Solids and Cavities in Architecture

Architecture can be defined as the art of playing with solids (forms) and cavities (spaces).The solids enclose and form the cavities (spaces)that we live in.In other words, solids are the containers and the cavities are the contained.In architecture the relationships are just like the glass with liquids inside it.The form and space in architecture differentiate according to the function and structure(material) of the building. Some organizing principles that we find on formal and spatial elements are:

1.centralized: a central dominant space about which other secondary spaces are grouped. 2.linear: a linear sequences of repetitive spaces. 3.radial a central space from which linear organizations of space extent in a radial manner. 4.clustered:spaces groups by proximity or the sharing of a common visual trait of relationship. 5.grid:spaces organized within the field of a structural grid or another 3 dimensional framework.

Important elements to create solids and spaces in architecture are: 1.horizontal elements: base plane, elevated plane, depressed base plane and overhead plane;

2.relationships between formal and spatial elements like plane within a plane, interlocking spaces ( overlapping), adjascent spaces( each space is clearly defined) and spaces linked by a common space; 3.Openings: openings within planes, at corners an in between the planes; vertical elements: vertical linear elements, single vertical plane, L shaped plane, parallel planes, u shaped planes and four planes closure.

Architects can be grouped into two, depending on the way they design: Cavity-minded architects and Solid-minded achitects .

The play between forms and spaces has been change through history. In the period of gothic times, it was focused more on the design of the structural forms for the creation of the fantastically high nave.(creating almost structural forms). Meanwhile in Renaissance the emphasizes was on cavities enlarged by the audition of niches.

The contrast between the solids and cavities in architecture creates visual drama in architecture. This contrast between solids and voids have been effectively used after Renaissance , in the period of Mannerism(late 1500s).