PRIYADARSHINI INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN STUDIES, NAGPUR

Semester – 3rd Sem. Subject - ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN – III

Session - Winter – 2024 Subject Code - 3S-A-1

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Space & volume in architectural design
Space and volume are pivotal in the realm of architecture, serving as the core
elements that define and enhance the user experience within built environments. The
manipulation of space involves the careful consideration of the relationships between
different areas, the flow and circulation within a structure, and the interaction
between interior and exterior environments. This spatial arrangement affects how
people move, interact, and feel within a space, contributing to the functionality and
accessibility of the design.

Volume, on the other hand, relates to the three-dimensional aspect of space,

encompassing height, width, and depth. It influences the perception of scale,
proportion, and light within a building. The volumetric design can evoke emotional
responses, create a sense of openness or intimacy, and emphasize the architectural
aesthetics.

Together, space and volume shape the sensory and psychological experience of
architecture, guiding the way environments are perceived and appreciated. They
are integral to achieving a harmonious balance between form and function,
ultimately defining the essence and impact of architectural works.

Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, New York, USA
 Bahai Lotus Temple, New Delhi, India

Matri mandir, Pondicherry, India

Queen Sofia Palace of Arts, Valencia, Spain

 The Heydar Aliyev Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan

Delving into the ideas of space and volume is crucial for comprehending
architecture. These concepts mould our experience of constructed environments,
affecting both the practical and visual elements of design. To inspire deeper
contemplation, here are some thought-provoking questions for architecture students
about space and volume:

1. What is the difference between space and volume in architecture, and how
do they interact?
2. The manipulation of form contributes to the overall aesthetics of a building
3. What do you understand by Principles of Design?
4. Do you think, open & semi-open spaces have their importance in relation to
building mass in building design?
5. What do you mean by context in architecture?
6. How does context influence the design and perception of space and
volume?
7. Have you come across the word Archetypal imagery? If not, please explore.

Context: The vital player in architectural design

In architecture, context refers to the surrounding environment and conditions in which
a building or structure is situated. It encompasses a wide range of factors, including
physical, cultural, historical, social, and environmental aspects that influence the
design and functionality of the architectural project. In architecture, context is a
multifaceted concept that encompasses the various external factors influencing a
building's design and integration into its environment. By considering context,
architects can create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing and but also
functional.

Concluding note:
Space and volume are not just physical entities but essential elements that shape the
very essence of architecture. By contemplating these questions, students can gain a
deeper understanding of how space and volume contribute to the creation of
meaningful, functional, and aesthetically pleasing built environments. These
reflections will encourage them to think critically and creatively about how they can
manipulate these elements in their own architectural projects.
 ‘Club house for a township project’

Preamble:
In 3rd Semester Architectural Design, Form-based architectural design prioritizes the
physical form and appearance of buildings and spaces. Form-based design places
primary emphasis on the physical form, massing, and appearance of buildings within
their context. Buildings are designed to contribute positively to the overall
environment through their architectural expression.

Architectural Design of ‘The Club House for a township/Gated community’ offers

students an opportunity to learn designing of a single unit multi-functional built and
unbuilt form.

The course challenges students to conceive and develop a comprehensive

architectural design for a clubhouse, incorporating aspects of architectural form,
spatial and volumetric organization of spaces within & outside the built form, design
principles, and their practical application.

A clubhouse in a residential complex is a communal facility designed to provide

residents with recreational, social, and sometimes even professional amenities. These
spaces often serve as a focal point for the community, offering a variety of features
and services that enhance the quality of living experience.

Keywords:
Architectural form, Space and Volume, Context, Concept, Archetypal Imagery

Learning objectives:
This project aims to challenge architecture students to think creatively and holistically
while fostering student’s abilities to design through evolution of form of a building. The
objective is to develop comprehensive framework for the project while leaving ample
room for creative volumetric iterations.

The key objectives are as follows,

1. To understand architectural form.

2. To study the effects of variables on form and analyse it.
3. To understand complex circulation and initiation into vertical connections.
4. To recognise and understand, spatial strategies, circulation within and around
the built form.
5. To explore the available context of site where design will be proposed

Club House design often involves extensive community engagement and

collaboration throughout the design process. The user’s input is sought to ensure that
designs reflect the needs, values, and aspirations of the local community.
 Examples of club house (Form Based Designs)

Project Timeline:
Schedule will follow the modular time table pattern. It will also accommodate the time
consideration for Allied Studio Design exercises in the following schedule.

