ACC1 TOPIC 11: Application of Art Form emphasizes the continuity of the

bounding surfaces of a form, the

A. FORM TRANSFORMATION compactness of its volume and
Transformations are generated by the manipulation of one or more softness of its contour.
dimensions or by the addition or subtraction of elements.

Types of Transformations: SURFACE ARTICULATION

a) Dimensional Transformation Our perception of the shape, size scale, proportion and visual weight of a plane is
b) Subtractive Transformation influenced by its surface properties as well as its visual context.
c) Additive Transformation
A distinct contrast between the
DIMENSIONAL TRANSFORMATION surface color of a plane and that of
the surrounding field can clarify its
A form can be transformed by altering one or more of its dimensions and still retain shape, while modifying its tonal value
can either increase or decrease its
its identity as a member of a family of forms.
visual weight.
A frontal view reveals the true shape
• A cube, for example, can be transformed into similar prismatic
of a plane. Oblique views distort it.
forms through discrete changes in height, width, or length.
• 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 sphere can be transformed into any number of ovoid or ellipsoidal Elements of known size within the
forms by elongating it along an axis visual context of a plane can aid our
perception of its size and scale.
SUBTRACTIVE TRANSFORMATION

A form can be transformed by subtracting a portion of its volume. A form can retain
its initial identity after being transformed. Depending on the extent of the subtractive Texture and colour together affect the
process, the form can retain its initial identity or be transformed into a form of visual weight and scale of a plane and
another family. the degree to which it absorbs or
reflects light and sound.
• Spatial volumes may be subtracted from a form to create recessed
entrances and window openings
Directional or oversized optical
ADDITITIVE TRANSFORMATION patterns can distort the shape or
exaggerate the proportions of a plane.
A form can be transformed by the addition of elements to its volume. While a
subtractive form results from the removal of a portion of its original volume, an
additive form is produced by relating or physically attaching one or more
subordinate forms to its volume.
ELEMENTS OF FORM DEFINING SPACE
1. CENTRALIZED FORM
Centralized forms require the visual dominance of a geometrically
• Base Plane
regular, centrally located form, such as a sphere, cone, or cylinder.
A horizontal plane laying as a figure on a contrasting background
2. LINEAR FORM
defines a simple field of space.
A linear form can result from the arrangement of series of discrete forms
along a line.
3. RADIAL FORM
A radial form consists of linear forms that extend outward from a
centrally located core element in a radiating manner
4. CLUSTERED FORM
• Elevated Base Planes
A clustered organization groups its forms according to functional
Elevating by pulling up the defined ground or floor plane. Elevating a
requirements of size, shape, or proximity.
portion of the base plane creates a specific domain within a larger
5. GRID FORM
spatial context.
A grid is a system of two or more intersecting sets of regularly spaced
parallel lines.

B. FORM ARTICULATION
The edge of the field is well-defined; visual and
Articulation
spatial continuity is maintained; physical
refers to the manner in which the surfaces of a form come together to define its access is easily accommodated.
shape and volume.
Visual continuity is maintained; spatial
A form can be articulated by: continuity is interrupted; physical access
requires the use of stairs or ramps.
a) Differentiating adjoining planes with a change in material, color, texture
or pattern Visual and spatial continuity is interrupted; the
b) Developing corners as distinct linear elements field of the elevated plane is isolated from the
c) Removing corners to physically separate neighboring planes ground or floor plane; the elevated plane is
d) Lighting the form to create sharp contrast in tonal value transformed into a sheltering element for the
space below
EDGES & CORNERS
• Depressed Base Plane
corner can be articulated by simply contrasting the surface qualities of the adjoining By pushing down the defined ground or floor plane. Lowering a portion
planes, or obscured by layering their joining with an optical pattern, our perception of the base plane isolates a field of space from a larger context.
of its existence is also affected by the laws of perspective and the quality of light
that illuminates the form

Corners define the meeting of two

planes. If the two planes simply touch
and the corner remains unadorned

The degree of spatial continuity between a

A corner condition can be visually depressed field and the raised area surrounding it
reinforced by introducing a separate depends on the scale of the level change
and distinct element that is
independent of the surfaces it joins.

If an opening is introduced to one side A. Overhead Planes

of the corner, one of the planes will
appear to bypass the other. The A horizontal plane located overhead
opening diminishes the corner
defines the volume of space between
condition, weakens the definition of
itself and the ground plane.
the volume within the form, and
emphasizes the planar qualities of the
B. Wall Planes
neighboring surfaces
a volume of space is created to
wall plane is active in our normal field of vision; therefore
replace the corner. This corner
condition deteriorates the volume of it has a greater presence in our visual field than
the form, allows the interior space to horizontal planes and are therefore more instrumental in
leak outward, and clearly reveals the defining a discrete volume of space and providing a
surfaces as planes in space. sense of enclosure and privacy for those within it.
VERTICAL LINEAR ELEMENT
Vertical linear elements define the
perpendicular edges of a volume of
space. A vertical linear element, such
as tower, establishes a point on the
ground plane and makes it visible in
space.
SINGLE VERTICAL PLANE
: A single vertical plane can define the
principal facade of a building fronting
a public space, which establish a
gateway through which one passes

L-SHAPED PLANE
An L-shaped configuration of vertical
planes generates a field of space from
its corner outward along a diagonal
axis

PARALLEL PLANE
Two parallel vertical planes define a
volume of space between them that is
oriented axially toward both open
ends of the configuration.

U-SHAPED PLANE
A U-shaped configuration of vertical
planes defines a field of space that
has an inward focus as well as an
outward orientation

FOUR PLANES OR ENCLOSURE

Four vertical planes establish the
boundaries of an introverted space
and influence the field of space
around the enclosure.