FINAL EXAM

TOA

Form Manipulation and Articulation

A. FORM TRANSFORMATION
Transformations are generated by the manipulation of one or more dimensions or by the
addition or subtraction of elements

TYPES OF TRANSFORMATION:

a) Dimensional Transformation

b) Subtractive Transformation

c) Additive Transformation

DIMENSONAL TRANSFORMATION-A form can be transformed by altering one or more of its dimensions
and still retain its identity as a member of a family of forms.

SUBTRACTIVE TRANSFORMATION-Subtractive transformation of building forms may include the creation

of recessed volumes used in entrances, window openings, or internal courtyards. These recesses provide
shading from the sun or protection from the elements through their horizontal and vertical surfaces.

ADDITIVE TRANSFORMATION A form can be transformed by the addition of elements to its volume.
While a subtractive form results from the removal of a portion of its original volume, an additive form is
produced by relating or physically attaching one or more subordinate form to its volume.

THE BASIC POSSIBILITIES FOR GROUPING TWO OR MORE FORMS ARE BY:

a) SPATIAL TENSION In spatial tension, forms and parts are interrelated by close proximity, forming
a larger group that represents the whole form. This type of relationship does not require direct
attachment
b) EDGE TO EDGE CONTACT: Edge-to-edge relationships are forms that share a common edge as
their point of linear attachment. The volumes attached may be simple or complex, as long as
one or more edges meet or are shared between them.
c) FACE TO FACE CONTACT: A face-to-face relationship involves two or more forms that make
contact with one another along planar surfaces. These surfaces come in contact parallel to one
another, with or without alignment of their adjacent edges
d) INTERLOCKING VOLUMES: An interlocking relationship involves the clashing or converging of
forms. Interlocking forms are volumes that overlap or penetrate one another, creating a mass of
intersecting solids

NATURE OF RELATIONSHIP OF ADDITIVE FORMS:

a) CENTRALIZED FORM: A number of secondary forms clustered about a dominant, central parent-
form. A centralized form consists of multiple secondary forms arranged around a central parent
form. The central form becomes the centerpiece, and is usually the emphasis of the
 composition. Spheres, cones, and other circular solids work well as the central form due to their
natural self-centering properties
b) LINEAR FORM: A series of forms arranged sequentially in a row. Linear relationships are
achieved by arranging volumes in rows or columns, creating linear sequences through the solid
mass, void space, or the patterns that emerge. Sequential changes in dimension or size can also
create linear relationships.
c) RADIAL FORM: A composition of linear forms extending outward from a central form in a radial
manner Radial form refers to a series of objects arranged around a centralized core element in a
radial manner. The forms extend outwards in a revolving pattern to create a larger composition
that typically converges at the center.
d) CLUSTERED FORM: A collection of forms grouped together by proximity or the sharing of a
common visual trait. A cluster is a group of forms that create a composition through proximity,
size, shape, or function. Unlike other relationships that involve an organized structure, a cluster
can be grouped and organized without geometric alignment or pattern.
e) GRID FORM: A set of modular forms related and regulated by a three-dimensional grid. A grid
layout is a way of organizing forms into linear rows and columns. A grid can be three-
dimensional, and is often based on a series of squares. This relationship allows forms to be
arranged with consistent space and distance. Grids can also be used to analyze or break down a
group or surface.
B. FORM ARTICULATION
Articulation refers to the manner in which the surfaces of a form come together to define its
shape and volume.

A form can be articulated by:

a) Differentiating adjoining planes with a change in material, color, texture, or pattern.
b) Developing corners as distinct linear elements.
c) Removing corners to physically separate neighboring planes.
d) Lighting the form to create sharp contrast in tonal value
I. ARTICULATED FORM emphasizes the building’s distinct parts. Its surfaces appear as discrete
planes with distinct shapes and their overall configuration is legible and easily perceived.
II. ARTICULATION accentuates the visible aspect of the different parts of a building. An
articulated form clearly reveals the precise nature of its parts and their relationships to each
other and to the whole.

The articulation of a building form reveals how the parts fit into the whole by emphasizing each part
separately. In highly articulated works, each part is defined precisely and stands out clearly. In short,
articulation is greatly influence how the surfaces and edges properties of the form affect our visual
perception of the shape, size, scale, proportion, and the visual weight.

THE THEORY BEHIND FORM TRANSFORMATION + ARTICULATION:

We should be concerned not only with the form’s configuration and articulation of a building but
also its impact on the space around it. Understand first the built environment, because the
transformed and articulated form can:

a) The manipulated and articulated form can continue the existing fabric of a place
b) Form a backdrop for other buildings,
c) Define a positive urban space, or
d) Define a positive urban space, or