scale modulation

8/13/2019 scale modulation

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Scale in context with built spaces

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INTRODUCTION

A Great Architect reveals his quality in handling of architectural scale. Scale is how one

perceives the size of something in relation to something else. Scale of a space has different

aspects for its inhabitancy regarding its psychological and functional aspects. Scale used to

be a major aspect for evolution of a built space in the era of humanism whereas now been

neglected somehow.

As shape has to do something with the meaning of individual things, scale has to do

something with the physical sizes and therefore their importance and their meaning in

relation with something else.

Scale is 2 dimensional as well as three dimensional scenario of a built space therefore

heights of a space will also be studied along with their corresponding reasons as well.

Modulation of scale thus contributes to various aspects of a built environment.

Scale modulation is thus followed by functional and psychological effects of the built

space.

Internal heights of a built space contribute to scale to a larger extent which itself is related

to its horizontal dimensions. Every internal height of a designed space has some reason for

its dimensions regarding the comfort to be implemented in that built space. Further those

criteria would be function of that space, its proportionality to the horizontal dimensions,

and thus the psychological impacts of that space.

Changes in internal heights of a space also implements a wow effect to the space also

which adds to the efficacy of any built environment.

Architectural scale is predominantly human scale as every space is designed according to

the human dimensions although I have covered the aspect in terms of user group to relate

with todays terminologies more prominently.


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CRITERIA OF SELECTION:

Scale is an essential and inseparable part of architecture. Scale which has been a basic parameter for architecture in humanism era needs to

be enlightened further. Heights of a built space could be major aspect for inhabitance in a proper way. Scale can be major aspect for an inhabitant for its acceptance.

HYPOTHESIS:

Scale is an essential parameter for evolution of a built space.

AIM:

To prove that scale is been significant when a built space is being evolved keeping inmind the visual and psychological impacts of that built space.

OBJECTIVES:

To study the significance of scale in architecture To study modulation of internal heights of a built space and their dependence on

various criteria.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS:

Scale modulation in built spaces would be studied alongwith their criteria. Factors for modulation of scale would be studied. Impacts of modulation of scale would be studied.

LIMITATIONS:

Case studies would be limited to institutional buildings only. Case studies would not be done in exact dimensions their proportions would be

studied.

Height would be taken as a fundamental issue which is further related to length andbreadth of a space.


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SCALE

Scale means dimension with respect to mans virtual apprehension, dimension with respect to

relative size. Scale refers to how we perceive the size of something in relation to something else

as shown in fig1 and fig 3 below.It is a proportional relationship between two sets of

dimensions.

Scale has three aspects length, breadth and height. Every space has a reason for its dimensions

and they can be functional reasons or psychological.

Scale is an aspect of architecture which has no predetermined formula for either of its

dimensions. A proper scale of a space reflects the understanding of the architect towards

architecture.

No matter how unimportant or plain it may be, every part of every building has a size. And

so scale, which involves arranging various dimensions in some order with specified reason,and choosing particular sizes when the option is available, is of great interest to all

architects, and it is very much talked about. But often it is nevertheless not entirely clear

just what scale really is.

Scale can be depicted simply as x-y-z of a space and each dimension is correlated with each

other to some extent if z changes x-y changes to some extent.

Fig.1: showing relativity in scale through circles Fig.2: coordinate axes showing x-y-z of a space.

Fig.3: We understand the size of elements in relation to the other parts or to the whole of a composition


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TYPES OF SCALE:

VISUAL SCALE

We perceive and judge the size of something in relation to something else. A thing appearssmaller or larger in relation to the size of other things in its environment.

We perceive the size of a building in comparison to the other structures near it (or human

beings near it) or we perceive the size of elements (such as doors or windows in a building) in

relation to the other parts or to the whole of a composition. We also understand the true sizes

of the buildings when we compare them to standard elements such as residential window units

or modular materials such as bricks.

Fig.4: line segments of the same size appear to be of different lengths based on the shapes that

are placed at the ends.

