Architect's Toolbox: Rotated Squares and Diagonals in Design
Geometric play accents a space and emphasizes a home's best features
A rotated square and movement along a diagonal are two devices architects and designers use to achieve emphasis and a sense of increased size. Both tools rely on a difference between the rooms and spaces on a regular grid of 90 degrees — and the sudden introduction of an element askew from that grid.
For example, creating a room that is a rotated square makes something special of that room. Sometimes this is done to capture views or because of some other site feature. Also it is often utilized on the last room in a progression of rooms, like the exclamation point on an emphatic sentence.
Architects and designers know that if the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, the longest straight line is going to be the one on a diagonal. So we use a diagonal to increase the perceived size of a room as well as to maximize a room's efficiency. Let's see some examples of these ideas in action:
For example, creating a room that is a rotated square makes something special of that room. Sometimes this is done to capture views or because of some other site feature. Also it is often utilized on the last room in a progression of rooms, like the exclamation point on an emphatic sentence.
Architects and designers know that if the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, the longest straight line is going to be the one on a diagonal. So we use a diagonal to increase the perceived size of a room as well as to maximize a room's efficiency. Let's see some examples of these ideas in action:
This rotated square is a contemporary reinterpretation of the bay window, an architectural device that's been around for centuries.
Here's another rotated square that reinterprets the bay window. The angle establishes the window that maximizes the view.
Like the exclamation point, this rotated square ends and emphasizes the string of rooms before it. This room is made all the more special with its tall and stepped windows, abundant natural light and tall ceiling.
Stairs exist in a special place in a home because they are the way we move from the public realm of the first floor to the private realm of the bedrooms. This staircase's geometry within a rotated square and the abundant natural light make it all the more special, celebrating the act of going up and down.
Sometimes the rotated square is just a small bit of countertop that creates a delightful place for two to sit and enjoy the morning coffee.
Stacked and rotated one atop the other, the rotated square is sometimes an entire floor level of the house.
Sometimes an entire wing of a house will be rotated to accommodate a site feature such as topography ...
... trees ...
With all this rotation, we should discuss movement along a diagonal. In this example, the diagonal created by the straight wall below the chair rail creates a longer route to travel, while the stepped wall provides places for the eye to rest. The stepped wall makes this hallway a place to enjoy rather than a passage to rush through.
Using the diagonal in this bathroom plays off of the triangular art glass window and increases the dimensions available for the tub and vanities.
Here, placing the door at an angle, slightly askew from the grid, provides the extra dimension needed for a sizable opening and creates a defined entry area.
More:
Why There's Beauty in Grid, Column and Row
Skinny Windows: Exclamation Points of Light
Fine Design: Tom Kundig's 'Houses 2'
More:
Why There's Beauty in Grid, Column and Row
Skinny Windows: Exclamation Points of Light
Fine Design: Tom Kundig's 'Houses 2'