Diffraction is traditionally regarded as a consequence of the disruption of wavefront continuity by an obstacle, whereas experiments usually provide access only to the final intensity distribution observed on a distant screen. In the present work, an approach for the instrumental observation of the spatial evolution of the diffraction process was implemented through successive modifications of classical interference and diffraction arrangements adapted to new experimental objectives. It was experimentally established that, after interaction with a single half-plane obstacle, a finite layered structure is formed within the light beam. This structure remains confined to the beam cross-section and consists of alternating bright and dark regions oriented parallel to the obstacle edge. In the absence of spatial overlap with other disturbances, these layers gradually smooth out and the intensity distribution returns to a nearly uniform state. It is shown that, in more complex configurations, each half-plane generates its own system of spatial beam stratification. Signatures of these structures are observed at distances of approximately 15 cm before the geometrical edge of the obstacle and persist over a comparable distance after it. When spatial overlap occurs, mutual deflecting interactions between the layer systems arise, suppressing relaxation and leading to the formation of a stable wide-angle diffraction pattern. Experiments employing beams marked by a regular geometric light pattern revealed that dark-layer regions suppress the transmission of light from other sources in a manner similar to opaque objects. By varying the degree of spatial overlap between layer systems, a continuous transition was achieved from the classical distribution dominated by the central maximum to regimes exhibiting enhancement of higher-order maxima. Additional experiments revealed a spatially selective character of layer interactions and a weak dependence of the observed effects on the surface quality of macroscopic obstacles. The obtained results provide a basis for further investigation of the causal mechanisms responsible for the formation of diffraction structures and suggest potential practical applications of the observed regularities under controlled boundary conditions.