Fig.5: relativity in external heights


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HUMAN SCALE:

Human scale refers to the size of a form when compared with our own human size. Human

dimensions and scale have a determinative effect both in our perception and also in our

creation of buildings and spaces. Human scale in architecture is based on the dimensions

and proportions of the human body.

We can understand the dimensions of a space better, when we compare that to our human

dimensions. How big a space is relative to the size of the average human being is said to be its

scale.

But human scale just doesnt has dimensional aspects but this can be explored with the other

aspects of human being that is no of people accommodated in a space, feelings to be

implemented and the user group(age group).

Fig.7: modular by le Corbusier

Fig.8: contradiction in scales of spaces .


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SCALE MODULATION:

Scale within a built space is been modulated depending upon the various factors which

leads to the evolution of a built space in an efficient manner.

Scale is a three dimensional aspect of a space which is related to all three axes of a space i.e.length, breadth and height.

There have been theories regarding its modulation .Ceiling height of a built space is

probably related to its length and breadth regarding the proportions of that space and also

the social distance between two persons in a room. Spaces with different spaces have

different character.

A building in which the ceiling heights are same is virtually incapable of making people

comfortable.

Varying the ceiling heights continuously throughout the building, especially between rooms

which open into each other, so that the relative intimacy of different spaces can be felt then

the mere fact are that the varying ceiling heights, allows people to move from high rooms to

low rooms, and vice versa, according to the degree of intimacy they seek.

Fig.9: modulation of scale/heights

Fig.10: ceiling height variety-from pattern language.


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FACTORS FOR MODULATION OF SCALE WITHIN A BUILT SPACE:

There are various factors for the modulation of scale of spaces which affects the character of the

space in various manners. When a person standing in a room, the function would be somethingwhich would complement his activity, feelings would be complementing his emotions and comfort

too and to some extent these impacts would also be governed by the user group he belongs to.

These aspects are moreover interrelated with each other. (Refer fig. no.)

Likewise if a classroom is to be designed for a kid of 5 yrs. The obvious activities of that space would

be playing, sitting, crawling and studying etc. that would scale the horizontal dimension of the space

and as the space is to be used by a kid the height should complement his feelings too.

So here the user group is the kid, function is playing and studying, while feelings would be security

and freedom altogether.

So dese aspects do not have any predetermined formula they just have a correlation between them.

In detail, function is related to the no. of people the space it is going to accommodate and the

activities performed depending upon the user group and their concerned feelings too.

SPACE

SCALE

USER GROUP

FEELINGS

FUNCTION

Fig.11: interrelationship between various factors with scale and further space.


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FUNCTION:

Function of a space depends upon the activities occurring in that space and also the no. of

persons its going to accommodate. If a room is accommodating a large no. of persons thena low ceiling height space would act as claustrophobic space while the same space with

lesser persons would be the appropriate one.

Function should not be confused with the requirements; a volleyball court has double height

thats the requirement of the space not the function. Function would be depicted by the

activities, no of people it is going to accommodate etc.

In this case it would be a vice versa situation for the space and the no. of people.

The activities going to take place in a space also complements the height of that space.

Suppose its a workshop area with lots of fumes and dust evocating then a low height

suffocated space would not deal with its activities. Whereas if its a bedroom then a low

ceiling height would definitely be more prominent than a high ceiling height space.

Cathedrals, mosques, and most other large churches were deliberately designed to not only

house many congregants, but also to elevate the ceiling to such height that will inspire, if

not awe, the people there, and thus, a definite psychological aspect of the design does exist.

Fig.12: different heights for different functions Fig.13: section from a house

Fig.14:different heights for different type of spaces.


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USER GROUP

Scale in architecture can make you feel small and helpless like a child, or make you feel large

and powerful like a giant. Scale is depicted by height dominantly.in this section age group

using the space is been considered. A child in a high ceiling height space would feel

differently than an adult. If we take example of any school in general,we should not ignore

the fact that the primary users are children.

Scale is not merely an issue of size. It is also one of perception. What does the scale of the

architecture do to the feelings or understanding of the user?

Every space has a feeling implemented which is further associated with user type of the

space. As every user group has different zone of comfort likewise if a space is to be designed

for a kid or an aged person it will have a different persona than that of a space designed for

an adult.

