4.4Clustered Organization
A clustered organization relies on physical proximity to relate its spaces one another. It often consists of repetition, cellular spaces that have similar functions and share a common visual trait such as shape or orientation.
A clustered organization can also accept within its composition spaces that are dissimilar in size, form and function, but related to one another by proximity or an ordering device such as symmetry or axis.
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4.5 Grid Organization
A grid organization consists of forms and spaces whose positions in space and relationship with one another are regulated by a three-dimensional grid pattern or field.
The grid, create by two, usually perpendicular sets of parallel lines, establish a regular pattern of points at their intersections. Projected into the third dimension, the grid pattern is transformed into a set of repetitive, modular unit of space, within which spaces can occur as isolated events or as repetitions of the grid module.
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To accommodate the specific dimensional requirements of its spaces, a grid can be made irregular in one or two directions, be interrupted to define a major space or accommodate a natural feature of its site, or be dislocated and rotated about a point in the basic pattern.
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Chapter 7: Principles
7.1 Axis
The axis is a line established by two points in space, about which forms and spaces can be arranged in a regular or irregular manner.
Because an axis is essentially a linear condition, it has qualities of length and direction, and induces movement and promotes views along its path.
The notion of an axis can be reinforced by defining edges along its length. These edges can be simply lines on the ground plane, or vertical planes that define a linear space coincident with the axis.
For its definition, an axis must be terminated at both of its ends by a significant form or space. The terminating elements of an axis serve to both send and receive visual thrust.
Three culminating elements can be:
1. Point in space established by vertical, linear elements or centralized building forms.
2. Vertical planes, such as a symmetrical building façade or front, proceeded by a fore count or similar open space.
3. Well-defined spaces, generally centralized or regular in form
An axis can also be implied simply by a symmetrical arrangement of forms and spaces
Axes can service changes in topography and asymmetries in building composition
Multiple axes can establish a network of relationship in an asymmetrical organization of forms and spaces.
While an axial condition can exist without a symmetrical condition being simultaneously present a symmetrical condition cannot exist without implying the existence of an axis or center about which it is structured.
While an entire building organization can be made symmetrical, at some point, any symmetrical arrangement must confront and resolve the asymmetry of its program, site or context.
A symmetrical condition can occur in only a portion the building and organize an irregular pattern of forms and spaces about itself. The latter case of local symmetry allows a building to respond to exceptional condition of its site or program. The symmetrical condition itself can be reserved for significant or important space within the organization.
An intervening space can aid in accommodating a lateral shift in axes and symmetrical condition
7.2 Hierarchy
The principle of hierarchy implies that in the most if not all architectural composition, real difference exist among their form and space, reflecting the degree of importance of these form and space, as well as the functional, formal, and symbolic role they plan in the organization.
For a form or space to be articulate as being important or significant to an organization, it must be made uniquely visible. The visual emphasis can be achieved endowing a form or shape with:
1. Exceptional size
2. A unique shape,
3. A strategic location
7.3 Datum
A datum refers to a line, plane, or volume to which other elements in a composition relate.
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1. A linear datum must have sufficient visual continuity to cut through or bypass all the elements being organized
2. A plane, having sufficient size, closure, and regularity to be seen as figure, can gather the pattern of element beneath it or serve as an encompassing background for the elements and frame them in its field.
3. A volumne of sufficient size, closure, and regularity can collect the pattern of elements within its boundaries or organize them along its perimeter.
Example: a line can cut through or form a common edge for the pattern, while a grid of lines can form a neutral, unifying field for the pattern. A linear datum must have sufficient visual continuity to cut through or bypass all of the elements being organised
7.4 Rhythm
Rhythm refers to any movement characterized by a patterned recurrent of elements or motifs at regular or irregular intervals.
The movement may be of our eyes as we follow recurring elements in composition or of our bodies as we advance through a sequence of spaces. In either case, rhythm incorporates repetition to organize forms and spaces in architecture.
As in music, a rhythmic pattern may be legato, continue, and flowing, or staccato, and abrupt in its pace or cadence. Rhythmic patterns provide continuity and lead us to anticipate what comes next.
More complex rhythmic patterns can be created by introducing points of emphasis or exceptional intervals into a sequence. These accents or beats help differentiate between the major and minor themes in a composition
Almost all building incorporates elements that are by their nature repetitive.
Windows and door repeatedly puncture the surfaces of a building to allow light, air, views, and people to enter the interior.
Space often recurs to accommodate similar or repetitive functional requirements in the building program.
The principle of reverberation creates a sense order among a group of elements which are similar in shape but hierarchically graded in size.
Progressive, reverberating patterns of forms and spaces can be organized in the following ways:
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1. In a radial or concentric manner about a point
2. Sequentially according to size in a linear fashion
Randomly but relative by proximity as well as similarity of form