TRANSITIONAL SPACE

Chapter-1
1.1. Introduction
Transition in Architecture is defined as the connecting in-between spaces. It is a change
of space from one state to another, and architectural spaces are incomplete without
transition spaces. Transitional spaces are defined as spaces located in between outdoor
and indoor environments acting as both buffer spaces and physical links (Deshmukh,
2009).

The transitional space which links urban areas and buildings, could activate the
surroundings and make people feel more connected to the city or the buildings.
Transitional space is usually ignored or goes unnoticed by people. However, this space
has an influence on the liveliness of the city, as well as the popularity of the buildings.
Transitional space often treated as an attachment to the urban spaces, and rarely consider
it as the primary subject in the plan. Transitional space is not just a extra or remaining
open space; it has its unique value and plays an indispensable role in connecting the urban
space with the buildings. When people walk on the street, one of the best ways to
eliminate indifference and activate social behaviour is to let them perceive the events
happening around them. The transitional space is then a channel which helps people to
some extend communicate with the city and buildings. It is also the space that can give
people a preview of the atmosphere in the building before they come in. It also focuses on
identifying what defines a transitional space that enhances the pedestrian experience in an
urban environment.

1.2. Background study

The transitional space refers to the transition from one certain space to another; however,
it is a vague, ambiguous and undefined space itself.
When people visit an unfamiliar place or new place, they tend to walk into the building
which is opened to the public and participant the event that is happening inside. It shows
how the transitional space of the architecture can let people perceive the atmosphere of
the building in advance. If people can have a first perception of what is going on inside of
the building, then more people will be attracted to enter the building, and the city life will
 be activated as well. For example, large-scale canopies can make people feel sheltered by
the building, or steps towards the entrance, opening facade of the building will make
people feel that this building is welcoming or gives a sense of safety. On the contrary,
although some buildings have public functions inside, because of a closed entrance or
fewer openings of the facade, the feeling of uncertainty comes before going into that
building.
An architectural space is incomplete without transition spaces. The inclusion of
transitional and circulation spaces, in the form of corridors, atriums and stairwells, is
unavoidable in the design of most buildings. The percentage of these spaces may however
vary according to the function/ type of the building. Their functionality also varies
according to the appropriate requirements of the building or the user.
These in between spaces offer an opportunity to interfere and create a space which re-
engages the person, in that space or passing through that space, through repetitive
interruptions or pauses. The transitional spaces can be planned or can be a left over space,
but both these types of spaces are in a continuous state of flux resulting into a “transition
place”. The spaces could create subtle interconnections which can be exploited and
temporal experiences could be defined through architectural interpretation of transitional
spaces.
Looking at Indian architecture, there are features like pavilions, courtyards, terraces, and
thresholds which accentuate transition. All of these features come together to articulate
the space. The elements can be used in buildings of many typologies or function, such as,
temple, palaces, ghats, residence, institutional buildings, etc. The listed features might
show anonymity in their existence but their true meaning emerges from the context and
its use. We will look at the use of these features, in detail, later in the dissertation.

1.3. Research significance

Transitional space is that space of experiencing, between the inner and outer worlds, and
contributed to by both, in which primary creativity exists and can develop. If the interior
and exterior are two defined spaces, then other spaces in between are the transitional
space belong to them. The transitional space always starts from the end of the interior
space and end from somewhere outside the building. Elements in transitional space are
also divided into two parts; one is the element attached to the building, such as the steps,
canopies and arcades; the other one is not attached to the building, such as pavement,
squares and other nodes.
1.4. Research question
• How transitional space can enhance the value of a particular place or building?
• How does the transitional space work to activate the urban environment and also
make the building which is connected to it more attractive and approachable?
• How transitional space encourage social interaction?
• How transitional space elements can be used to enhance the connectivity between the
space and the people?
• How to design transitional space that can give people a sense of safety?

1.5. Aim
To understand what factors of transitional space will influence people's perception, and
provide a vision as to how a non-place could be transformed and developed into
providing quality experiential values to the users, thus creating a dialogue between
people, space and events, as a threshold between ‘Space’ and ‘Time’.

1.6. Objective
• To understand how transitional space can increase the activities in spaces.
• To understand how such spaces came up, their evolution, hierarchy and to analyse
their role and importance.
• To learn about the works and philosophies of architects working with transition
spaces will further help in understanding such spaces in Indian context.

1.7. Scope and limitation

The primary focus of the study will be transition between exterior and interior or two
static spaces.
The dissertation examines the various transitional spaces used in Indian Architecture by
investigating the works of Indian architects.
The dissertation will include case studies of the philosophies and various projects of these
architects.
 The research will also include a formal analysis of the works, which will be covering
different structures.

1.8. Methodology
The study will be done by literature review, is through the relevant theory within western
and Indian contexts as per the topic, which focuses on the transition between two static
spaces.
Then focuses on an analysis of both case studies of traditional transitional spaces. These
case studies will provide understanding of space vocabulary and important elements
which make transition interesting from one space to other marking each space as a
destination with its traditional and cultural importance.