Too often in school design we deny the fact that the primary users are small children, and

the design of the building reflects the same qualities of an adult oriented office building.

SCALE/

HEIGHT

FUNCTION

NO. OF PEOPLETO ACCOMODATE

REQUIREMENT

ACTIVITIES

Fig.15: interrelationship between various factors and function and with scale/height


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SCALE/

HEIGHT

USER

GROUP

FEELINGS

REQUIREMENT

ACTIVITIES

Fig.16: interrelationship between various factors and user group and with scale/height

Fig.17: showing the dependence of various elements with the user group and then scale of that

space.


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PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS:

Scale follows feelings to be implemented in a built space.These feelings further are related

to the user group using the space and the activities to be taken place. The feelings been

considered in this study would be:

Freedom or confinement Intimate or social Interactive and Inviting spaces

Fig.18: scale of a space designed according to a kid


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Now each factor would be considered in detail with examples:

FREEDOM/CONFINEMENT:

If we consider a room of say 10 height and 8x5 as horizontal dimensions and two different

persons belonging two different user groups would behave differently coz a kid may feel

confined in such space but an adult could feel free.

That would further depend upon the activity being performed in that space ,if the same

room was for some indoor sport the kid may feel free and the adult with the same feelings

as earlier.So each of the aspects are correlated with each other.

SCALE/

HEIGHT

FEELINGS

USER GROUP

NO.OF PEOPLE TOACCOMODATE

ACTIVITIES



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INTIMATE OR SOCIAL:

The scales of spaces are related with the social distance between people in a room and

therefore directly related to their relative feeling of intimacy and non-intimacy.

Now the ceiling height of space has a bearing on social distance in following way:

The height of ceiling appears to affect the apparent distance of sound sources from the

hearer. Thus under a low ceiling sound sources seem nearer than they really are, under a

high ceiling they seem further than they really are. Since the sound is an important cue in

the perception of distance between people (voice, footsteps, rustle and so on.)This means

that the ceiling height will alter the apparent distance between people. Under a high ceiling

seem further apart than they really are.

Fig.20: disproportionate scales lead to claustrophobic spaces.


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ENTRANCE

LOBBY

ROOM

Fig.20: varying ceiling height with the no of people going to accommodate in a space and the

social distance between them.

Fig.21: section of a public building showing the variation in height with the social distance

between people.


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INVITING SPACES:

Any contrast of scale between two spaces creates emphasis on either of the two that

further leads to an inviting space. Thats why the entrance lobbies are kept at larger scale

than other spaces to get an inviting space.

All these factors you can now relate to some extent; entrance lobbies are kept at larger

scale to accommodate more no. of people where the social distance is greater as compared

to other spaces and thus the space becomes inviting too.

Fig.22: schematic diagram demarcating the intimate and social distances.

Fig.23: inviting double height spaces; entrance lobbies.


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FRAMEWORK:All the case studies have been done on institutional buildings in which these factors

have been studied with their reasons. The cases studied have different user group and different

functions and feelings were studied in relation to these factors.

Cases studied are: IIM AHMEDABAD, CEPT AHMEDABAD, NID AHMEDABAD AND ESI SUGHAD.

CASE STUDY 1: IIM, AHMEDABAD

Approach to the case:

The interplay of scale on the basis of certain factors. Psychological impact of the spaces.

Limitations with this case:

Only academic and admin. Block were studied. Transitional spaces were studied.

Factors under which study was done:

Function:Academic and admin areas were studied and as observed they were having different

heights. The no of persons to be accommodated in both the cases were different.the

activities being carried out in both the spaces were different and accordingly the

heights were different.

User group:The user group using the spaces were different so as the heights were different.

Feelings:The double heighted space complements the feelings of the user group using the

space.


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ACADEMICBLOCK

ADMIN.BLOC

K

Fig.24: different heights for academic and admin block.

Fig.24(a): different heights for academic and admin block.Fig.24: classroom in academic block


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CASE STUDY 2: CEPT, AHMEDABAD


Variations in scale and their reasons to be different were studied on the basis of allthe factors.




