ARTICLE 33: HIERARCHY - What Is Most Important?

Ching says: Not all spaces equal. Hierarchy shows what is most important, second, third. Without hierarchy, everything shouts, nothing heard.

How to create hierarchy:

1- *Size:* Larger space = more important. Living larger than bedroom. In plan, make important space biggest.

2- *Shape:* Unique shape stands out. Rectangular building with one circular space - circle is important.

3- *Placement:* Center or end of axis is important. Corner less important. Entrance at end of axis feels important.

4- *Height:* Taller space more important. Double-height living vs single bedroom.

5- *Material/Detail:* Expensive material or more detail = important. Stone wall among plaster walls is hierarchy.

Example: In house, living room is hierarchy - larger, taller, better material, on axis, with best view. Bedrooms secondary, smaller, simpler.

Egyptian example: In mosque, prayer hall hierarchy - larger, taller, decorated, oriented to qibla. Other spaces secondary.

Mistake: Making all spaces equal size and height - no hierarchy, boring. Or making hierarchy wrong - bathroom biggest, living smallest - function hierarchy wrong.

For technical: Hierarchy affects structure cost. Higher space needs longer columns, bigger beams. Place hierarchy where structure can handle - avoid double height at middle of slab, place near support.

Instagram: Show plan with hierarchy color-coded - red most important, yellow second, grey least. Instant understanding. Caption: "If everything is important, nothing is important."