Architecture, Unit 5

Activity 1, Video notes

A figure - positive space

A background - negative space

A figure and its background create a unity that can make or break a piece: a smaller figure surrounded by a background looks good, but if the figure is too large, they begin to compete for our attention.

Positive and negative space in union create architecture.

Negative space can come in shapes, too, according to how positive objects are placed.

Positive objects ("articles") can have two purposes:

1. Stand independently as forms in a field of space

2, Help to define the form of a spatial field

Activity 2, Notans,
#1 - symmetrical/geometric

#2 - asymmetrical/natural

Activity 2a, 3D Notan

Activity 4, Find an example!

Lotus Temple, India

Step 1:
The Lotus Temple in New Delhi, India, is the 'mother temple' (most important, largest temple) of the Baha'i religion on the Indian subcontinent. It was built in 1986 and is a major attraction to the city.
The architecture incorporates strong use of positive and negative space, by using overhanging shapes, to attempt to look like a Lotus flower. In this picture, the light-dark and inner-outer contrast is clearly visible.

Step 2:
Central Park, New York City, USA.
The tall buildings outlining the low, flat park create a rectangular shape that is very clear.

Final project! A gazebo in SketchUp!

Gazebo Model 2.0: