Lecture – 07,08 & 09:

Form and Space

•Transformation of form

•Organization of Form and Space

• Transformation of form

1. Dimensional Transformation:

2. Subtractive Transformation:

3. Additive Transformation:
Transformation of form

1. 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, 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.
Transformation of form

1. Dimensional Transformation:

• A sphere can be transformed into any

number of ovoid or ellipsoidal forms by
elongating it along an axis.

• A pyramid can be transformed by

altering the dimensions of the base,
modifying the height of the apex, or
tilting the normally vertical axis.

• A cube can be transformed into similar

prismatic forms by shortening or
elongating its height, width, or depth.
 Yahara Boat Club,

Pensiero Della Chiesa S. Carlo

Transformation of form

2. 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.
We search for regularity and continuity
in the forms we see within our field of
vision.

If any of the primary solids is partially

hidden from our view, we tend to
complete its form and visualize it as if it
were whole because the mind fills in
• A cube can retain its identity as a cube what the eyes do not see.
even though a portion of it is removed, or
be transformed into a series of regular
polyhedrons that begin to approximate a
sphere.
• These forms will retain their formal
identities if portions of their volumes
are removed without deteriorating
their edges, corners, and overall
profile.

• The square shape with a corner

portion removed become an L- shaped
• Ambiguity regarding the original
configuration of two rectangular
identity of a form will result if the
planes.
portion removed from its volume
erodes its edges and drastically
alters its profile.
 House at Stabio, Switzerland,

Gorman Residence, Amagansett, New York

Transformation of form

3. Additive Transformation:

A form can be transformed by the

Additive form is produced by relating or
addition of elements to its volume. physically attaching one or more
subordinate forms 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.
Transformation of form

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, color, or material.

Edge-to-edge Contact:

In this type of relationship, the forms

share a common edge and can pivot
about that edge.
Transformation of form

Face-to-face Contact:

This type of relationship requires that the

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.
Additive Form:

Centralized Form:
A number of secondary forms clustered about a
dominant, central parent-form

Linear Form:
A series of forms arranged sequentially in a row

Radial Form:
A composition of linear forms extending outward
from a central form in a radial manner
Clustered Form:
A collection of forms grouped together by
proximity or the sharing of a common visual trait

Grid Form:
A set of modular forms related and regulated by
a three-dimensional grid
Centralized Form:
Linear Form:
Radial Form:
Clustered Form:
Grid Form:
FORMAL COLLISIONS 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.
Organization of Form and Space:

1. Space within a Space:

A space may be contained within the volume of
a larger space.

2. Interlocking Spaces:
The field of a space may overlap the volume of
another space.

3. Adjacent Spaces:
Two spaces may abut each other or share a
common border.

4. Spaces Linked by a Common Space:

Two spaces may rely on an intermediary space
for their relationship.
Organization of Form and Space:

1. Space within a Space:

A large space can envelop and contain a smaller

space within its volume.

Visual and spatial continuity between the two spaces

can be easily accommodated, but the smaller,
contained space depends on the larger,
enveloping space for its relationship to the
exterior environment.
Organization of Form and Space:

1. Space within a Space:

If the contained space were to increase in size,

the larger space would begin to lose its impact
as an enveloping form.

It would become instead merely a thin layer or

skin around the contained space. The original
notion would be destroyed.

To endow itself with a higher

attention-value, the space may
share the form of the enveloping
shape, but be oriented in a different
manner.

The contained space may also differ

in form from the enveloping space in
order to strengthen its image as a
freestanding volume.
Organization of Form and Space:

2. Interlocking Spaces:

An interlocking spatial relationship results from the

overlapping of two spatial fields and the emergence of a
zone of shared space.

When two spaces interlock their volumes in this manner, each

retains its identity and definition as a space.

But the resulting configuration of the two interlocking spaces is

subject to a number of interpretations.
Organization of Form and Space:

2. Interlocking Spaces:

The interlocking portion of the two

volumes can be shared equally by
each space.

The interlocking portion can merge with

one of the spaces and become an
integral part of its volume.

The interlocking portion can develop its

own integrity as a space that serves to
link the two original spaces.
Organization of Form and Space:

3. Adjacent Spaces:

Adjacency is the most common type of spatial relationship.

It allows each space to be clearly defined and to respond,

each in its own way, to specific functional or symbolic
requirements.

The degree of visual and spatial continuity that occurs

between two adjacent spaces depends on the nature of the
plane that both separates and binds them together.
Organization of Form and Space:
3. Adjacent Spaces: The separating plane may:

•limit visual and physical access

between two adjacent spaces, reinforce
the individuality of each space, and
accommodate their differences.

•appear as a freestanding plane in a

single volume of space.

•be defined with a row of columns that

allows a high degree of visual and
spatial continuity between the two
spaces.

•be merely implied with a change in level

or a contrast in surface material or
texture between the two spaces, be read
as single volumes of space.
Organization of Form and Space:

4. Spaces Linked by a Common Space:

Two spaces that are separated by distance can be linked or

related to each other by a third, intermediate, space.

The visual and spatial relationship between the two spaces

depends on the nature of the third space with which they share a
common bond.

The intermediate space can differ in form and orientation from the
two spaces to express its linking function.
Organization of Form and Space:

4. Spaces Linked by a Common Space:

The two spaces, as well as the intermediate

space, can be equivalent in size and shape
and form a linear sequence of spaces.

The intermediate space can itself become

linear in form to link two spaces that are
distant from each other, or join a whole series
of spaces that have no direct relationship to
one another.

The intermediate space can, if large enough,

become the dominant space in the
relationship, and be capable of organizing a
number of spaces about itself.

The form of the intermediate space can be

residual in nature and be determined solely
by the forms and orientations of the two
spaces being linked.
Organization of Form and Space:

4. Spaces Linked by a Common Space:

The two spaces, as well as the intermediate

space, can be equivalent in size and shape
and form a linear sequence of spaces.

The intermediate space can itself become

linear in form to link two spaces that are
distant from each other, or join a whole series
of spaces that have no direct relationship to
one another.

The intermediate space can, if large enough,

become the dominant space in the
relationship, and be capable of organizing a
number of spaces about itself.

The form of the intermediate space can be

residual in nature and be determined solely
by the forms and orientations of the two
spaces being linked.
Organization of Form and Space:

Centralized Organization:
A central, dominant space about which a
number of secondary spaces are grouped

Linear Organization:
A linear sequence of repetitive spaces

Radial Organization:
A central space from which linear
organizations of space extend in a radial
manner
Clustered Organization:
Spaces grouped by proximity or the sharing of
a common visual trait or relationship

Grid Organization:
Spaces organized within the field of a
structural grid or other three-dimensional
framework