DDWR1313 THEORY OF DESIGN, 2023/2024

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FORMS1

1. TRANSFORMATION OF FORM

Form can be transforms in three ways:

a) Dimensional 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. 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
planar form or be stretched out into a
linear one.

b) Subtractive Transformation
A form can be transformed by subtracting
a portion of its volume. Depending on the
extent of the subtractive process, the form
can retain its initial identity or be
transformed into a form of another family.
For example, a cube can retain its identity
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.

Because they are easily recognizable,

simple geometric forms, such as the primary
solids, adapt readily to subtractive
treatment. These forms will retain their formal
identities if portions of their volumes are
removed without deteriorating their edges,
corners, and overall profile.

Ambiguity regarding the original identity of

a form will result if the portion removed from
its volume erodes its edges and drastically
alters its profile.

1 Extracted from Chapter 2- Form of Francis D.K. Ching’s Architecture: Form, Space and Order, Third Edition, 2007, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. This
handout is meant for guideline only. Further reading on the topic is highly recommended.

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c) Additive Transformation
A form can be transformed by the
addition of elements tom 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.

The basic possibilities for grouping two or more forms are by:

• Spatial tension
This type of relationship relies on the
close proximity of the forms or their
sharing of a common visual trait, such
as shape, colour or material.

• Edge-to-edge contact
In this type of relationship, the forms
share a common edge and can pivot
about that edge.

• Face-to-face contact
This type or relationship requires that
two forms have corresponding planar
surfaces which are parallel to each
other.

• Interlocking volumes
In this type of relationship, the forms
interpenetrate each other’s space.
The forms need not share any visual
traits.

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Real applications:

1. Dimensional transformation

2. Subtractive transformation

3. Additive transformation

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2. GRID AND GRID FORM

A grid is a system of two or more intersecting sets of regularly spaced parallel lines. It
generates a geometric pattern of regularly spaced points at the intersections of the grid
lines and regularly shaped fields defined by the grid lines themselves.

The most common grid is based on the geometry of the

square. Because of the equality of its dimensions and its
bilateral symmetry, a square grid is essentially nonhierarchical
and bidirectional. It can be used to break the scale of a
surface down into measurable units and give it an even
texture. It can be used to wrap several surfaces of a form and
unify them with its repetitive and pervasive geometry.

The square grid, when projected into the

third dimension, generates a spatial network
of reference points and lines. Within this
modular framework, any number of forms
and spaces can be visually organized.

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Development of grid form:

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3. FORMAL COLLISION OF GEOMETRY

When two forms differing in geometry

or orientation collide and
interpenetrate each other’s
boundaries, each will vie for visual
supremacy and dominance. In these
situations, the following forms can
evolve:

• The two forms can subvert their

individual identities and merge
to create a new composite
form.

• One of the two forms can

receive the other totally within
its volume.

• The two forms can retain their

individual identities and share
the interlocking portion of their
volumes.

• The two forms can separate

and be linked by a third
element that recalls the
geometry of one of the original
forms.

Forms differing in geometry or orientation may be incorporated into a single organization

for any of the following reasons:

1. To accommodate or accentuate the

differing requirements of interior space
and exterior form.
2. To express the functional or symbolic
importance of a form or space within its
context.
3. To generate a composite form that
incorporates the contrasting geometries

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into its centralized organization.

4. To inflect a space towards a specific

feature of a building site/form.
5. To carve a well-defined volume of
space from a building form.
6. To express and articulate the various
constructional or mechanical systems
that exists within a building form.

7. To reinforce a local condition of

symmetry in a building form.
8. To respond to contrasting geometries of
the topography, vegetation,
boundaries or existing structures of a
site.
9. To acknowledge an already existing
path of movement through a building site/ form.