Selected Bibliography Architecture - Form Space and Order | Page 150

S I N G L E V E RT I C A L P L A N E

The height of a vertical plane relative to our body
height and eye level is the critical factor that
affects the ability of the plane to visually describe
space. When two-feet high, a plane defines the
edge of a spatial field but provides little or no
sense of enclosure. When waist-high, it begins
to provide a sense of enclosure while allowing for
visual continuity with the adjoining space. When
it approaches our eye level in height, it begins
to separate one space from another. Above our
height, a plane interrupts the visual and spatial
continuity between two fields and provides a
strong sense of enclosure.

The surface color, texture, and pattern of a plane
affect our perception of its visual weight, scale,
and proportion.

When related to a defined volume of space, a
vertical plane can be the primary face of the space
and give it a specific orientation. It can front the
space and define a plane of entry into it. It can be a
freestanding element within a space and divide the
volume into two separate but related areas.

FORM & SPACE / 1 3 5