Selected Bibliography Architecture - Form Space and Order | Page 127

D E PR E SSED BASE PLANE

Lowering a portion of the base plane isolates a
field of space from a larger context. The vertical
surfaces of the depression establish the
boundaries of the field. These boundaries are
not implied as in the case of an elevated plane,
but visible edges that begin to form the walls of
the space.

The field of space can be further articulated
by contrasting the surface treatment of the
lowered area and that of the surrounding base
plane.

A contrast in form, geometry, or orientation
can also visually reinforce the identity and
independence of the sunken field from its larger
spatial context.

112 / A R C H I TE C TU R E : F O R M , S PA C E , & O R D E R