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Space refers to the volume or open space between the structural components, a negative between the positive solids. The boundaries are what are visually visible, not the actual space. The textures of the fabrics, and the shadows cast by the rays of light on the walls, ceilings and floors all define the boundaries rather than the space. The way that various areas within a building are related to and engage with one another is referred to as the interrelated nature of different types of spaces in architecture. It is the link between public and private areas, the links between rooms in a building, and the relationships between exterior and interior spaces.

Spaces can be connected directly, indirectly, or distantly- Direct is similar to dining and living, indirect is by connecting through a hallway or a door and distant is at a building's various ends. This interaction is a crucial component of architecture because it gives the design a feeling of continuity and flow, enabling different areas to come together to create a beautiful whole.

Exploring the Different Types of Spaces in Architecture.

1. Architectural Spaces

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The three-dimensional spaces inside a building that are intended to serve a certain function are referred to as architectural spaces. The spaces that can be utilized for living, working, cooking or sleeping, are made by making use of the walls, ceilings, and flooring. Architectural spaces fall into multiple categories, such as public, private, and semi-private, and can be found within the building and on the outside.

- Public places are areas that are open and accessible to the general public, such as plazas, parks or streets.

- Conversely, private spaces are areas like bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices that are meant to be used by a particular person or group.

- Semi-private areas, like school libraries or hospital waiting rooms, are meant for use by particular people or groups but are nonetheless open to the general public.

Architectural spaces are intended to be both aesthetically appealing and efficient, taking into account the user's experience, the surrounding environment, and the intended use of the space. Therefore, architectural space is important to building design and can greatly affect a building's overall usability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. It is an essential hallmark of architecture and determines how we work, live, and engage with the built environment.

2. Well-designed spaces

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In architecture, well-designed spaces are those that serve their intended users' demands while also being aesthetically pleasing and useful. The following are important elements to think about while designing well-thought-out architectural spaces:

- Functionality: When planning a building, a space's function should always come first. Whether it is a home, business, or public area, the space should be planned to suit the demands of the users.

- Proportion: To provide a sense of harmony and balance, the proportions of the various areas and components inside a building should be carefully studied. The use of colour, light, and space can accomplish this.

- Natural Light: Using natural light is a key component of well-designed environments. Natural light may be employed to make an area brighter and more welcoming as well as to provide the impression of depth and space.

- Materials: A building's overall functional and aesthetic appeal can be significantly influenced by the materials employed in its construction. While more contemporary materials like steel and glass can convey a sense of elegance and modernism, natural elements like wood and stone can evoke feelings of cosiness and warmth.

- Colour: Colour may evoke feelings of enthusiasm and energy as well as feelings of cosiness and warmth. In addition, colour can be employed to evoke feelings of relaxation and tranquillity as well as visual appeal and excitement.

- Flexibility: Well-designed areas should be adaptable enough to accommodate a variety of uses in the future. This can be accomplished by designing spaces that are easily adaptable to meet changing needs, or by using flexible lighting and furniture.

- Accessibility: Everyone, including those with disabilities, should be able to use well-designed spaces. This can be accomplished by utilizing wide doorways, ramps, elevators, and readily apparent signage and lighting.

Well-designed spaces fulfill the needs of their intended users and are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Comprehending the aforementioned elements is imperative in crafting exquisitely designed areas that evoke nostalgia and significance for their users.

3. Volumetric and Visual Understanding of Spaces

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Understanding the physical and aesthetic characteristics of the spaces inside a building is referred to as a volumetric and visual understanding of spaces.

- Volumetric understanding: It is the physical comprehension of a building's space, including its dimensions, shapes, and connections to one another. This knowledge is important for building design because it influences how people use and navigate the space.

- Visual Understanding: Light, colour, and texture are examples of the visual characteristics of spaces that are referred to as visual understanding. This knowledge is crucial for designing environments that are aesthetically pleasing and promote comfort and well-being.

Up to a certain height, space can be used, but a specific volume of space is needed for both function and feel. An interior with too much or too low height would be unsettling. To design buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, a thorough understanding of the volumetric and visual aspects of space is beneficial.

4. Spatial Relationships

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It covers the relationships between various spaces inside a building, both in appearance and physically. The following are some basic concepts about spatial relationships in architecture:

- Space within a Space: Here, the design necessitates combining smaller spaces into larger ones. To encourage visual continuity, a large space inside the building can enclose smaller spaces, which function as a three-dimensional field. Additionally, the smaller space might distinguish itself by pointing to a different orientation or a functional distinction that adds to the building envelope as a whole.

- Interlocking Space: This occurs when two spaces somewhat overlap one another, forming a link between them both. Both spaces can be shared equally in the interlocked portion. The volume of the existing spaces may be diminished by the interlocking spaces, and it can also transform the interlocked section into a separate space that serves to connect the two existing spaces.

- Adjacent Space: This occurs when two distinct spaces are positioned adjacent to one another and thus have a shared boundary. To aid in space differentiation, a plane that divides the two areas can be covered entirely or partially. The use of columns to divide the two spaces encourages both visual separation and spatial continuity at the same time. Also, an easy level difference can also be used to achieve spatial separation between two adjacent spaces.

- Spaces linked by a common space: A third intermediary space can connect two independent spaces, and the characteristics of the two spaces are determined by their interaction with the third space. Nonetheless, the intermediary area may exhibit variations in alignment or configuration relative to the other two areas, or it may possess identical size and composition.

5. Spatial Organization of Spaces:

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The way form and space interact is reflected in spatial organization, and typical ways to do so are as follows:

- Centralized: The focal point of a centralized organization is a larger, more central area with smaller, more stable, more focused areas arranged around it. In order to create a composition that is harmonious, the secondary spaces may or may not have the same size. The direction of movement can be looping, radial, or spiral, but it almost always ends around a central area. The Taj Mahal is a good example of this typology.

- Linear: A linear organization is defined by its single unifying element. They are lined up along an axis as opposed to being arranged randomly, and because of this, the linear volume dominates and there is no apparent visual hierarchy or unique articulation. The Baker House is a good example of this typology.

- Radial: With a central focal point from which the radial linear spaces seem to emerge, the radial organization is a hybrid of the above two. Each unit appears to expand outward. The plan of Auroville is a good example of this typology.

- Clustered: The clustered organization is characterized by repetitive cellular spaces that share certain visual characteristics and usually depend on the closeness of the relative spaces. It may have a central focus point that serves as both an emphasis point and a means of establishing hierarchy. The Fallingwater House is a good example of this typology.

- Grid: Arranged perpendicular to one another, grid organization gives a liner structure a three-dimensional appearance and gives the composition a sense of stability by bringing together forms of different sizes and shapes. The Gandhi Ashram is a good example of this typology.

Every building in the dynamic field of architecture is a work of human creativity. The overall feel, atmosphere, and aesthetics of a building are largely determined by its spatial configuration. It describes the general design of the space in addition to its functionality. The various architectural space types listed above each have a unique function and purpose. These spaces give the buildings around us vigour and influence our interactions and experiences. Collectively, these interactions weave an intricate web of design, practicality, and aesthetics that characterizes our built context.

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Text provided by Devangi Shah-

Devangi is a practicing architect, who considers Architecture like a bottomless pit that consistently keeps brimming with a different area of scope it can tackle and get to the bottom of. She likes to question the world around her and induce her creative limits through research and documentation. Her research enthusiast self believes, “Architecture is the art of designing for the present by reflecting upon our past, sensitively keeping in mind our future.”