part of a deeper meaning by encountering and confronting the built form through a series of spaces. These spaces follow an order which act as a build up towards the building.

When the spaces flow into each other, the user embarks on an active journey which takes him from the outside to the inside. The spaces should be replete with movement and pauses, offering opportunities to confront the structures at different scales. This helps the users connect with the architectural elements and build a connection with the structure.

The sequence of the spaces should be decided according to the movement of the human eye. With the visual hierarchy in mind, the structure and spaces should be revealed to the user in a process of concealment and revelation (Gupta). When the structure is viewed from different perspectives and visual axes, the user would be able to gauge the size and proportion of the structure. This understanding of the structure would give the user a sense of place and direction within the structure.

The distance between the structure and user plays an important part in the level of appreciation towards it. When the user is farther away from the building, he can see the overall design composition and placement of the structure. The users often compare the structure with the surrounding structures as it helps them to relate to the scale of the building. When the structure has a contrasting geometry or visual composition to the site context, it stands out and grabs the attention of the people. As one walks towards it, the intricacies of the structures such as the materials, voids, etc. become more evident.

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture

FIGURE 30: SOURCE- AUTHOR The distance between the structure and user plays an important part in the level of appreciation towards it. When the user is farther away from the building, he can see the overall design composition and placement of the structure. The users often compare the structure with the surrounding structures as it helps them to relate to the scale of the building. When the structure has a contrasting geometry or visual composition to the site context, it stands out and grabs the attention of the people. As one walks towards it, the intricacies of the structures such as the materials, voids, etc. become more evident.

Buffer zones are great spaces for individuals to reflect on the complexity of the structure and the spaces at the eye level. They offer pause points which can be used as reflecting or connecting areas. These spaces make the user subconsciously pause and interact with the surrounding users or the structure itself. When the seating or resting areas are placed at a distance less than 3m apart, the users get an opportunity to engage in a conversation and sit in a group. Seating at more than 3M disconnects the individuals from each other as they are unable to recognize the expressions and sounds of the other person.

The potential for movement is important as it determines two very important factors for the user- the ability to predict their movement to reach a space and perceive the spaces that they cannot reach instantly. This makes the users intrigued and thus set off on a journey of exploration and discovery.

Architects use visual barriers as a method of concealment to increase the curiosity towards the structure. Trees, walls with voids, transparent edges, etc. allow the user to some or the whole structure briefly. The buffer zones can be placed at places where the views of the structure can be framed.

We experience the physicality of spaces on a regular basis. This may or may not be consciously done. When we enter a low heighted space, we feel unsure whereas we feel liberated and free on a hill top. These physiological expressions of spaces are a reflection on the potential of movement against the surrounding spaces. (Space And Mass) The placement of spaces in modern architecture infuses mobility using variable architectural elements. The loss of thick walls reduces the sense of compression. Blurred edges and boundaries between spaces encourages free movement and opportunities for interaction between the user and the built form.

Complex objects often intrigue the users and make them walk around the structure to understand it from various angles. In order to guide the user to view the structure in an organized manner, directional spaces are employed. Architects use these spaces to ensure that the viewer passes through various experiences before entering the structure.

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture

Corresponding to the interaction between spaces, there should be a direct relation between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The structure should respond to the site context instead of existing in isolation. Depending on the form and composition of spaces, the structure can either become a piece of art or an amalgamation of solids and voids. We tend to humanize inert matter and thus make it relatable. The steps leading to the Sydney Opera House add grandeur to the structure. As the user walks up towards it, the ground floor spaces are revealed one step a time which adds to the magnificence of the iconic structure. Human attributes are projected onto the scale of the structure and the steps leading to it.

Thus, it is important to allow the users to experience the structure by moving around it and not from a single viewpoint. The user gets involved with the form and elements of the structure and the spaces within it. Making it even more interesting when he enters the structure.