COMPLEX ARCHITECTURAL

FORMS
What is an Architectural Form?
• is a point of contact between mass and space
• it may refer to an external appearance that can be recognized,
as that of a chair or the human body that sits in it
• form suggests reference to both internal structure and external
outline and the principle that gives unity to the whole
Aspects to be considered in order to
analyze or design an architectural form:

• shape • articulation
• mass / size • texture
• scale • color
• proportion • light
• rhythm
SHAPE
Shape refers to the configuration of surfaces and edges
of a two- or three-dimensional object. We perceive shape
by contour or silhouette, rather than by detail
Primary shapes, the circle, triangle, and square, are
used to generate volumes known as "platonic solids."
MASS/SIZE
Mass combines with shape to define form. Mass refers to the
size or physical bulk of a building, and can be understood as the
actual size, or size relative to context. This is where scale comes
into play in our perception of mass
SCALE
Scale is not the same as size, but refers to relative size
as perceived by the viewer. "Whenever the word scale is
being used, something is being compared with
something else." (Moore: 17)

Scale may be manipulated by the architect to make a building appear

smaller or larger than its actual size. Multiple scales may exist within a
single building façade, in order to achieve a higher level of visual
complexity
PROPORTION
Proportion in architecture refers to the relationship of
one part to the other parts, and to the whole building
Rhythm
The reoccurrence or repetition of architectural elements, shapes,
structural bays, windows, etc. establishes a rhythm, which may be
regular or complex
A static building possesses a rhythm, while the movement of
inhabitants through a building may also establish a pattern or rhythm of
human movement
ARTICULATION
How building surfaces come together to define form is
often described as "articulation." 
The treatment of edges, corners, surface articulation of windows
(horizontal, vertical, static field), and the visual weight of a building all
contribute to the articulation of the form.
Texture And Color
Both texture and color are inherently linked to materials,
and can be used to alter the perception of any given
form.

Consider how the shift from a light to dark paint color can radically
reduce the apparent size of a room, or how a smooth stucco or rough brick
finish can alter the size and visual weight of a house
Light

Form is perceived differently depending on the light

conditions within which the building is viewed

 "Architecture is the masterly, correct, and magnificent play of

masses brought together in light. Our eyes are made to see forms
in light; light and shade reveal these forms.“ – Ar. Le Corbusier
Complex Architectural Forms

Complex Architectural Forms are basically simple or

regular or primary forms connected or compressed to
create a complex and interesting space.
Importance of Complex Architectural Forms

The form a building is also responsible to its total

energy consumption. Without properly considering a
building’s internal condition of its space, the design
fails to protect both the user or occupant and the
environment. Optimizing the shape of a building and
all of its visual characteristics allow a good design with
minimal energy consumption.
Heydae Aliyev Centre in Baku Azerbaijan
by Zaha Hadid
Agora Theatre by Adriaan Geuze
The Dancing House in Prague by Frank
Gehry
Sydney-Opera-House in Sydney by Jorn
Utzon
• Architecture: Form, Space, and Order, 4th Edition by Francis D.K.
Ching. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007.
• Dimensions: Space, Shape & Scale in Architecture by Charles
Moore and Gerald Allen. New York: Architectural Record Books,
1976.
• FORM by Phoebe Crisman, Assistant Professor University of Virginia
School of Architecture https://www.wbdg.org/resources/form