Function:Academic and admin areas were studied and as observed they were having differentheights. The no of persons to be accommodated in both the cases were different.

The entrance courts were having double heights, and then the studios were having

lower heights than the entrance courts and other spaces were having different

heights.

User group:The user group using the spaces were different so as the heights were different.

Feelings:The double heighted space complements the feelings of the user group using the

space.

1

2 2

3 3 3

1. ENTRANCE COURT (ADMIN. BLOCK)

2. ENTRANCE COURT (ACADEMIC BLOCK)

3. STUDIOS

Fig.25: GROUND FLOOR PLAN


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Fig.26: different heights for entrance court and sit out space above.

Fig.27: entrance to the library block Fig.28: entrance to the studio block


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CASE STUDY 3: NID, AHMEDABAD






Function:Academic and admin areas were studied and as observed they were having differentheights. The workshop areas were having different heights while those of the

classrooms and the entrance courts and admin areas.

User group:The user group using the spaces were same

Feelings:The double height entrance courts were given to sense a feeling of inviting to theblocks.

Fig.28(2) courtyards


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1. Workshops

2. Labs

3. Faculty cabins

4. Studios

5. Classrooms

6. Darkroom

7. I.T. Centre

8. Library9. Store room

10. Animation camera room

11. Sound room

12. Editing room

13. Toilet

14. Store

15. O.T.S

16. Offset printing

17. A.V centre

18. New media

19. Preview room

1. Courtyard

2. Semi-covered foyer

3. Faculty cabins4. Labs

5. Studios

6. Prototype display

7. Board room

8. Administration

9. Account dept.

10. Toilets

11. Passage

12. Exhibition

13. Aquarium

14. Fountain

15. Online education

16. Faculty tea area

17. Showroom

18. Purchase & store

19. Project room

20. Store room

21. Xerox

22. Exhibition space

23. Ex. Directors office

24. Electric roomFig.29: GROUND FLOOR PLAN

Fig.30: FIRST FLOOR PLAN


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Fig 31: Different heights for admin and the workshops above.

Fig 31(a): Different heights for admin and the workshops above.


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CASE STUDY 4: ESI, SUGHAD




Entrance courts and lecture halls are studied alongwith the rooms. Transitional spaces were studied.


Function:Academic and admin areas were studied and as observed they were having different

heights. The no of persons to be accommodated in both the cases were different.

The entrance courts were having double heights, and then the lecture halls were

having lower heights than the entrance courts and other spaces were having

different heights.

User group:The user group using the spaces were same.

Feelings:The double height space complements the feelings of the user group using the

space.

Fig.32: view of model of ESI


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Fig. 34: NORTH EAST ELEVATION

Fig 35:SOUTH EAST ELEVATION

Fig. 33: GROUND FLOOR PLAN

1

2

3

1. ENTRANCE PORCH

2. LECTURE HALL

3. CORRIDOR

Fig 36: Sectionthrough entrance

court.


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Fig 37: Double height entrance court.

Fig 37(a): Double height entrance court.


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ANALYSIS:

The way of analysing the heights of various cases is that the spaces of different heights with

their concerned reasons have been flipped and their functionality and feelings have been

analysed.

The conceptual models have been made and the spaces have been flipped.

VOLUMETRIC ANALYSIS:VOLUME = AREAXHEIGHT

Analysis will include: keeping the volume constant and the height would be changed.

Keeping the volume constant and changing the ceiling heights of the spaces has changed the

character of the space. Now it is to be examined is the space still can be efficiently used by how it is

now.

IS the space for the same function, no. of people and user group using the space which is further

related to the psychological impacts also.

CRITERIA OF

DISTINCTION

CASE 1:IIM A CASE 2: CEPT A CASE 3: NID A CASE 4:ESI A

TYPE OFINSTITUTION

MANAGEMENT ARCHITECTURE DESIGN SANITATION&ENVIRONMENT

FUNCTIONS FORMAL

LEARNING

FORMAL+INFORMAL

LEARNING

FORMAL+INFORMAL

LEARNING

FORMAL +

INFORMAL

LEARNING

USER GROUP MAJOR:20-35YRS

MINOR:45PLUS

STUDENTS

MAJOR: 18-30YRS.

