PRIMARY

ELEMENTS
OF FORM
Point, Line (1 dim.), Plane (2 dim.), and Volume (3 dim.)
Conceptual (not visible not existing) and Visual
(have characteristics: shape, size, colour, and
texture) Element
The Point

Static, centralized, and

directionless
End of 2 lines, intersection,
centre
Make presence at the
centre (stable and at rest)
organizing surrounding
and dominating / off centre
(aggressive, compete, visual
tension)
Point Elements

Projected vertically into linear form, seen in

plan as a point
Ex. Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome, M.
Angelo, Marcus Aurelius statue marks the
centre of urban space
Pyramidal composition culminates in a spire
Two Points (describe line, give length, considered a segment, suggest dominant axis)
2 points define axis, a
gateway passage, approach
The Line

Describing path of point in motion

Serve to join, link, support, surround
Describe edges, and give shape to plane
Articulate surfaces of planes
Thickness, repetition

Vertical line (gravity, human cond.), Horizontal

(stability, ground. horizon, body at rest), Oblique
(falling, rising)
Curved lines represent
movement
Linear Elements

Vertical linear elements

define transparent volume
Express movement across space
Provide support
Linear Elements
From Line to Plane
Linear Elements defining Planes
The Plane

Line extended, shape (contour line forming edges)

Define limits and boundaries of volume
Define 3 dim. volumes

Overhead plane
Wall plane
Base plane
Planer Elements
The Volume

Planes interrelationships Solid/void

Volumetric Elements
Primary Shapes and Solids