Selected Bibliography Architecture - Form Space and Order | Page 159

PAR AL L EL VERTICAL PLANES

A pair of parallel vertical planes defines a field of space
between them. The open ends of the field, established by
the vertical edges of the planes, give the space a strong
directional quality. Its primary orientation is along the axis
about which the planes are symmetrical. Since the parallel
planes do not meet to form corners and fully enclose the
field, the space is extroverted in nature.

The definition of the spatial field along the open ends of the
configuration can be visually reinforced by manipulating
the base plane or adding overhead elements to the
composition.

The spatial field can be expanded by extending the base
plane beyond the open ends of the configuration. This
expanded field can, in turn, be terminated by a vertical
plane whose width and height is equal to that of the field.

If one of the parallel planes is differentiated from the
other by a change in form, color, or texture, a secondary
axis, perpendicular to the flow of the space, will be
established within the field. Openings in one or both of the
planes can also introduce secondary axes to the field and
modulate the directional quality of the space.

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