• How Did Soane Introduce New Spatial Qualities That Reoriented An Existing Spatial Organisation?

How did John Soane introduce new sequences of spaces and new spatial qualities that reoriented an existing spatial organisation?

Sir John Soane’s architectural extensions and additions to existing fabric; how did he employ new sequences of spaces and new spatial qualities that reoriented an existing spatial organisation? We delve straight into the different strategies Soane used to create these historic buildings, in particular the toy block approach. This technique was considered to be a device for constructing a simple rational layering of blocks. We then move ourselves into his designs and attempts to find the ideal room through the insertion and amalgamation of lighting, building structure and the simple placement of ornamental objects.

Soane has achieved this through the brick laying where each element must not interlock and have its own definition. Soane cleverly designed the façade’s brick work to appear layered together. It’s through the different lighting casted onto the building and layering effects that makes the blocks appear as if they are over lapping (Fig. 3). The dim shadows moulded around these shapes highlight the edging of the blocks creating altered space and depth (Fig. 3). This highlights the different modifications of surfaces and spaces which showcase new spatial qualities. Soane’s triumph and succession was from his understanding of the different strategies in layering different elements together, arranging and rearranging bricks to create new alterations from the existing

This technique meant that the new room in the centre was lit evenly making the room seem larger. The soft lighting that the vaults offered created no harsh bright light and created an even penetration from all sides of the room. (Fig. 7) Which also lit up all of the shadows in the room. Along the corridors Soane incorporates windows to allow a flooding of light to brighten the walkways rather than the room itself.This further creates a less direct lighting creating a soft atmosphere and mood for each room. Similar to how Soane is able to insert and alter new spaces with rooms, he does the same with windows. Simply by changing the angle and size of the windows he can choose how bright the light source can be, ultimalty changing the room and walkways. This lighting also has the ability to influence the flow and direction of how people walk throughout the spaces and thus where they travel. Soane is then able to create many different characteristics for each room with the combination of the soft and non-harsh lighting from the side vents. In the basement, stained glass is used to give a Gothic feel, whilst in other rooms, golden styled lighting keeps it bright and warm. The screen wall device can also be seen in the dining room,