Design Terms

Having read a number of books on design and architecture, I often find the terms vauge and even confusing. For example, when I read you need to create "rhythm" or a "vernacular" I get lost. That being said, I have found some concepts that make a lot of sense in thinking about design.

Here is my list - these are the terms I have decided to use (sorry if they are not exactly correct to some academic standard). I am not trying to be an architect - I am a high tech engineer - just someone designing my own family's living environment.

Spaces

• Circulation space - the areas where most movement occurs
• Functional space - locations that have a purpose and are not just travelled through
• Transitional space - places between one area and another
• Public space - where everyone can go
• Private space - where only a few go
• Personal space (or retreat space) - where just one person goes

Patterns

• Symmetry - things set up to be balanced
• Focal point - the "center piece" of an area
• Balance - things set up to match each other or have a common theme

Perception

• Light - how your natural and electric lighting is set up
• Long view - being able see a long distance in the house, also to the outside
• Overlooking view - being able to look down on an area

Layout - How you put all of the above together...

This is a rough concept drawing for setting up an area:

All of this allows me to think critically about the remodeling choices we make.