MINOR:45PLUS

STUDENTS

MAJOR: 18-30YRS.

MINOR:45PLUS

STUDENTS

MAJOR:35 PLUS

MINOR:BELOW 25

FARMERS

LOCATION AHMEDABAD AHMEDABAD AHMEDABAD GANDHINAGAR

TYPE OF

SCALE

OBSERVED

MONUMENTAL HUMAN,VISUAL HUMAN,VISUAL,

MONUMENTAL

HUMAN,VISUAL

TABLE 1: case data collection and their comparison


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CASE 1: IIM A

The case is been analysed by interchanging the heights of academic and admin block and

then the latter module been compared with the former one.

Fig 38: original module

x

2x

y

2x

y

x

y

x

2x

2x

x

Fig 39: module 1

Fig 40: module 2 Fig 41: module3

Fig 42: different heights for different functions; entrance having a double height


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CASE 2: CEPT, AHMEDABAD

The case is been analysed by interchanging the heights of entrance court and the balconies

have been interchanged and also the with the height of the studios .

Balcony/sit out

Entrance court/circulation areas

Studios

Fig 43: different heights for different functions; flipping of these heights have been done in the modules.

Fig 39: module 1


Fig 40:module 2 Fig 41:module 3


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Fig 48: these heights have been interchanged in the modules.

Fig 48(a&b): these heights have been interchanged in the modules.


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Case 3: NID,AHMEDABAD:

In this case the courts are studied.the entrance court has a double height,the workshop areas have a

double height awhile the admin areas and the classrooms have a low height

MODULE 1: the height of admin area is kept double and the workshop and classroom heights are

kept same and the height of the entrance court has been reduced to half.

FIG 51: The double height spandrel is given suddenly in between the blocks which gives a wow effect

too.

Fig 51(a):in case the double height was not given : the space would not be surprising.

ACADEMICS (LABS, WORKSHOPS, STUDIOS)

ADMINISTRATION (FACULTY CABINS, ACC. DEPARTMENT)EXHIBITION (INDOOR , OUTDOOR)

Fig 49: original module Fig 50: module 1

Fig 51: original module:

Double height giving a wow effect

Fig 51(A): module 1

If the double height was not given


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Fig 53: classrooms

Fig 54: workshops having greater height than that of the classrooms


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CASE 4: ESI -SUGHAD, GANDHINAGAR

In these case the areas analysed were the entrance court,lecture halls and the rooms.the entrance

court is implemented with double height and the other spaces have a low height.

Module 1: if the entrance block is rotataed at 90 degrees the height would redece to its half almost

and the area would increase.the rooms are also rotated at 90 where the area desreased and the

height got increased to this extent as shown in fig56.

Module 2:the height of the entrance court is reduced keeping the areas same and that of the lecture

hall the height is increased keeping the area sane.

Fig 35:SOUTH EAST ELEVATION

Fig 55: original module Fig 56: module 1

Where volume is kept constant while

height have been changed

Fig 57: module 2;where only heights are changed.

Fig 36: Section through entrance court.


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Fig 58: picture showing modulation of heights in the spaces.

Fig 59: corridor leading towards entrance court having lower height than that of the entrance court.


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QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS:

On what criteria would you decide the heights of any space?

Due to what criteria do you give double heights in any space?


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Do you design keeping in mind these criteria?

To make a space inviting you will give a?


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You will attain intimacy in a space having?

You will attain freedom in a space having?


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CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

Through the above study we conclude that scale has various dimensions to cover for a space

to evolve. Its not merely just about the terms or formulae likewise monumental, visual orhuman scale It has various aspects which modulate its dimensions which further affect the

comfort level of the inhabitant. Predominantly it has function of a space, its proportions,

user group and feelings associated with it.

Amongst these which factor is going to dominate depends upon the requirement of the

space, suppose if a space is to be designed for a kid firstly user group then its feelings and

then the functional aspect would be concerned.

