1.
Compiled by : FD Architects Forum
Gr. Floor , Ashoka apartment
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C-scheme , Jaipur -302001
Rajasthan ( INDIA)
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THEORY OF DESIGN
FORM

2.
- Meaning of Form
- Properties of Form
- Shape
- Primary Shapes: Circle, Triangle, and Square
- Primary Solids
- Regular and Irregular Forms
- Transformation of Form
- Subtractive and Additive Forms
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FORM

3.
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”.
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Edmund N. Bacon
The Design of Cities
1974

4.
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.
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Form
Shape The characteristic outline or surface configuration
of particular form. Shape is the principal aspect by which
we identify and categories forms.
In addition to shape, forms have visual properties of:
Size The physical dimensions of length, width, and depth
of form, while these dimensions determine the properties of
a form, its scale is determined by its size relative to other
forms in its contexts.
Color A phenomenon of light and visual perception that
may be described in terms of an individual’s perception of
hue, saturation, and tonal value. Color is the attribute that
most clearly distinguishes a form from its environment. It
also affects the visual weight of a form.
Texture The visual and especially tactile quality given to a
surface by the size, shape, arrangement, and proportions of
the parts. Texture also determines the degree to which the
surface of a form reflect or absorb incident light.

5.
PROPERTIES OF FORM
Forms also have relational properties which govern the
pattern and composition of elements:
Position The location of a form relative to its
environment or the visual filed within which it
is seen.
Orientation The direction of a form relative
to the ground plane, the compass points,
other forms, or to the person viewing the form.
Visual Inertia The degree of concentration
and stability of a form. The visual inertia of a
form depends on its geometry as well as its
orientation relative to the ground plane, the
pull of gravity, and our line of sight.
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6.
Our perception of shape depends on the degree of visual
contrast that exists along the contour separating a figure
from its ground or between a form and its field.
Bust of Queen Nefertiti
The pattern of eye movement of a person viewing the
figure, from research by Alfred L. Yarbus of the Institute
for Problems of Information Transmission in Moscow.
In architecture, we are concerned with the shapes of:
- floor, wall, and ceiling planes that enclose space
- door and window openings within a spatial enclosure
- silhouettes and contours of building forms
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SHAPE

7.
PRIMARY SHAPES
Form geometry we know the regular shapes to be the
circle, and the infinite series of regular polygons that
can be inscribed within it. Of these, the most
significant are the primary shapes: the circle, the
triangle, and the square.
Circle A plane curve every point of which is
equidistant from a fixed point within the curve.
Triangle A plane figure bounded by three
sides and having three angle.
Square A plane figure having four sides and
four right angle.
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8.
PRIMARY SHAPES
Compositions of circles and
circular segments.
Plan of the Ideal City of Sforzinda, 1464.
The Circle is a centralized, introverted figure that is
normally stable and self-centering in its environment.
Placing a circle in the center of a field reinforces its
inherent centrality. Associating it with straight or
angular forms or placing an element along its
circumference, however, can induce in the circle an
apparent rotary motion.
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Epidaurus Theater.
1-CIRCLE

