Parti Diagrams

A true appreciation of the Villa Muller can only be experienced with an understanding of Adolf Loos' concept of the Raumplan.  The Raumplan revolved around the idea that space, rather than structure can be designed.  Spaces are not divided into various rooms, but instead, are interwoven into one another, essentially creating a whole.  Because of this, the Villa Muller and its various levels are not merely flat plains stacked upon one another, alternatively, they are various pockets (of different heights) occupying an array of plains.    

"I do not design plans, facades, sections, I design space.  Actually there is neither a ground floor, an upper floor or a basement, there are merely interconnected spaces, vestibules, terraces.  Every room needs a specific height - the dining room a different one from the pantry - therefore the floors are on varying levels.  After this, one must connect the spaces with one another so that the transition is unnoticeable and natural, but also the most practical."

- Adolf Loos

Enclosure: 

- There are various forms of enclosure encompassed in the Villa Muller, the two focused on the diagram revolve around the spaces used by the owners of the Villa.

- The main living space (central to the bottom diagram) seem to echo a "room matrix", with spaces open to one another, each appear to flow into one another.

- The 'level' above is occupied by the bedrooms of the occupants, it is far more private in enclosure, mainly Victorian 'corridor' in plan and indeed in section.

Structure:

- There is an integration of two structural systems in the Villa Muller, the load bearing wall and column structure.  

Geometry:

- To accomodate for the rather complicated section of the Villa due to various wall heights and levels, the plan follows a rather basic proportional system.

- The interior follows a ratio of 2:3; the dining is 1/6th of the arrangment

Circulation:

-  There is a [social] hierarchy clearly present in the section of the Villa Muller

-  Areas accessed by the occupants of the Villa (orange) access spaces through stairs placed at the centre of the Villa with a view of each level.  

-  Servants' circulation through the Villa is placed at the corner of the Villa, less open to the various spaces and limited to services spaces (kitchen and bathroom) 

Circulation continued:

- The entrance and its link to the main living space incorporates a 'theatrical entrance', an occupant/visitor must climb steps upwards and then turn left then right to finally access the main living space.

- Entrance to the main living space also includes an intersection of the various spaces of the Villa.  The 'theatrical entrance' is met by a crossroad.

Program:

-  An hierarchal approach to the plan is also evident. 

-  The private quarters of the sleeping area (space explicitly for the Villa's main occupants) is interlocked on top of the main living space which is on top of the servant's quarters.