The Gesture Of Life

Architectonics, an interdisciplinary subject integrating arts and technology, is found inextricably linked to science since it was proposed. One of the most common forms in nature, the spiral, processes the beauty of an orderly sequence of numbers and the optimal ratio of space allocation. This article is dedicated to the research subject of spiral-shaped architectural space from two perspectives of theoretical exploration and design practice. The research methodologies include literature review, on-site investigation, case analysis, iconography, summarization and project deployment. In theoretical exploration section, the article begins with introducing the spiral in regard of its conception and classification, state of existence and cause of formation, as well as physical properties; then elaborating typological development of spiral-shaped architectural space in planer, stereoscopic and distorted form respectively; and concluding with analysis and summary of the design patterns, construction strategies and key features of the subject. In design practice section, the article is task-centered on “Design of Small-sized Library in Nanjing University of the Arts” thematized by the design and construction of spiral-shaped architectural space. Explicit process and result of the design is presented thoroughly based on environmental analysis, conceptualization, formation of configuration design, physical construction and communicating outcome.