9.
PRIMARY SHAPES
2-TRIANGLE
The triangle signifies stability. When resting on one of its sides, the triangle is an
extremely stable figure. When tipped to stand on one of its vertices, however, it can either
be balanced in a precarious state of equilibrium or be unstable and tend to fall over onto
one of its sides.
Modern Art Museum, Caracas,
Venezuela, 1955, Oscar Niemeyer.
Vigo Sundt House, Madison,
Wisconsin, 1942, Frank Lloyd Wright.
Great Pyramid of Cheops at Giza, Egypt, c. 2500 B.C.
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10.
PRIMARY SHAPES
3- SQUARE
Compositions resulting from
the rotation and modification
of the square.
The square represents the pure and the
rational. It is a static and neutral figure
having no preferred direction. All other
rectangles can be considered variations
of the square—deviations from the norm
by the addition of height or width. Like
the triangle, the square is stable when
resting on one of its sides, and dynamic
when standing on one its corners.
Bathhouse, Jewish Community
Center, Trenton, New Jersey, 1954-
59, Louis Kahn.
Agora of Ephesus, Asia Minor.
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11.
PRIMARY SOLIDS
Pyramids, Giza, Egypt, c. 2500 B.C.
Hanselmann House, fort Wayne, Indiana,
1967, Michael graves.
Maupertius, Project for an Agricultural Lodge,
1775, Claude-Nicolas Ledoux.
Chapel Massachusetts Institute of technology,
Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1955, Eero Saarinen
Project for a Conical Cenotaph, 1784, Etienne-
Louis Boulee.
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12.
Discussion (1)
Make a discussion about the following buildings, using primary
solids characteristics.
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13.
REGULAR AND IRREGULAR FORMS
Regular forms refer to those whose parts are related
to one another in a consistent and orderly manner:
They are generally stable in nature and symmetrical
about one or more axes. The sphere, cylinder, cone,
cube, and pyramid are prime examples of regular
forms.
Forms can retain their regularity even when
transformed dimensionally or by the addition or
subtraction of elements. Form our experiences with
similar forms, we can construct a mental model of
the original whole even when a fragment is missing
or another part is added.
Irregular forms are those whose parts are dissimilar
in nature and related to one another in an
inconsistent manner. They are generally
asymmetrical and more dynamic than regular forms.
They can be regular forms from which irregular
elements have been subtracted or results from an
irregular composition of regular forms.
Since we deal with both solid masses and spatial voids
in architecture, regular forms can be contained within
irregular forms. In a similar manner, irregular forms can
be enclosed by regular forms.
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14.
REGULAR AND IRREGULAR FORMS
A Regular Composition of Regular Forms:
Coonley Playhouse, Riverside, Illinois, 1912, Frank Lloyd Wright
Irregular Forms:
Philharmonic Hall, Berlin, 1956-63, Hans Scharoun
An Irregular Composition of Regular Forms:
Katsura Palace, Kyoto, Japan, 17th century
Irregular Forms within a Regular Field:
Philharmonic Hall, Berlin, 1956-63, Hans Scharoun
Regular Forms within an Irregular Composition:
Masjed of Sultan Hasan, Cairo, Egypt, 1356-63
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15.
Discussion (2)
Make a discussion about the projects of architect Frank Gehry,
using the concept design of the irregular forms .
Vitra Design Museum at Weil-am-Rhein, Germany,
1990 by Frank O. Gehry
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16.
Discussion (2)
Make a discussion about the projects of architect Frank Gehry,
using the concept design of the irregular forms .
Guggenheim Museum : Bilbao, spain 1997
By Frank O.Gehry
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17.
Discussion (2)
Make a discussion about the projects of architect Frank Gehry,
using the concept design of the irregular forms .
Guggenheim Museum :
Bilbao, spain 1997
By Frank O.Gehry
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18.
Discussion (2)
Make a discussion about the projects of architect Frank Gehry,
using the concept design of the irregular forms .
Cinémathèque Française By Frank O.Gehry
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19.
TRANSFORMATION OF FORM
All other forms can be understood to be
transformations of the primary solids,
variations which are generated by the
manipulation of one or more dimensions or
by the addition or subtraction of elements.
Dimensional Transformation
A form can be transformed by altering one or more of its dimensions and still retain as a member of a family of a
form. A cube, for example, can be transformed into similar prismatic forms through discrete changes in height,
width, or length. It can be compressed into a planner form or be stretched out into a linear one.
Subtractive Transformation
A form can be transformed by subtracting a
portion of its volume. Depending on the extend of
the subtractive process, the form can retain its
initial identify or be transformed into a form of
another family. For example, a cube can retain its
identify as a cube even though a portion of it is
removed, or be transformed into a series of
regular polyhedrons that begin to approximate a
sphere.
Additive Transformation
A form can be transformed by addition of elements to
its volume. The nature of the additive process and the
number and relative sizes of the elements being
attached determine whether the identity of the initial
form is altered or retained.
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20.
TRANSFORMATION OF FORM
Dimensional Transformation of a cube into a vertical
slab:
United d’Habitation, Firminy-Vert, France, 1963-68, Le Corbusier
Subtractive Transformation Creating Volumes of Space:
Gwathmey Residence, Amagensett, New York, 1967, Charles
Gwathmey/Gwathmy Siegel
Additive Transformation of a Parent Form by the
Attachment of Subordinate Parts:
United d’Habitation, Venice, 1577-92, Andrea Palladio
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21.
DIMESIONAL TRANSFORMATION
Dimensional Transformation of spherical form in to
ellipsoid form by enlongating it along an axis
Plan of an elliptical church: Pensiero Della chiesa S.
Carlo
A project of Franscesco Baromini
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22.
DIMESIONAL TRANSFORMATION
Dimensional Transformation of cube in to other
rectangular prismatic form by shorting or enlongating its
heights, width or depth
YAHARA BOAT CLUB (PROJECT): Madison Wiscosin 1902
A project by Frank Lloyd Wright
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23.
SUBSTRACTIVE FORM
When regular form have fragments missing from their volumes , they can retain
their identity if we perceive them as if they were whole and complete , we
refer to these mutilated form as subtractive forms
‘L’ configuration of two
planes
Square shape Subtractive form
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24.
SUBSTRACTIVE FORM
When regular form have fragments missing from their volumes , they can retain
their identity if we perceive them as if they were whole and complete , we
refer to these mutilated form as subtractive forms
Kanchanjunga Apartments
by Gwathmey residence , New York Ar. Charles Correa- 1983
by Ar. Charles Gwathmey -1967
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25.
SUBSTRACTIVE FORM
Shodhan house , Ahemdabad by
Le corbusier-1956
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26.
SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE FORMS Le Corbusier comments on form:
Cumulative Composition
- additive form - a rather easy type-picturesque;
full of movement
- can be completely disciplined by classification
and hierarchy
Cubic Composition (Pure Prisms)
- very difficult (to satisfy the spirit)
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Very easy
- (convenient combining)
Subtractive form
- very generous
- on the exterior an architectural will is confirmed
- on the interior all functional needs are satisfied
(light, penetration, continuity, circulation)

