The Order Problem Set

Problem 8 Tutorial: Spatial Sequence

Question: Of the three images below which is the best example of ordered spatial sequence using an axis?

Il Redentore,
Venice, Italy,
Palladio,
(1577)

San Vitale,
Ravenna, Italy,
(540)

Barcelona pavilion,
Barcelona, Spain,
Mies van der Rohe,
(1929)

Tutorial:

Spatial sequence

The order and clarity of spatial sequence in a building or in a city are essential for easy use. Spatial sequence is the connection rooms or areas that have different functions.

The first concept in this section on order, the axis, is the simplest method of achieving sequential clarity at the building scale. If the axis is the main route of travel, and if the travel is on one level or the transition to another level is very clear the route of travel will be comprehensible.

Spatial sequence along an axis

Il Redentore,
Venice, Italy,
Palladio,
(1577)

The plan of Il Redentore exemplifies an ordered spatial sequence using an axis. Movement through the church is along the longitudinal axis, from the entry to the transept and then visually to the altar.

Spatial sequence through use of planer elements

Barcelona pavilion,
Barcelona, Spain,
Mies van der Rohe,
(1929) A very different method for creating an ordered spatial sequence is through the use of planer elements. This method was employed by Mies van der Rohe in the Barcelona pavilion of 1929.

The experience in this type of space is fluid and dynamic. Although the plan by Mies is purposely ambiguous, this method, without the ambiguity, is often used in art galleries because it provides the visitor a pathway, and the gallery the maximum amount of wall space.

Problem 8 | Answer |

Aesthetics | Order Problems | vocabulary | The Architecture Project

The Architecture Project
University of Arizona
Tuesday, September 2, 1997
lapointe@u.arizona.edu