Chapter Two: Form

Primary Solid

A primary solid is a three-dimensional expansion of a primary shape that creates a volumetric form. A sphere is created from the rotation of a circle while a cylinder is created by expanding a circle. A cone is created by a triangle revolving around one of its sides. A pyramid is formed from multiple triangles with a square base while a cube is created solely from six squares.

Resource: Flax & Flags

 

Resource: Elle Décor
 

In this picture of an interior living space, you can see the use of primary solids in the furniture. The coffee table in front of the couch is created from a cylinder while the end table to the left of the couch is created from a cube.

 

Dimensional Transformation

A dimensional transformation occurs when a form is altered through changes to its height, width, or length. Despite these changes, the form is able to maintain its identity as being a part of the family of its original form. For example, when a cube is compressed, visually it appears different but it could still be considered a cube.

Resource: printablecolouringpages.co.uk

 

Resource: bizjournals.com
 

The One Atlantic Center is a great example of a dimensional transformation. The shape of the building is a cube that has been expanded in height. Despite looking a little different from a typical cube now, it still remains in the cube family.

 

 

Subtractive Forms

A subtractive form occurs when a primary solid has chunks of volume removed but can still visually be perceived as its original form.  

Resource: Design Simply

 

 

Resource: Architectural Digest

 

The structure in this picture is primarily in the form of a cube. It has a cube of volume missing from it at one corner, creating a sheltered entry area. Although this portion of the form is missing, you are still able to clearly tell that the overall form is a cube.

 

 

 

Additive Forms

 

Additive forms are created when one or more additional forms are attached to a dominate form’s volume. This can be achieved by having the shapes connect at the edges, face-to-face, by interlocking, or by just their close proximity to one another. The relationship of the forms can be categorized in the following ways: centralized, linear, radial, clustered, and grid form.

Clustered Form

A collection of individual forms that are close together in either distance or share similar visual commonalities are considered clustered forms.

 Resource: www.e-architect.co.uk

 In this picture of a structure’s exterior you can see an example of the clustered method being used. The multiple forms are identical in their cubic shape but they are not organized enough to be considered linear or grid. Therefore, their proximity to one another makes them clustered.

 

Formal Collision of Geometry:

The formal collision of geometry occurs when two different forms come together and become something new together. When this happens they can create a new form or keep their existing form and just overlap in certain areas. This collision can happen between a circle and square, on a rotated grid, with the articulation of form and surface, along with the edges and corners.

Circle and Square

Though the circle and square’s forms contradict one another, in an architectural space, together they can create a balance.  A circular space works to add organization within a square space and can create a centralized hub.

 



Resource: connecticutmag.com

 

In this image of the Glass House designed by architect Philip Johnson you can see the circle and square formal collision of geometry being used. The outer perimeters of the home is that of a square while the bathroom in the middle is in the form of a circle. The circle works to break up the space and organizes the homes different areas.