Form

“Architectural form is the point of contact between mass and space … Architectural forms, textures,
materials, modulation of light and shade, color, all combine to inject a quality or spirit that articulates
space. The quality of the architecture will be determined by the skill of the designer in using and
relating these elements, both in the interior spaces and in the spaces around buildings.” Edmund N.
Bacon The Design of Cities 1974
What is form?
 Form is an inclusive term that has several meanings. It may refer to an external appearance that can be
recognized, as that of a chair or the human body that sits in it. It may also allude to a particular
condition in which something acts or manifests itself, as when we speak of water in the form of ice or
steam. In art and design, we often use the term to denote the formal structure of a work—the manner of
arranging and coordinating the elements and parts of a composition so as to produce a coherent image
 In the context of this study, form suggests reference to both internal structure and external outline and
the principle that gives unity to the whole. While form often includes a sense of three-dimensional mass
or volume, shape refers more specifically to the essential aspect of form that governs its appearance—
the configuration or relative disposition of the lines or contours that delimit a figure or form.
Form can be described as a reference to both the internal structure and external outline, often in the shape
of a three dimensional mass or volume.
 Some of the characteristics of form include:
 Shape – the outline of the form
 Size – the dimensions of the form, proportions and scale
 Colour – the colour of the form will affect its visual weight
 Texture – the texture of a form will affect how light is reflected or absorbed
 Position – where the form is located in relation to its environment
 Orientation – the position of the form in relation to the ground, compass points or the person viewing the
form
Primary elements
 The primary elements of form are points, lines, planes and volumes – each one growing from
the other. A point is a position in space, a line is the extension of a point. A surface or plan, is
the extension of a line. A volume is a plane extended.
Primary shapes and solids
 The most significant primary shapes are the circle, triangle and square.
 The primary solids are the sphere, cylinder, cone, pyramid and cube.
Regular and irregular forms

 A regular form is considered to be a form that is consistent and orderly. They

are generally symmetrical about one or more axes. The sphere, cylinder, cone
and cube are examples of regular forms. These forms can be changed by the
addition or subtraction of elements, but can still remain regular.
 An irregular form is one whose parts are dissimilar and generally inconsistent
and asymmetrical. A regular form can be contained within an irregular form.
Transformation of form

 Many variations of a form can be generated from the primary solids, by

manipulating dimensions of the solids, or adding or subtracting elements.
 The following sketches show:
 Examples of how a cube can be transformed by altering its dimensions
 Examples of how a cube can be transformed by subtracting portions of its
volume.
 Example of how a cube can be transformed with the addition of elements to
its volume.
Subtractive and additive forms

 Subtractive forms will have portions removed from its volume, but they often
retain their identity until the profile is drastically altered.
 Additive forms are produced by relating or attaching one or more subordinate
forms to its volume. This can be broken down into different types of contact.
 Spatial tension – where the forms are within close proximity to one another
 Edge to Edge – where the forms are sharing a common edge
 Face to Face – where the forms have corresponding surfaces which are
parallel to one another
 Interlocking – where the forms are inter connected to one another
 Additive forms often grow and merge with other forms, creating
relationships that can be categorised as below:
 Centralised
Centralised forms are often freestanding, and isolated within their context.
 Linear
A linear form is often a response to a topography or site context. They tend to demonstrate a
selection of forms along a line.
 Radial
A radial form features a centrally located core with linear forms extending outwards from the centre.
Radial forms can create a network of centres linked by the linear forms.
 Clustered
A clustered form tends to be a collection of varying forms. They are often based on a more functional
requirement, and tend not to be regular or formal. A clustered form can be interlocking, face to
face, or edge to edge amongst others.
 Grid
A grid form demonstrates a form that is focused on a grid layout. These forms tend to be considered
in third dimension and are of a modular framework.
Collisions of geometry
There are often occasions where two geometries will collide to create a new composite form. This may
occur in many circumstances:
To suit the functional requirements of the internal space
 To display a symbolic importance
 To direct a space toward or away from a specific site context feature
 To create a volume of space within an existing form
 To demonstrate the nature of the structure
 To create a symmetry in the building
 To respond to site context or topography
 To respond to an existing path or movement through the site
PROPERTIES OF FORM
 Forms also have relational properties that govern the pattern and composition
of elements: