Lecture 2 slides of elements of spacemaking

Door : Application
Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri was built to commemorate the birth of Akbar’s son
and heir Jehangir. Buland Darwaza marks the entry point of the
complex. The gigantic size appropriately reciprocates to the space it
engulf within, the scale of complex and status of emperor who built
it. Spiked gateways were used to defense purposes with details
reinforcing the strength and solidity.

Door : Application
Gopuram, Madurai :
Meenakshi – temple complex at Madurai was built by the Chola
dynasty. It has eleven gopurams, literally meaning gateways,
surrounding the campus along concentric entry points which lead
into an inextricable labyrinth of courtyards, galleries and hypostyle
halls. Embellished with numerous images of the deities they tower
above the town, as heralding the onset of the religious realm even
as one enters the city.

Door : Applications
Assembly building, Chandigarh
Assembly building built by Le Corbusier has a façade essentially
comprising a parasol-like shelter. The elevation of the main axis is
monumented, framed structure, third and fourth bays open right
through as a mammoth door into the bowels of the structure. The
door frames within the façade plane enhance the scale of structure
along the horizontal axis and conveying the magnanimity of
institution it is a part of.

Doors : Applications
Haveli, Ahmedabad
Pols, typical residential precincts of urban centres in Gujarat. Some
houses within these, belonging to the upper classes, have an
elaborate scale and are referred to as haveli. Normally the clusters
are formed with immediate family having dwellings clustered
together around a court. The haveli encompasses doorways in a
hierarchy, starting from the gate (pol) to the cluster gate (Khadki),
the house door and the internal door to subspaces.
Door here play vital role in defining the hierarchy of zones and often
have intricately carved details to enhance the importance of the
entrance.

Door : Design considerations
 The efficiency of a space to a great extent depends upon the
position of the door. Movement patterns within the room are directly
related to the location of the door, as door become the point of
access and exit.
 Placing two sets of doors more or less along the same side defines
a clear movement zone and leaves most of the room undisturbed by
the movement.
 Door mark threshold for interface zones and thus, condition the
mind.
 Door is a link as well as a separator and needs to be designed for
the entry as well as exit sequences appropriately.
 Doors of the same kind can be emphasized individually by way of
additional openings of the sides or above, changing the scale and
giving it prominence.
 Very large doors can use their multiple shutters combination and
composition effectively to express nature and frequency of use. For
example door within a door, or wider versus narrower shutter leaf
etc. Transparency or opacity of shutters also help signify door’s
function and space beyond.

Window : Definition
Window to buildings, are as eyes to the face. They are the visual
links between the inside and the outside world. Windows by
controlling light and ventilation, makes it habitable.
Window derives from the old Norse word, ‘vindagua’ meaning eye
for wind.
The sanskrit equivalent of window is the term ‘vaatayana’ where
‘vata’ means wind, ‘aayan’ means to come.

Window : Anatomy
Perforation : In situation where privacy, harsh sunlight and
ventilation are primary concerns there a window takes the form of
perforated screens. Also, this devices make effective use of
Venturi effect. As air passes through the small apertures, it is
cooled due to deferential pressure.
Casement : Most commonly found typology of window, this is the
regular planar opening puncturing a flat wall to generate through
connection with adjustable shutters for light, air and visual
communication.

Window : Anatomy
Bay : A projected alcove in the wall, creating a subspace of its
own, this thrusts outwards, with openings on the three sides
allowing for interaction with the exterior.
Dormer : Essentially invented as device to make use of the
volume lost due to the pitched roof. An intersection of two
prismatic solids the vertical face has an opening which functions
as a ventilator.

Window : Evolution
Caves the primitive dwelling form had apertures carved out of living
rocks to allow illumination and ventilation into the dark interiors of
the caves. Windows in the form of punctures came about with
masonry construction systems and can be found depicted in the
early wall paintings of Egypt, Assyria and Crete.

Window : Evolution
Greek urban houses, introverted in nature, did away with the
windows, and the court became a window to sky. The Dark Ages
and medieval period articulated the window essentially for defense
as well as attack by its higher placement, smaller size and
positioning. Roman invention of arch, with different technology and
increase spanning capabilities changed considerably the scale and
character of window. A complete reversal of its manifestation took
place during the gothic period. The Rose window, circular in form
with geometric floral patterns and stained glasses, became typical in
Gothic cathedrals. Renaissance period conformed to classical
proportions. They were divided by a single mullion across and
decorated with architraves, cornices and pediments.

Window : Evolution
During early twentieth century, window became austere and
universal in expression. The use of reinforced concrete in structure,
allowed for larger opening spans. Introduction of thinner steel
sections and glass in windows created large and thin planes of
fenestration, almost becoming transparent enclosure.
Skyscrapers of twentieth century relied largely on such vocabulary
of the curtain wall while articulating the façade. The element now
instead of appearing as an opening into solid wall face now appears
as a continuous skin of transparency with the supports within.

Window : Evolution
Indian context : Horseshoe-shaped windows known as Chaitya
windows carved out of solid mass in rock cut architecture. Arch
developed during Indo-Saracenic phase and pointed arch became
conspicuous in Islamic phase. Jali-stone lattice was characteristic
element of this phase. Multipointed Mayur arch was elaborately
used in Rajput Architecture. Jharokha-projecting balcony with
screened windows all around was iconic of Indian architecture.
During colonial phase large windows were widely seen. Tripartite
window became unique characteristic of vernacular architecture.
Eventually with modernism, Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and other
masters a new meaning were brought to window.

Window : Attributes
Transparency and porosity : Aperture for light
Walls are often solid and opaque. Windows are adjustable
apertures, while confirming to the boundaries set up by the walls,
illuminate the interiors with natural light from the sun, without losing
out on the notion of enclosure of security.

Window : Attributes
Passage for air :
Openings in the wall also allow diffusion for fresh air into the room.
The ionized draft of air not only replenishes the stale air with fresh,
but also evaporates humidity lowering the temperature and thus
increasing comfort level indoors. In warm, humid conditions
movement along with shade, form the primary determinants of
habitability of buildings. Location of windows according to the
principles of aerodynamics and with the knowledge of the wind
directions determines the wind flow in a room.

Window : Spatial roles
Window as communication link :
Windows, as openings in the wall, owing to their transparency, form
the visual interface with the interior communicating with the
outdoors. Window could govern either one-way or two-way
communication. The privacy of the interiors is maintained while
allowing a view outwards.

Window as scaling element :
As punctures in the contiguous surface, windows become visual
reference. They break the surface continuity and sub-scale the
mass. The visual orders of the external skin is often derived more
through windows and in some of the cases the window therefore is
designed according to the scale of the façade so as to compose it
more than the internal requirement.

Window as façade modulator :
From exterior, the primary elements constituting a building façade
are the roof and the wall. Windows, as elements which adorn the
wall, play a significant role in its modulation. Depending on size,
form, number, placement and articulation, windows alter the
perception of a building.

Window as image-maker :
As an external element and nearly mandatory for every building, the
window often becomes a key element in the visual imagery of any
building.
Windows frame views and also get framed within the façade
surface. Often buildings get recognized and identified through the
image portrayed by these characteristic windows.
The image is not only conveyed through their visual characteristics
but also by their proportions.

Window : Application
Bohra House, Siddhpur
The Dawoodi Bohras came into existence in around A.D. 1047.
Their houses are grouped together so as to form their own domain.
In dwellings, the sense of privacy is extremely high and therefore
windows as connectors to the exterior are more sensitively
modulated. Openings grafted on the Gothic style. Shapes vary from
floor to floor, changing from square headed at lower levels to
segmental, semi circular and pointed at upper floors.
Within the voids, openings were often further divided into tripartite
shutters.
The lower ones from floor to parapet level often as louvered
shutters, offer visual communication while in seated posture from
the floor. They also maintain privacy by keeping the communication
one way. The middle ones are in opaque surfaces which are opened
and closed as per the climate and user’s choice of communication
with the outdoors. Top one is stained glass ventilator allowing for
light and air even if the rest of the window is shut for privacy
reasons. They also prove to be an aesthetic component modulating
façade as well as offering imageability and identity of the owners.

Window : Applications
Ar. Le corbusier designed the Shodhan house. The building is
conceived as a box with a parasol defining the roof and the internal
massing forming voids below it. On the south-western façade there
are the sun-breakers which open up façade where required and on
the north eastern façade there are small punctures which have
coloured glass and jambs splay out internally to form a graphic
composition. With the concrete mass, the openings from a relief.
Transparency and porosity are highlighted while modulating the
façade.

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad :
Ar. Louis I. Kahn designed I.I.M. Academic complex follows strong
geometry and is surrounded on two sides by the student hostel and
faculty housing in variety of courts and squares. The complex is a
textbook on the variety of arches and makes use of these, in poetic
manner, to generates voids for windows and other apertures for a
variety of uses. The deep recesses and openings are varied devices
to control the natural light, permit ventilation and modulation of built
mass. Ordinary construction materials such as brick and concrete, in
this built space, have a very special meaning in the form of three
dimensional flying arches and buttresses.

Newar Window, Nepal :
Newar architecture was founded by ethnic group of Tibeto-Burmese
in the valley of Kathmandu during the mid-18th century. In Such built
forms, the higher standards of craftsmanship and decoration are
more apparent than the exuberance of form and detail. Openings, as
windows, form an axial arrangement on the façade with modular
design patterns and define the verticality or horizontality of façade.
The ground floor windows are small opening of hardly any functional
use other than to complete the façade and attribute an aesthetic
element to it. First floor windows internally have a higher sill; mainly
functioning to permit light as the floor is used for storage gains.
Second floor windows are operable and reach out as extensions
leaning out. This is defined as projecting balconies.
Window frames itself, as a picture frame, upon the façade with
intricate carving.
Structural technique used comprises two frames, the primary frame-
sill, lintel and jamb and the secondary frame-toranas. A band of
moulding communicates the character of the window with motifs like
snakes, dragons etc., which are referred as guards of the entry
node. It also defines edge between the inner and outer world.

Window : Design considerations
 As the window is a connection between internal and external
realms, there has to be a proper understanding of the requirement
from inside to the situation outside. Thus, if ‘view’ is a criterion, then
the window needs to be placed and proportioned in a position
affording maximum exposure of the external spaces to the inside. If
visual communication is a criterion, it can be achieved by placing the
window along the movement route or overlooking an active zone. If
privacy is an added consideration to this, then screen walls can be
adopted to provide one-way communication to the spaces within.
Easy view and communication necessitate a low sill especially since
in some cultures most of the seating is on the floor. Low sill also
expands the cone of vision to include more of the outdoor areas in
the visual frame. Window at upper floors of the habitable space can
also afford to maximize view by lowering the sill, without affecting
the privacy within.

 Windows generate ‘place’ by forming an alcove or a bay. Often at
the ground level, if view is required in busy street, privacy within the
space is at risk. This conflict can be resolved by raising the plinth
and getting the sill above the eye level outside, while retaining the
windowsill level within.
The window inlets for cool breeze should be placed lower, while the
outlet windows must be placed higher, as hot air being lighter rises
up. For further penetration of the natural light within the interior
spaces and to diffuse glare, it is effective to introduce horizontal
louvers in upper part of windows, which provide maximum
penetrability through internal reflection. For effective flow of air is
preferred that windows are positioned in opposite planes.
Windows having all three functions as of providing light, view and
ventilation can be treated as tripartite element.
The requirement of conditional usage divides the fenestration into
separate operable shutters for appropriate reasons respectively.

 Upper most part, placed above the eye level as opaque louvers, is
for passage of low intensity light and change of air. The middle part
is largely for view and breeze. Lowermost part is primarily assigned
for breeze and extension of internal space outwards, but it also
helps visual proportioning of mass from outside and modulates
façade. It also provides view and ventilation while in sitting/sleeping
postures on the floor.
 To prevent glare around opening, or conversely, to enhance the
spread of light within, the splaying of jambs could be done at 50 to
60 degrees, and upto the depth of 30 cm.
 Spatially, it is advisable to have the amount of openings in a room
such that they resolve the subtle conflict created by the opening as
exposure versus the sense of enclosure offered by the built mass.

Stair : Definition
 Stairs are vertical circulation elements, used to effect movement
between two horizontal planes at different levels. Stairs make easy
the transition of large vertical distances, by breaking it up into a
series of smaller vertical pieces of humanly negotiable size over a
specific horizontal spread.
The origin of the term lies in the Old English or Old German word
‘stigan’ meaning ‘to rise’.
Sanskrit counter part of step is ‘padasath’.

Stair : Anatomy
Typological variations :
Straight flight, Dog leg stair, Spiral, Helical, Ladder, Ramp,
Escalator, Elevator.

Stair : Evolution
Primitive man elevated his dwellings for protection from the wild
animals. He created houses upon the branches of the trees. In order
to make his ascent and descent easy he used the vines for
leverage.
Over time, ropes were made with knots to serve as foot holds. Some
times notches were cut into the bark of the tree and these were used
for leg grips.
Wooden ladder was devised. Rudimentary building technology
in the early days required the steps of the stairs to be supported
from the ground as a built-up mass, making the stairs seem like the
floor modulating vertically. Stairs also define semi-built spaces in
amphitheatres and stadia, wherein alterations in the vertical
modules of risers adapt themselves for seating. Greek and Romans
have extensively used this aspect of stairs in their monumental and
public architecture.

Stair : Evolution
Stairs were confined to the walls, which not only supported the steps
but also demarcated a room dedicated to the act of going up or
down within the building envelope. With densification and
urbanization, buildings of more than one storey became common
and hence staircases became an integral part of building.
Internal staircase gained importance for protection from the weather
initially, internal staircases were considered only as service
elements. Enclosed in masonry with poor light quality, these
staircases broke the ‘roofline’ in towers often to gain access to the
terrace, with changes in building technology during the Gothic
period, staircase became lighter and better lit. They also began to
assume an identity of their own.

Stair : Evolutions
The renaissance period saw the glorification of the stair. The internal
stair, exquisitely embellished, became the primary feature of the
layout. Stairs then began being resolved as a sculptural element.
Balustrade became the most decorated element. Different materials
were used for their construction, from seasoned timber to fine
marble and techniques specific to them were refined and exacted.

Stair : Evolution
With industrial revolution, wrought and cast iron were used in
decorative ways, continuing and developing treatment of the
Baroque and Rococo periods during Arts and Crafts as well as Art
Nouveau movements.
Modern movement with its rejection of applied decoration,
ornamentation and glorification of materials and technology,
emphasized sleekness of appearance and lightness in construction.
With introduction of reinforced concrete and the framed structure,
the staircase integrated structurally with the frame.
Speed and comfort of vertical movement resulted in development of
elevators and escalators, basically as functional substitutes to stairs.

Stair : Attributes
Movement in volume :
Movement in horizontal plane requires least physiological effort as
opposed to movement in the vertical plane, which requires
maximum effort.
But vertical displacement is mandatory in certain natural conditions
like changes in terrain or man-made situations of different floor
levels in built environment.
Stair becomes a negotiation of the vertical displacement as its
oblique component ensures the breakup of the height over particular
horizontal distance. It is thus manageable in smaller units dictated
by standardized human anthropometric studies, specifically size of
foot, comfortable angle of inclination, size of step etc.
There are tow major components in the stair, the tread (horizontal)
and the riser (vertical).

Stair : Spatial roles
Step as pedestal :
Step as an element to negotiate plinth becomes most obvious
feature of the building. This is often pronounced in the façade as an
invitation to access buildings. A series of steps negotiates the plinth,
a pedestal upon which the building rests, to reach up to the building
from the base.

Step as seat :
Stairs consist of comfortable negotiable small platforms of ascent.
These platforms if modulated accordingly also can double up as
seating since they recreate ambience of a theatre on a smaller
scale. Depending on the arrangement of the stair, groups or
individuals can sit, together or in isolation. Wider stars allow both
function simultaneously.

Step as threshold :
As buildings are raised on the plinth, steps form a natural link to
negotiate these level differences. This provides the first most
important transition from outdoors to within, from unbuilt to built,
from horizontal to vertical. Thus steps become a threshold for both
linking as well as dissociating two realms.

Stairs as movement guide :
The stair is a physical link between two levels, Its placement always
determined with respect to the movement path. This junctional
position upon the movement path gives a special reference value to
stair. Location of stair by itself becomes visual as well as physical
pause point to attract movement towards it and space within which it
is located.

Stairs as physical link :
Stair has evolved, but essentially still retains its primitive function of
translocation from one horizontal plane to another at a different
level. It physically connects two different planes and serves as the
means to link the. In this process of connecting, the location and
arrangement of the stair also disciplines and directs movement. In
multistoried buildings, stair acts as the primary circulation link
between various floors.

Stair as aesthetic element :
Stairs as well as elevators due to their basic obligation of connecting
various levels, remain essential ingredients of space. Being visually
and physically evident and realizing inevitability of its presence, this
element has often been aesthetically integrated into the building
through the continuity of stylizations. Changes in rhythm through
landings and assembly of a number of sub-elements like steps,
railings, balustrade etc. creating dynamic architectural space.

Stair as space modulator :
Diagonal stretch across the volume and its influence upon the
horizontal as well as vertical perspectives can be exploited for
enhancing or delineating subspaces. A compact stair designed as a
shaft can command surrounding space radially. Vertically linear
flight as a barrier can divide the space into two. A stair with floating
treads allows visual continuity but cuts of physically axial movement.

Stair as display and storage :
Vertical surfaces adjacent to floors are generally useful to storage.
Volume below treads can be exploited as display or storage
depending upon its position. Similarly, steps as elevated platforms
are successful display systems due to their consecutively raised
levels and corresponding sight lines.

Stair : Sptial Roles
Stair As ventilation shaft :
Stair cuts across multiple levels of volume. As a result it becomes
link volumetrically connecting space. This aspect creates vertical
shaft penetrating entire vertical dimension within volume all the way
from ground floor to roof. This provides an excellent opportunity to
take in or exhaust light and ventilation through this aperture and
relieve the individual floors of static nature.

Stair : Sptial Roles
Stairs as device/instrument :
Instruments developed to study astronomy mostly make use of the
sun and its positions with respect to the earth. Forms developed for
such studies defy all principles of space planning, as the intent is
different.
One of the first attempts in this regard was to create a gadget to
reach the sky-at tower of Babel, Jaising created number of scientific
installations in Delhi, Jaipur, Banaras to calculate time & measure
position of Sun.

Stair : Application
Sun temple, Modhera.
Sun temple at Modhera in Gujarat, built by Bhima I of solanki
dynasty, is an example of typical architectural composition being
transformed by the element of steps. Sun temple made unique due
to the presence of the stepped kund, the first of tripartite
organization of the overall scheme. Kund is best example of
subterranean architecture of steps with linear and cross linked
platforms, levels and shrines that continuously weave movement
through the volume within. Physical, graphic and spatial roles
getting overlaid with spiritual and metaphorical allusions. Kund
exemplifies the potential of stairs as an altar to the divine.

Stair : Application
Rudabai stepwell, Adalaj
Rudabai, wife of Hindu Rajput king Vikramsinh Vaghela built the
step well five storied structure braced with cross beams all along
its length to retain earth. The only visible clue above the ground
is the pair of large outcrops flanking a small flight of steps up a
plinth. Steps descending to a square platform provide a pause in
between involving a shift in the visual axis. A linear symmetrical
organization of element along horizontal axis at each of the
intermediate levels due to the stone crossbeams, the visual
references continuously and radically change due to inclined
downward movement at every step.
Each step reveals only the next while the subsequent flights of
steps and water are concealed from the cone of vision by
platforms.

Stair : Application
Mill-owner’s association, Ahmedabad.
Designed by Le corbusier in India. Emphasizing perception while in
movement, its organization depends heavily on the vertical
movement elements to serve as anchors of the overall composition.
Primary components framed in façade are stair mass and the long
ramp, both formal, which project from built-mass. Ramp takes over
the movement due to the proximity and subtly leads one upto the
first floor overruling the role of ground floor in building. Stair mass
then becomes ever present connector to the other floors where the
height of the solid railing restricts external vision and guides release
only within the building and beyond towards river. This height of
railing is also a resultant of compositional massing required by
façade. Another smaller stair on upper floor is totally free flowing
and informal.

Stair : Santose House
Ar. Adele Santos designed this residence for herself at
Pennsylvania. The entire living space on upper floor revolves
around a central staircase element, which becomes the main spatial
element of house due to the variety of functions attributed to it. The
stepped platform is created in such a way that the south light filtering
from above is reflected through entire building. Stair mass screens
the private spaces behind providing storage within. Accompaniment
of wider level aided in the display of artifacts while stair itself
doubled as an amphitheatre for screening shows. Thus stair here
not only become a circulatory element linking both the floors, but
also performs several functions, becoming an active participant
within the house.

Stair : Design Consideration
 Basic criteria for designing stairs within space are :
Placement within space.
Width of flight based upon user density
Number, size and shape of steps according to anthropometrics.
Aspect ratio of tread and risers.
Thumb rule of steps in stair is,
twice the riser plus going (tread clearance) should be equal to 60
cms. (2R+G=60cm)
 Every stair governs flow of movement. A natural flow torque is
established by successive turns of the stair.
 Some manipulations of steps by way of flaring the few bottom steps
with open window or light railing and wide treads help people
coming down the stair become part of the action in space.
 Stairs can effectively duplicate as seats
 External open stairs act as extension of public realm from street end
and transition space from private realm.

Stair : Design consideration
 Landings are spatial as well as visual pause points. Such pause
platforms should therefore occur in a way that effectively exploit
orientation. A landing is mandatory approximately once every two
meters of climb to prevent excessive fatigue.
 Every stair occupies a volume that is atleast more than one storey.
The vertical shaft of space can effectively double up as a shaft for
natural light and ventilation as well as volume of visual and physical
communication.
 Being the key to movement, a stair should be in visual rapport with
entrance. It must be placed in a portion that forms a kind of axis that
people can clearly and logically comprehend.
 Stair is only node of building, where transition between levels occurs
naturally. Hence, placement of stair should be such that the stair is
either made open to room below it, or embracing the room near
perimeter forming a visually contiguous and socially connected
space.

Roof : Definition
Basically roof signifies a shelter, denoting space and implying
volume. The roof has been reffered to as ceiling in middle english
terms such as celynge/siling, derived its root from latin ‘caelum’ as
heaven. The term ‘hrof’, in old english or dutch ‘roef’ means ‘cabin’.

Roof : Anatomy
Typological Variations :
Flat roof : Slab
Inclined roof : Hipped, Doubly lean-to Lean-to
Curved roof : Hyperbolic, Parabolic, Dome, Vault
Folded plate : corrugated sheets
Membrane : Pneumatic, shell, tensile
Space frame : square, hexagonal

Roof : Evolution
Since time when the surface of the earth was thought to be flat slab
resting on back of giant tortoise and floating in a sea of water, the
sky was looked upon as a finite solid canopy, Stars were fixed, and
sun and moon traversed across it.
constructive attempts started primarily with the concern of protecting
and preserving one self from wild beasts, savages and wilderness,
as well as sheltering from adverse conditions of climate and
surrounding environment.
Material properties and climate conditions have determined to an
extent the roof form itself. Spanning techniques, through
developments overcoming restrains, have determined, primarily,
evolution of roof form. Early examples show the roof conceived as a
solid mass. Spanning capability through corbels and lintels. Later,
same material was used. More efficiently in arches, vaults and
domes. This change in technique is also seen in translation of large
wooden beams to trusses. Roof thus transformed from weighted
overhead mass to thinner plane. With change in material,
technology guided expression of roof-from steel truss to shell, space
frame, geodesic dome, tensile and structures pneumatic with no
intermedia to support required even for covering stadium.

Roof : Evolution
Churches and mosques :
Development of roof-especially seen in the sacred and public
buildings. The evolution of the church form shows attempt at
lightening support members bringing in natural light and increasing
open spans in space. The evolution of domes in mosques is also
gradual transition from the corbelled structure in compression to
omni farious surface structures in tension.
Temples :
In subcontinent also, just as in classical Europe, the association of
roof to sky was evident. Not only did external envelope of roof allude
to sky will allegories, inscriptions and embellishments but so did the
ceilings, animating the annotating the experience through allusions
and celestial and mythological anecdotes.

Roof : Attributes
Overhead plane :
Most fundamental notion associated with an overhead plane is as a
shelter, denoted as roof. The aspects of planarity hovering,
sheltering and enclosing are built into it. An umbrella or the
shamiyana are thus the most basic manifestations that signify
shelter and space.
Shelter :
Primary necessity of the enclosure has been to provide shelter and
safety to man. This takes on defensive and protective connotations-
defense against attack from beasts and rivals, shelter against
elements of nature. The early caves provided both. But with built
architecture, the role as defending agent against attacks was
transferred to walls, while the roof took on the responsibility of
providing shelter from sun, rain etc. Necessity of shelter being both
physical and psychological, giving rise to perception of private,
protected spaces as opposed to public open spaces.