So it can be stated that scale is an essential parameter for evolution of a space because

its not just proportions itsabout the functions and feelings to be implemented in that

space.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

After this study it would be recommended that the space should should not be just designed

keeping in mind the areas and basic requirements they should be evolved with a sense of

aspects of scale.so that the space is not just a inhabitable room but its an experience for an

inhabitant to live.


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LIST OF FIGURES:

Fig.1: showing relativity in scale through circles

Fig.2: coordinate axes showing x-y-z of a space.

Fig.3: We understand the size of elements in relation to the other parts or to the whole of a composition

Fig.4: line segments of the same size appear to be of different lengths based on the shapes that are placed at the ends.

Fig.5: relativity in external heights

Fig.6: monumental scale: sudden change in scale creates a wow factor to the space.They also give grandeur to the space.

Fig.7: modular by le Corbusier

Fig.8: contradiction in scales of spaces .

Fig.9: modulation of scale/heights

Fig.10: ceiling height variety-from pattern language.

Fig.11: interrelationship between various factors with scale and further space.

Fig.12: different heights for different functions

Fig.13: section from a houseFig.14:different heights for different type of spaces.

Fig.15: interrelationship between various factors and function and with scale/height


Fig.17: showing the dependence of various elements with the user group and then scale of that space.

Fig.18: scale of a space designed according to a kid


Fig.20: disproportionate scales lead to claustrophobic spaces.

Fig.20(a): varying ceiling height with the no of people going to accommodate in a space and the social distance between them.

Fig.21: section of a public building showing the variation in height with the social distance between people.

Fig.22: schematic diagram demarcating the intimate and social distances.

Fig.23: inviting double height spaces; entrance lobbies.

Fig.24: different heights for academic and admin block.

Fig.24(b): classroom in academic block

Fig.24(a): different heights for academic and admin block.

Fig.25: ground floor plan

Fig.26: different heights for entrance court and sit out space above.

Fig.27: entrance to the library block

Fig.28: entrance to the studio block

Fig.29: Ground Floor Plan

Fig.30: First Floor Plan

Fig 31: Different heights for admin and the workshops above.

Fig 31(a): Different heights for admin and the workshops above.

Fig.32: view of model of ESI

Fig. 33: Ground Floor Plan

Fig. 34: North East Elevation

Fig 35: South East Elevation

Fig 36: Section through entrance court.

Fig 37: Double height entrance court.

Fig 37(a): Double height entrance court.


Fig 39: module 1

Fig 40: module 2Fig 41: module3

Fig 42: different heights for different functions; entrance having a double height


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Fig 43: different heights for different functions; flipping of these heights have been done in the modules.

Fig 48: these heights have been interchanged in the modules.

Fig 48(a&b): these heights have been interchanged in the modules.


Fig 50: module 1

Fig 51: original module: Double height giving a wow effect

Fig 51(A): module 1: If the double height was not given

Fig 53: classrooms

Fig 54: workshops having greater height than that of the classrooms


Fig 56: module 1

Where volume is kept constant while height have been changed

Fig 57: module 2;where only heights are changed.

Fig 58: picture showing modulation of heights in the spaces.

Fig 59: corridor leading towards entrance court having lower height than that of the entrance court.

LIST OF TABLES:

TABLE 1: case data collection and their comparison

TABLE 2: Comparative analysis of the cases.

BIBILIOGRAPHY:

BOOKS:

Pattern Language: John alexander

Analysing Architecture

Architecture-Form, Space and Order-D.K Ching

Le Corbusier-Analysis Of Form

Intentions In Architecture

The Modular,Le Corbusier

Scale In Architecture, Charles W Moore

Dissertation report by:

Shipra Jain, scale follows function

SITES REFERRED:

Ceiling%20Height%20Variety%20%20%20The%20Best%205%20Years.htm

Place%20Advantage%20%20Applied%20Psychology%20for%20Interior%20Architecture%20-%20Sally%20Augustin%20-

%20Google%20Books.htm

Week 5 lecture series

Re thesis:architecture,form,space and psychology

scale modulation

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