27.
ADDTIVE FORMS
THE BASIC Possibilities for Two
Form to group together are
BY SPATIAL TENSION
BY EDGE TO EDGE CONTACT
BY FACE TO FACE CONTACT
BY INTERLOCKING VOLUMES
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28.
ADDTIVE FORMS
CENTRALIZED FORMS
Consist of a number of secondary forms clustered
about dominant , central parent form
LINEAR FORMS
Consist of form arranged
Sequentially in a row
RADIAL FORMS
Are composition of linear forms that extend
outward from central forms in radial manner
CLUSTERED FORMS
Consist of forms that are grouped together by
proximity or the sharing of a common visual trait
GRID – FORMS
Are modular forms whose relationships are
regulated by three dimensional grids
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29.
CENTRALIZED FORMS
THE ROTONDA : VILLA CAPRA , Italy , Andrea Palladio -1552-67
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30.
CENTRALIZED FORMS
S. MARIA DELLA SALUTE : Venice 1931-82 ,
Baldessare Longhena
TEMPIETTO S. PIETRO : Montorio , Rome
1502, Donato Bramante .
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31.
LINEAR FORMS
A Linear form can result from a proportional
change in forms dimensions
Arrangement of series of form along a
line
A Linear form can be segmented or curvilinear to
respond to conditions of its site as topography
A Linear form can be used to front or define
an edge of an exterior space or define a
plane of entry to the space behind it.
A Linear form can be manipulated to enclosed
space
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32.
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FORMS
A Linear form can oriented vertically as tower
elements to fix a point in space
A Linear form can act as organizing
elements to which a variety of forms
can be attached
A Linear growth :
repetition of forms
A Linear forms expressing
procession or movement

33.
LINEAR FORMS
Burroughs adding machine company : plymouth michigan 1904 Albert kahn
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34.
LINEAR FORMS
Runcorn new town housing : England 1967 James Stirling
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35.
LINEAR FORMS
AGORA OF ASSOS : Asia Minor 2nd cent BC
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36.
LINEAR FORMS
Henry babson house : riverside,
ILLINOIS , 1907 , Louis Sullivan
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37.
RADIAL FORMS
A Radial form consist of linear forms that
extend outward from centrally located core
element in a radiating manner
Composition = Centrality + linearity
Have extroverted nature
Can grow into network of several
centers
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38.
RADIAL FORMS
UNESCO HEADQUARTERS : Paris , 1953-58 , Marcel Brever
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39.
RADIAL FORMS
Biomedical Engineering Building
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40.
RADIAL FORMS
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Jail
Paving Stone

41.
CLUSTERED FORMS
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Attached as
appendages to
larger parent from or
space
Related by proximity
alone to articulate and
express their volume as
individual
Interlock their
volume and merge into
single form that have
variety of faces
Organized in following ways

42.
CLUSTERED FORMS
Organized in following ways
Consist of forms that
are generally
equivalent in size
shape and function
These forms are visually ordered into a
coherent , non-hierarhical organization
not only by by their close proximity to one
another but also by the similarity of their
visual properties.
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43.
CLUSTERED FORMS
G N Black House : Massauchusetts 1982-83 , Peabody & Stearns
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44.
CLUSTERED FORMS
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Trulli village Resort :
Italy

45.
CLUSTERED FORMS
Taos Pueblo :
Valley of the Rio Grande in Taos,
New Mexico
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46.
CLUSTERED FORMS
Habitat : montreal canada 1967
Moshe Safdie
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47.
GRID FORMS
A grid can be defined as two or more intersecting sets of regularly spaced
parallel lines .
It generates a geometric pattern of regularly spaced points (where the
grid lines intersect ) and regular spaced fields (define by grid lines)
Square grid : is Essentially -neutral , Non-hierarchical and Non- directional
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48.
GRID FORMS
GUNMA PREFECTUAL MUSEUM OF FINE
ARTS 1974 , Arata Isozaki
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49.
GRID FORMS
Nakagin capsule building : tokyo1972,
Kisho kurokawa
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50.
GRID FORMS
Hattenbach Residence : California 1971-73
Raymond Kappe
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51.
References
 Architecture: Form, Space & Order, Francis Ching, ISBN 0-
442-21535-5
 Elements of Architecture, Pierre Von Meiss, ISBN 0-747-
60014-7
 Ordering Systems: An introduction to Architectural Design,
Edward T. White, Architectural Media, University of Arizona.
 Principles of Form and Design, Wucius Wong, ISBN 0-442-
01405-8
 The Good House: Contrast as a Design Tool, Max Jacobson,
Murray Silverstein, Barbara Winslow, ISBN 0-942391-05-5
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