Roof : Spatial roles
Roof as spatial enclosure :
Roof canopy or ceiling provides an enclosing surface, which defines
and limits interior space. The planar co-ordinates indicate the
expanse and stretch of enclosure while its relative position in space,
especially its height, its volume.
Roof as modulator of volume :
Plastic qualities of roof form determines the three-dimensional
habitable volume contained below. Modulation of this roof profile
and height affords possibility of getting diversity of such trapped
volumes both in size and shapes, which induces scale and
character in the space. Modulations in the ceiling volume also help
generate subspaces within a larger contiguous space.

Roof : Spatial roles
Roof as image maker :
Roof being topmost part of edifice, forms, the crown, the most
conspicuous elements in skyline of a city and easily recognizable
from afar. Outer form of the roof begins to lend structure its identity,
creating distinct images.
Roof as encoder of symbols :
Being detached from ground and notionally unreachable
inaccessible and nearer to sky. In addition to outer form, the relief,
stucco, frescoes, mosaics and other decorations as well as artistic
statements find place on the roof as well as ceiling. This elevates
the perception of the roof from physical to another dimension of
semiotics.

Roof : Application
Bahai Temple, New Delhi
Bahai house of worship was built by Ar. Fariburg Sahba in New
Delhi. Building complex comprises a ground structure, as a large
covered hall for assembly, in form of a lotus. Lotus flower is made
up of three orders of petals. Form of lotus flower is conceived and
interpreted, using definite geometric solids, such as cylinders,
spheres or cones. Two orders of petals called ‘entrance leaves’ and
‘outer leaves’, the inside and outside, generates lines of thin walled
elements. The lotus flower petals are finished in white to create a
dazzling outline.

Roof : Application
Assembly building, Chandigarh.
Assembly building was built by Ar. Le Corbusier in Chandigarh.
Main assembly hall within this building is enclosed within hyperbolic
shell, inspired by the form of industrial cooling towers. The top of
shell is terminated in oblique section, which receives a metallic
frame work. This works in multiplicity for the interplay of natural
light, artificial light, ventilation and acoustics. Other sculptural
embellishments on the roof manifest various impressions of the
architect to create interesting silhouettes.

Roof : Application
Shodhan House, Ahmedabad
Sodhan house was built by Ar. Le Corbusier in Ahmedabad. Plan
reveals structural simplicity under a floating roof parasol. This roof
along with various terraces, forms a cascade and resembles a
hollowed-out cube. It raises above and shelters the whole raw-
concrete structure beneath. Thus the roof characterizes the built-
form and becomes an image maker.

Roof : Application
Brihadeshwara temple, Tanjavur
This temple, built in eleventh century, is some 15 storeys (66
metres) and based on a square plan. The garbhagriha, with the linga
shrine at its centre, has only one exit but surrounding pavilions
adorn the floor levels externally and niches surround the slightly
stilted ribbed dome at peak of pyramid.
Shikhara over the garbhagriha presents itself as distant landmark
amongst the axially composed structure. The shikhara symbolises
the axis mundi, provides a vertical dimension to the temple and
simultaneously becomes predominant entity here.

Roof : Design Consideration
 The roof (outer skin) and the ceiling (inner face) are two potentially
different aspects. Ceiling determines the perceptible volume and
scale within, while roof imparts first visual clue & identity externally.
 The roof (outer skin) where being the most visible element from
distance, its form profile and scale become critical in its
comprehension.
 Roof must be visible and contiguous over space. The feeling of
shelter becomes from the fact that the roof surrounds people at the
same time as it covers them.
 Vary ceiling heights in order to create subspaces and to feel the
relative intimacy of different spaces. The ceiling height in rooms is
largely related to the number of people using the spaces.
 Slopes of the roof or vault of entire surface should be made visible
by bringing the eaves of the roof down where people pause.
 The profile and expanse of the roof/ ceiling profile offer directionality
and pull/push correspondingly.

Lecture 2 slides of elements of spacemaking

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Lecture 2 slides of elements of spacemaking