Spatiality (architecture)

Spatiality is term used in architecture for characteristics which, when looked at from a certain aspect, define the quality of the space. In comparison to the term spaciousness, which includes formal, dimensional determination of the space, its size-depth, width or height, spatiality is a higher category term, including not only formal, but also other qualities of space, such as definition, openness, visibility, expressivity, etc.

Spatiality in architecture can be achieved in different ways, by using one of the design principles. In general sense, the principles can be classified into: a) those which use space organisation to determine or redefine its boundaries and b) those which use the visual treatment to enable perceptive experience of its extension. In the physical sense, the principles can refer to: a) space volume (open plan, flexibility, enfilade, and circular connection), b) space surface (overlapping and gradation of planes) and c) materialisation of elements or surfaces.