Materials

Realization in form... with this comes a realization of shape, form, feel, and use.  There is an honor in understanding materials.  Kahn feels that individuals must respect the natural state of a material and only until you see the beauty in a material are you able to create.  Kahn warns individuals to never use material in a subsidiary was so as to make the material behave in a way that is disrespectful to the honor of its character.  

This topic is currently a major issue in building and in world views.  Recently, people are becoming aware of the need to be more conscious of their footprint on the world.  THere is a strong lean towards sustainability and green design.  I feel this is an important conversion people must have in order to create a better world.  There is a need for people to understand the beauty that surrounds them everyday in nature and the elements it provides us.  We have to respect our environment and in return it will honor us.

Garden + Room

Nature in relation to Architecture.  Kahn weaves these two words together to explain the relationship between the garden and room as both being the beginning place of design chosen by an individual.  The individual then consciously adds elements to this space to create an extension of themselves. 

The Plan

Kahn looks at the plan as "the structure of the spaces in their light."  He talk about a plan as having a voice that speaks to each dimensional foot within a given area.  It is a "society of rooms" where each part must interact with the next in order for the space to function as a uniform entity. 

This is an interesting way to think about a plan.  As a student studying architecture we are often faced with questions about circulation, relationships, and purpose when developing an interior space.  I agree with Kahn... a plan is very much like a society.  Each room must function individually while providing attributes to aid in bettering the overall structure.  

Structure

Kahn describes Structure as "the giver of light."  He looks at structure as having form based on the effect light has on a solid plane.  By combining mass with void, the eye reads space has having rhythm and depth.  This gives structure character by transforming space with light.