Place: Spatial Organization

We might list th

e abstract qualitie

s or Spatial

organization of a series of varying volumes,

each designed to induce a predetermined

response:

Tension:Unstable forms. Split composition. Illogical complexities. Wide range of values. Clash of

colors. Visual imbalance. No point at which the eye can rest. Hard surfaces. Unfamiliar

elements. Uncomfortable temperatures. Jittery sound.

Relaxation:Simplicity. Familiar objects and materials. Flowing lines. Curvilinear forms and spaces. Evident structural stability. Horizontality. Agreeable textures. Pleasant and comfortable shapes. Soft lights. Soothing sound. Volume infused with quite colors- whites, grays, blues, greens.

Fight:

Sensed confinement. No point of orientation. No means by which to judge position or scale. Hidden areas and spaces. Possibilities for surprise. Sloping, twisted, or broken plans. Illogical, unstable forms. Slippery, hazardous base plane. Danger. Sharp elements. Contorted spaces. The unfamiliar. The shocking. The startling. The weird. The uncanny. Symbols connoting horror and pain. Cold blues, cold greens. Abnormal, monochromatic color.

GaietyFree spaces. Smooth, flowing forms and

patterns. Lack of restrictions. Forms, colors, and

symbols that appeal to the emotions rather than to the intellect. Warm, bright colors.

Sparkling, Shimmering, shooting, or glowing light. Exuberant, lilting sound.

Contemplation:Scale not important. Total space mild and unpretentious. No insinuating elements. No distractions of sharp contrast. Symbols, if used, should relate to subject of contemplation. Space providing a sense of isolation, privacy, detachment, security, and peace. Soft, diffused light. Tranquil and recessive colors. If sound, a low muted stream of sound to be perceived subconsciously.

Dynamic Action:

Bold forms. Heavy, structural cadence. Solid materials such as

stone, concrete, wood or steal. Rough, natural textures. Angular

plans. Diagonals. The pitched vertical. Concentration of interest on

focal point. Motion induced by sweeping lines, shooting lights, and

climactic sequences of form, pattern, and sound. Strong, primitive

colors- crimson, scarlet, and yellow orange.. Martial music. Rush of

sound. Ringing crescendos. Crash of brass. The roll and boom of

drums.

Sensuous Love:Complete Privacy. Inward orientation of room. Subject the focal point. Intimate scale. Low ceiling. Horizontal planes. Fluid lines. Soft, rounded forms. Juxtaposition of angles and curves. Delicate fabrics. Exotic elements and scent. Soft, rosy pink to golden light. Pulsating, titillating music.

Sublime spiritual awe :Overwhelming scale that transcends normal human experience. Soaring forms in contrast with low horizontal forms. Orientation upward to or beyond some symbol of the infinite. Complete compositional order, often symmetry. Highly developed sequences. Use of costly and permanent materials. Connotation of the eternal. Use of chaste white. If color is used, the cool detached colors, such as blue-greens, blue, and violet. Diffused glow with shafts of light. Deep full, swelling music with lofty passages.

Displeasure:Areas and spaces unsuited to anticipated use. Obstacles. Discomfort. Annoying textures. Improper use of materials. The illogical. The false. The insecure. The tedious. The blatant. The dull. The disorderedly. Disagreeable colors. Discordant sounds. Uncomfortable temperature or humidity. Annoying lights. That which is ugly.

Pleasure:Spaces, forms, textures, colors, symbols, sounds, light quality, and odors all suited to the use, whatever it may be. Satisfaction of anticipation, requirements, or desires. Sequences developed and fulfilled. Unity with variety. Harmonious relationships. A resultant quality of beauty.

If we were to list the requisites of the ideal space for each of a series of varying uses, we might be amazed at the variety of suggested spatial characteristics and at the degree of precision with which the characteristics can be defined.

Reference:Ormsbee, S., (2006), “Landscape architecture : a manual of environmental planning and design”, McGraw-Hill, New York.

Thank You