Chapter 2
Literature study

2.1. Introduction:

Transitional space can be defined as a space that is experienced between the interior and
exterior environment. This place acts as both buffer spaces as well as the circulatory
routes.

‘A threshold space defines the opening of spatial delimiters during the act of crossing
them.’ (boettger, 2014)

Designing these type spaces is considered very important; for reasons of aesthetics, health
and comfort, and as exit routes in the event of an emergency. It focuses on another feature
that is, in this architecture is the fluidity in the transition instead of a sudden and abrupt
change from inside to outside and open to closed. That can be also stated as a range of
intermediary spaces fall in between the two spaces.
A transition space not only acts as a connection between open and closed spaces, but also
is a link between private and public areas; serves as a subtle alteration between the public
and private realms of urban residential buildings.
The transition space is neither only private nor public, neither external nor internal. It can
be defined as an indefinite zone, which is defined by the relationship of the existing
extreme zones.
Another feature in this architecture is the subtleness in the transition—instead of a sudden
and abrupt change from inside to outside and open to closed, a range of intermediary
spaces fall in between the two extremes.
A transition space not only acts as a link between open and closed spaces, but also is a
link between private and public areas; serves as a delicate transformation between the
public and private domains of urban residential buildings.
The transition space, therefore, is neither wholly private nor public, neither external nor
internal. It can be defined as an indefinite zone, which is defined by the relationship of the
existing extreme zones.

A transitional space, be it open or semi-enclosed, is an important element of the habitat in

the Indian context. It should be viewed in its variety. At one level, it is an architectural
solution to the problem of connecting the residence to the street or the public area. On the
other level, it is full of social meanings signifying welcome, auspiciousness and
prominence. This vital intermediate space is also an indirect form of passive control that
shapes people’s behaviour on a usual basis.

Transition spaces generally consist of: entrance foyers, corridors, buffer zones, lobbies
and other transitory areas which are used inside a building, but then again are not
occupied at all times. Such spaces have a different impact on people who are passing
through them than the areas which are outdoors or fully indoors.
These transition spaces or the thresholds in architecture can be created by the change of
light, sound, direction, surface, level, perhaps by entrances which make a change of
enclosure and above all with a change in view.
In our modern society where everything is based on the interests or the requirements of a
user, the real question to ask quality of those transitions and how are they amalgamated
into the building to generate an improved environment.

"The approach toward the entrance determines, among other factors, the direction of the
path taken. The visibility of the threshold space body is a guiding force. It allows the user
to perceive the entrance to the threshold space from a distance and to make his or her way
toward it. Identifying the point of access gives you an orientation and
a sense of security; the path of approach is given direction." (boettger, 2014)

2.2. Types

Transition spaces are experienced from macro and micro levels with similar forms
but serving a varied function. There is a very vivid similarity between spiritual and
domestic space planning, which is most often overlooked. The important aspect of
inclusion of both mundane and the sacred shows how easily the abstract notion of
space can find expression in both. These spaces have been translated according to
the function, need and climatological aspects.

Transition spaces can be broadly divided into three types, according to the spaces it
connects.

• Transition Space between Two Destinations:

 The most important transitional relationship between two distinct realms is expressed
through entrances. It is regarded as “an ambiguous moment that defines the inside and
outside”. Whether it is the entrance to a city through a fort wall with defense as the
major consideration or an entrance to a hierarchical sequence of spatial layers, the
transition remains the most significant aspect. The entrance space as a transitional
zone is an important aspect of the cultural study of any traditional house,
symbolizing welcome, auspiciousness, and status. A threshold has a dual function.
Interestingly, these two functions are mutually exclusive. –“Linking as well as
Separating inside and outside”.

• Transition spaces between two static spaces:

These spaces are generally used as linking space between two or more spaces.
Courtyards, Verandas, corridors, staircases, and ramps are common examples.  These
spaces are important as they make other static spaces, relate to each other. These
spaces are defined as ‘A world within a world’ or ‘Part as a Whole and Whole as a
Part” as they are a part of the whole house, yet can act as a whole individual space
altogether. The most important characteristic of this space is its “Flexibility” to
change according to the needs of the user.

• Transition spaces between nature and built form:

This is the most challenging as well as the most intriguing type of transition space.
Man has always tried to link himself to the sources of nature, especially water. From
stone pathways to sophisticated steps wells, the transition spaces created to connect to
water have always been of high importance. The concept of the backyard has opened
out various possibilities to connect to nature and landscape. From a very simple semi-
open enclosure using pergolas in the gardens to an elaborate chhatri, pavilions, and
trellis, there is a wide range of spaces that connects man, his abode and Nature. Apart
from these direct linking spaces, Balconies, chajjas, and terraces have also been an
indirect connection to nature or the outer world. They act as a link between inside and
outside and let us experience the best of both spaces .

