Transition – an in-between state, in Architecture defined as the connecting space between two confined spaces. Architectural spaces are incomplete without transition spaces. Transition spaces have always been an exciting topic for me. My friend Rupali and I presented a seminar on Transition Spaces in Hindu Temple Complex. We concentrated more on the psychological and physical transition of a person.
“Architectural spaces that envelop us like a physical presence, simple and dense, defying description imitation and photography. . . . universal, yet present. The exterior is simply leading to greater levels of mystery surprise and memory, creating poetic changes of light and shade . . . guiding us through its spaces . . . .”
Alvarso Siz on Mexican Architecture
The inclusion of transitional and circulation spaces, in the form of corridors, draught lobbies, atriums and stairwells, is unavoidable in the design of most non-domestic buildings. The percentages of such areas may vary between 10 to 40 per cent of the total volume in different building types.
Transitional spaces are defined as spaces located in-between outdoor and indoor environments acting as both buffer space and physical link. Other than being functional as circulatory routes for the building, the designs of these spaces are considered very important by building designers for reasons of aesthetics, health and comfort, and as emergency exit routes in the event of a fire.
The importance of optimum energy consumption in transitional spaces is also important in non-domestic buildings, as these spaces do not generate income, hence any wastage associated with higher energy costs is economically difficult to justify.
We transit so frequently that we are not even aware of the presence of that space. It is very interesting to know about it. We experience them from macro to micro levels.
Right from prehistoric architecture, there was apparent evidence of the usage of transition spaces and transition elements as well. In the Neolithic period, we can see the confined spaces for transition in the adjoining excavated dwelling at Skara Brae.
In the Egyptian, Pre-Columbian and Persian periods, these spaces were enriched due to the utilitarian aspects and got a new dimension. Their functionality had increased due to the timely requirements of the respective user.
Petra pharaohs, courtesy National Geographic
The Greek and Roman were the periods when Architecture flourished at its best. It had contributed lots of inventions in terms of construction techniques, and design details. These spaces very used so intelligently that they acquired a new position in the design elements.
In Indian architecture, ancient civilizations like Mohanjo Daro and Harappa were expertly constructed as advanced civilizations comparable to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. If we study city planning here, we will find a well-thought-planned city with the interplay of transition spaces.
Courtesy photograph: National Geographic photograph
Indian temples are one of the best places to study transition spaces. If we read the temple plan we will arrive at the hierarchy of transition spaces. The very first transition happens when we enter the temple through the giant Gopuram. Then we come to Sabhamandapa which is connected to Mandapa through a colonnade acting as a transition space.
Then the Antaralaya between the Mandapa and Garbhgriha stands as another transition space. Garbhgriha is again protected by Pradakshina's path one more form of transition space. There is a hierarchy of transition spaces here. This transition is not only physical but also a psychological transition required to enter a god’s abode.
A person entering a temple mentally gets prepared for his actual confrontation with the almighty. He can’t directly enter Garbhagriha as he cannot achieve the level of devotion required to enter in a shrine. He develops it slowly through the transcendental travelling of his self.
There is a hierarchy of transition spaces in any urban planning at the City level, Town level, District level, and Local level. The entire road network is in transition mode.
Then interaction spaces, gathering spaces, urban corridors, and plazas standstill again as transition spaces in their way. Urban nodes can also be referred to as transition spaces at the macro level.
Transition spaces play a vital role in Environmental Behavior. It is the study that covers the relationship between human behaviour and properties of urban places, the study of the mutual interactions among people, social groups, culture and the physical environment at all scales from interior architecture to regional planning, with applications to improve the quality of life through improved environmental policy, planning and design.
One of the most important functions of transition spaces is sustainability in building design. The accurate use of these spaces in a built form may greatly increase their energy efficiency. The design considerations should include this space as a constraint. When architects talk about the orientation of the building, built form, site organization, topography, and landscape then they should consider Transition Spaces as one of the aspects of building design.
Let us discuss a few of them.
The peripheral corridors reduce glare and solar radiation, resulting in cooling in the interior spaces.
The connecting passage between the two dwelling units creates a comfort level for the inhabitants. See the image below, it acts as a pleasant sit-out as well.
The provision of water bodies in a transition space invokes cool breezes giving out a cooling effect to the interiors.
Courtyards have been a hot favourite for vernacular style. Even today courtyard planning is used in India. Being a transition space courtyards also act as a very functional interaction space.
If we compare building designs with wrapped-around circulation space, with an internal corridor, with a courtyard, with wrapped-around circulation space with a courtyard, we would find that the last design with external circulation space and a courtyard is the most efficient in terms of energy saving and benefits the most from the temperature change.
Design guidelines for all types of climate suggest the importance of transition spaces. For example, in warm and humid climates the building spacing should be such that the airflow is promoted
Design elements contribute a lot to transition spaces. There are colonnades, aisles, courtyards, water bodies, openings like doorways, pathways, grounds, patios, gardens, trellis, pergolas, foyers, lobbies etc. If there is no defined space then confinement by some of the above elements itself makes the space functional and sensible.
Transition spaces in the Indian context
Sabhamandapa in an Indian Temple
Arya Phalodi Courtyard
Entrance, Rajasthani Architecture
Anup Talao: A tank with a central platform and four bridges leading up to it.
This is the most elegant transition space I have come across. It was built by Mughal King Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri is regarded as Emperor Akbar’s crowning architectural legacy. Indeed, its numerous palaces, halls, and masjids satisfy his creative and aesthetic impulses, typical of Mughals.
We will certainly talk about Fatehpur Sikri in detail in near future. Watch out….
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