A More Perfect Union: When Space and Materials Harmonize
For successful architecture to happen, your space and materials need to have a great relationship
Eric Spry
April 22, 2013
How does one compose beautiful architecture? What are the instruments? What are the qualities? Is it possible to define, or like most great art, does it just strike an undefinable chord?
In past ideabooks I’ve explored the importance of simplicity as a quality of successful architecture as well as the importance of completing great architecture with appropriate detailing. This ideabook will focus on what is perhaps two more obvious characteristics of successful architecture: space and materials.
One could certainly write two ideabooks, one for each of these topics. But I think the point would be missed. Space and materials make up a two-part ticket; one cannot be successful without the other. One cannot exist without the other. Materials are used to compose space; space is orchestrated by materials. They cannot be separated.
In past ideabooks I’ve explored the importance of simplicity as a quality of successful architecture as well as the importance of completing great architecture with appropriate detailing. This ideabook will focus on what is perhaps two more obvious characteristics of successful architecture: space and materials.
One could certainly write two ideabooks, one for each of these topics. But I think the point would be missed. Space and materials make up a two-part ticket; one cannot be successful without the other. One cannot exist without the other. Materials are used to compose space; space is orchestrated by materials. They cannot be separated.
Space
Architect Arthur Erickson once said, “Space has always been the spiritual dimension of architecture. It is not the physical statement of the structure so much as what it contains that moves us.”
Too often in our culture, a great space is equated with high volume — meaning tall ceilings make great architecture. That is not necessarily true.
This living room has a lower ceiling height. The floor-to-ceiling glass extends the height and opens the space to the extraordinary views. The interior space is uncluttered, and the room is decorated by the view.
Architect Arthur Erickson once said, “Space has always been the spiritual dimension of architecture. It is not the physical statement of the structure so much as what it contains that moves us.”
Too often in our culture, a great space is equated with high volume — meaning tall ceilings make great architecture. That is not necessarily true.
This living room has a lower ceiling height. The floor-to-ceiling glass extends the height and opens the space to the extraordinary views. The interior space is uncluttered, and the room is decorated by the view.
That's not to say that a large volume cannot be lyrical. It certainly can.
Space feels lyrical. This is the interior of the previous image. The clear cedar ceiling floats above the interior spaces with floor-to-ceiling glass, leaving views unobstructed. A lower soffit as well as a fireplace and TV wall bring down the scale to a human level, while the large floating roof elevates the space. It's a lyrical solution for a large volume.
Space exalts. A classic in the study of extraordinary space and one of the last homes on my bucket list to see: This is the Sheats-Goldstein Residence by John Lautner. Beautiful, yes. Lyrical, yes. Exalts, yes. The concrete roof geometry is a product of its function and contains glass-filled holes like tiny skylights casting wonderful light forms onto the floor. The large volume manages to maintain a human scale while framing the views below.
Space is imaginative. Oh, if we could exercise our imaginations as adults the way we did as children.
There is no architectural bible that requires ceilings to be flat planes or walls to be vertical surfaces. A space can carry a beat and dance. A space does not have to be static.
This room composes a spatial symphony with structural elements and light.
There is no architectural bible that requires ceilings to be flat planes or walls to be vertical surfaces. A space can carry a beat and dance. A space does not have to be static.
This room composes a spatial symphony with structural elements and light.
Space is harmonious. Here a flat ceiling and vertical walls compose a space of complete serenity and beauty. The space perfectly frames an exterior view and tree, bringing both seamlessly in.
As the previous space dances, this space rests calmly and harmoniously.
As the previous space dances, this space rests calmly and harmoniously.
Materials
This image makes for a nice transition to a discussion of materials and how they compose space.
The room is largely accomplished through its use of materials; the exposed wood structure and ceiling create an expectation of the space that is confirmed with the view of the exterior. Materials form a space appropriate to its context.
I have been known to tell clients that if a space is well thought out, it could be covered in chicken feathers and still be successful. Although I believe that to be true, the important question to ask is, Are chicken feathers the appropriate material to use for that space?
This image makes for a nice transition to a discussion of materials and how they compose space.
The room is largely accomplished through its use of materials; the exposed wood structure and ceiling create an expectation of the space that is confirmed with the view of the exterior. Materials form a space appropriate to its context.
I have been known to tell clients that if a space is well thought out, it could be covered in chicken feathers and still be successful. Although I believe that to be true, the important question to ask is, Are chicken feathers the appropriate material to use for that space?
Material composition. A simple composition of raw concrete, metal, fire and water. This is a study of how materials and geometries interact and play with one another.
Material colors. This is a wonderful understated color composition. The home emerges from its site like a granite outcropping against a lush green landscape.
I once heard an architect say that a home should never shout at its neighbors. Poor material color choice can cause a home to do just that.
I once heard an architect say that a home should never shout at its neighbors. Poor material color choice can cause a home to do just that.
Weathered materials. Materials do not have to be refined and polished to be successful. Most materials age beautifully. An architect needs to understand materials, how materials age and what materials are appropriate for a given condition.
Mies van der Rohe said, "Each material has its specific characteristics which we must understand if we want to use it."
Space is defined by the materials used to enclose it. Material choice cannot be separated from the success of a beautiful space. Nor can a beautiful space be separated from its materials. The two must have an unbreakable marriage if one's desire is to create successful architecture.
More: Have It Your Way: What Makes Architecture Successful
Mies van der Rohe said, "Each material has its specific characteristics which we must understand if we want to use it."
Space is defined by the materials used to enclose it. Material choice cannot be separated from the success of a beautiful space. Nor can a beautiful space be separated from its materials. The two must have an unbreakable marriage if one's desire is to create successful architecture.
More: Have It Your Way: What Makes Architecture Successful
We know that how a home functions parallels its design, and we immerse ourselves in the details to ensure that... Read More
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Choose a great architect (not just a good one).
Trust your architect.
Communicate with your architect.
Listen and learn from your architect as your architect listens and learns from you.
Then live in and enjoy your beautiful work of architecture!