1. Pre-study, assimilating the keywords like Architectural form, Space and Volume,
Context, Concept, Archetypal Imagery

2. Design exploration through form development & detailed study of site context.

3. Developing required drawings for the architectural proposal

Area requirement of the project:

Proposed Site Area – 1 acre (4000 – 5000 Sq.M.)
Capacity of club – 100 – 150 Person
1. Office zone

Entrance Lobby

Reception & waiting area

Society office with Office cabins for club officials

Meeting room for 10-12 people

 2. Community hall
Meeting hall for gathering of 100 people with Banquet area, kitchen,
washroom, store room etc.

3. Wellness & health activities

Hall for yoga, meditation, library, reading zone etc.

4. Indoor game zone

Board games like Cards, Chess, Carrom etc
Table Tennis, Badminton etc.

5. Outdoor sports area

Lawn Tennis, Basketball court, swimming pool, changing rooms, washrooms,
locker area, Green Gym, Children play area etc.

6. Miscellaneous
Any other additional facility/spaces/activities as suggested by mentors

Week No. Subtopics Assignments Marks

Week 1 Short Design Exercise (14 hours) (4 Group work as mentioned in

Days) design brief of Short Design
Exercise.
Based on concept of Vertical 50
Design Studios, where students of 3rd
& 7th Sem. would work together on
the given project of ‘Desert Oasis
Resort’.

Every Friday 1 Pre-Study required to debrief the Assignment 01 50 Marks

design, develop basic
hour for (Allied Design Studio)
understanding about the topic,
terminologies & concepts Based on study of case
guided
examples/projects well known
design Hour for their volumetric
organizations, massing
designed by eminent
(7 weeks) architects of the world.
Detailed analysis will be
presented through A2 sheets.

Week 13 Club House (17 hours) (5 days) Assignment 02 10 Marks

1. Start with Brain storming sessions (Allied Design Studio) Each

on what is form, concept, context,
Write up assignments based
archetypal imagery?
on conclusion of brain
2. Study of Form based storming.
architectural projects
 3. Exploration of built form through Assignment 03
sketching & Model Making
(Allied Design Studio)
4. Learning techniques & materials
Model making exercises
of model making

Week 14 (14 hours) (4 days) Assignment 04 10 Marks

1. Presentation by faculty on Club Club house projects case Each

House projects studies

2. Case Study & analysis Assignment 05

3. Spatial requirements of club Study of standards Area

house, study of standards Program

Developing Area Program of

project

Week 15 (14 hours) (4 days) Assignment 06 10 Marks

1. Adjacency matric Types of vertical connections Each

2. Techniques of vertical Assignment 07
connections in building
Sketching of initial forms
3. Visualizing spaces through
sections

4. Developing sketches for space

volume study

Week 16 (17 hours) (5 days) Assignment 08 Mentor

1. Ideation of project/ Concept Final Concept with Review – 02

development consideration to context of
project
2. Finalizing the form (50 Marks)
Assignment 09
3. Site identification & analysis
Site analysis
4. Understanding the impact of
context over design development

Week 17 (17 hours) (5 days) Assignment 10 Swap

Developing initial draft drawings for Set of all required drawings as Review – 01
project mentioned by faculty

(50 Marks)

Week 18 (17 hours) (5 days) Assignment 11 Mentor

Preparing final drawings with details Set of all required drawings as Review – 02
mentioned by faculty

(50 Marks)
Uniqueness in design by students under every mentor:
Every design mentor will select a renowned/Master architect from India or Abroad.
Secondly, they will finalise the existing residential campus as their proposed site for
design of Club House.

Students guided by a specific mentor are expected,

1. To analyse the architectural philosophy, vocabulary & style of selected

architect. For detailed study, students will analyse few well-known projects of
these architects as case study work.
2. Further, they will visit the selected site for understanding the context for design
& prepare detailed site analysis.
3. Subsequently, students will develop a clubhouse design that harmonizes with
style of Master architect & the context of the selected site.

Suggested Readings:

1. "The Clubhouse" by Jeffrey Getz

2. "The Architecture of Community" by Léon Krier
3. "Form, Space, and Order" by Francis D.K. Ching
4. "The Language of Architecture: 26 Principles Every Architect Should Know"
by Andrea Simitch and Val Warke
5. "Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction" by Christopher
Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein
6. "The Architect's Studio Companion: Rules of Thumb for Preliminary Design" by
Edward Allen and Joseph Lano
7. "Context: Architecture and the Genius of Place" by Eric Parry

Faculty Team:
1. Prof. Prateek Barsagade (Design Coordinator)
2. Prof. Neema Gujarkar
3. Prof. Nikhil Wasade
4. Prof. Rupali Thokal
5. Prof. Akanksha Dharod