2.3. Hierarchy

When serving in an urban outdoor space, a transition affects the physical environment
in which the city functions, in turn affecting the experience of the people. In a public
 setting, they may vary in scale but they succeed in creating a fluid and elastic outdoor
space.

A transition space began with and still is the element of transit between the public
(street) and the private (residential) provinces considered to be irreverent and sacred,
respectively. It is the first point of contact of the house with the outside. It becomes a
centre for informal gatherings of small groups adding life to the street.

2.4. Transition Spaces in Indian context

In Indian architecture, the transition spaces play a very significant role, especially in
residential buildings. The transition spaces marked the boundaries of the living space.
They played a role in both dividing and connecting the inner and outer space: the gate,
the door, the threshold. These spaces were richly decorated and ornamented to
highlight the transition space.

In Indian architecture, the typology and nature of the transitional spaces have been
changing with time. They vary in scale, usage and connection. The earlier cities were
dense; hence the transitional spaces were tight and mostly bound by all sides, creating
a sense of space and comfortable scale. As settlements grew, they became more
planned and organized; hence, the transitional spaces were organized and no more
acted as left out spaces. Visual expression became a very important aspect of such
spaces. With modern age came the functional use of these spaces. These enable equal
distribution of physical benefits.

2.5. Transitional space throughout time and space

Planned and unplanned transition spaces have always been a part of human
settlements. The scale of these transitional spaces and the way it is used, however, has
undergone massive changes over time. From medieval times to modern, the transition
space has been permitting continuous adjustments and adaptations, in turn effecting
the physical environment in which the city or building functions.

The typology and nature of the transitional spaces have been changing with time.
They vary in scale, usage and connection.

Right from the prehistoric architecture, there was apparent evidence of the usage of
transition spaces and transition elements as well. In the Neolithic period, we can see
 the confined spaces for transition in the adjoining excavated dwelling at Skara Brae.
In Egyptian, Pre Columbian and Persian periods these spaces got a new dimension. In
Indian architecture, the very ancient civilizations like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa
were constructed with significant usage of transition spaces. From a simple corridor
connecting two houses to the courtyard, sophisticated verandas, and later to lobbies,
foyer, porticos these spaces have evolved according to the change in architectural and
cultural characteristics.

Spaces with specific and distinct functions may be referred to as “Static spaces”.
Whereas, the spaces which connect them are “Dynamic spaces” as they are constantly
evolving. Over many years transition spaces are glorified with efficient usage
of landscape, lighting, colours, textures which add to the quality and experience of the
whole space. Physical conditions of the environmental, Cultural pattern, and climate
have a very deterministic role in shaping these spaces. Design elements contribute a
lot to transition spaces. There are colonnades, aisles, courtyards, water bodies,
openings like doorways, pathways, grounds, patios, gardens, trellis, pergolas, foyers,
lobbies, etc. If there is no defined space then confinement by some of the above
elements will make the space functional and sensible. Transition spaces help a lot
more in climatology aspects and their characteristics vary according to the topography
and climatic conditions of that particular region. The prime attribute which makes this
transition spaces significant is that they don’t have much functional or design
restriction or any prototype to confine them. These characters give boundless
flexibility and limitless options for the designer to explore.

The modern spaces, however, brought to forefront the physical and functional aspects
of buildings and their setting.

The transition spaces were now used as a means to provide light, air and ventilation
and enable sufficient access to open spaces. This led to detached housing. The
requirements of such transition spaces were incorporated in house designs to ensure
good individual living conditions, which also benefited to the requirements of the
space.

2.5. Variation of transitional space in accordance with scale of structure

 In traditional Indian architecture, a transition space was treated in two very different
manners, with different levels of importance. The function of the space was same
though; a transitory area.

The difference can be clearly seen in two different types of buildings, a temple and a
residence.

Indian temples are one of the best places to study ‘transition spaces’ in Indian context.
In one plan only we are able to see the different levels, scales and points of transition.
The transition that happens is not only physical but is also psychological, because of
the experience you gain. In a temple, the transition space holds a spatial typology of
procession and is very prominent.

Chapter -3

Research design

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Type of research

3.3.Data collection

3.3.1. Case study

The choice of these case studies allows to analyse the formation of this Indianized Indian
identity, and the various types or hierarchy of transition spaces. The study will be first
through an Indian temple and then through an understanding and critique of the
philosophies and ideologies of two renowned architect, and then through a study of the
influence of this expression upon actual building production in India.
 1. Ranganatha swamy Temple, Srirangam.
2. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad
3. Bharat bhavan, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

3.3.2. Questionnaire
 Do you think that transitional space can affect human interaction?
 Do you think a well-designed transitional space can enhance the value of
the structure/area?
Functional aspect
Circulation
Human behaviour
Connectivity between space and nature
Also space and people