1. University of Palestine Faculty of Applied Engineering
and Urban Planning
Dept. of Architecture, Interior
Design & Planning
Theory of Architecture ( EADP 222 )
Lecture 3
Dr. Nihad Almughany
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

2. Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture
Part I : PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURAL PROCESS Lecture 3 : Architectural Form
* Review of Lecture 2 ( Architectural Space ) :
- Urban space – Architectural space :
- Defining space with horizontal elements :
- Defining space with vertical elements :
- Qualities of architectural space :
- Spatial relationship :
- Spatial organization :
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

3. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : VISUAL PROPERTIES OF FORM:
SHAPE : The principal identifying characteristics of form.
SIZE : Dimension, length, width and depth.
COLOR : Hue, intensity and tonal value of form’s surfaces. It distinguishes form and affects the visual weight of the form.
TEXTURE : Surface articulation, affects the tactile and light reflective qualities of the surface .
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

4. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : VISUAL PROPERTIES OF FORM ( cont. ) :
POSITION : Form’s location relative to its environment or visual field .
ORIENTATION : Form’s position relative to the ground plane, compass points or the person viewing the form.
VISUAL INERTIA : The degree of concentration and stability.
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

5. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : VISUAL PROPERTIES OF FORM ( cont. ) :
Visual properties are affected by :
Perspective and angel of view .
Distance from the form .
Lighting conditions.
The visual field surrounding the form .
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

6. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : VISUAL PROPERTIES OF FORM ( cont. ) :
SHAPE : The edge contour of a plane or a silhouette of a volume .
It is important to recognize the shape of :
Planes ( floors, walls, ceilings )
Openings ( windows and doors )
The silhouette of building forms
PRIMARY SHAPES :
The circle
The triangle
The square.
Polygons that can be inscribed within the circle.
Platonic solids ( Sphere, Cylinder, Cone, Pyramid, Cube)
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

7. Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

8. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : REGULAR AND IRREGULAR FORMS :
Stable in nature and symmetrical about one or more axes
Forms can keep their regularity even if transformed dimensionally or by the addition or subtraction of elements.
Irregular forms :
Their parts are dissimilar .
They are generally asymmetrical and more dynamic .
They can regular forms from which irregular elements subtracted or irregular composition of regular forms.
Regular forms can be contained within irregular forms and vice versa.
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

9. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : THE TRANSFORMATION OF FORM:

10. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : THE TRANSFORMATION OF FORM:
Dimensional Transformations :
A spherical form can be transformed into any number of ellipsoid forms by elongated it along an axis.
A pyramidal form can be transformed by altering the dimension of its base or height or by moving the apex off .
A cube can be transformed into other rectangular prismatic forms by shortening or elongating its height, width or depth.
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

11. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : THE TRANSFORMATION OF FORM:
Subtractive forms :
Subtraction of original forms.
When regular forms have fragments missing from their volume, they can keep their formal identities if we perceive them as if they were complete.
Ambiguity regarding a forms original identity will result if the portion removed from its volume erodes the edges and drastically alters its profile. Example: the square and the L shape .
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

12. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : THE TRANSFORMATION OF FORM:
Additive forms: The basic possibilities for two forms to group together are:
By spatial tension : The two forms are relatively close to each other , or share a common visual trait as shape, material, color.
By edge to edge contact: Two forms share a common edge.
By face to face contact : by contact of flat surf.
By interlocking volumes: Interpenetration of each other’s space. The forms need not share visual traits
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

13. Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

14. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : THE TRANSFORMATION OF FORM:
Additive forms : The organization of additive forms:
Centralized forms
Linear forms
Radial forms
Clustered forms
Grid forms
Composite forms
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

15. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : THE TRANSFORMATION OF FORM:
Centralizes forms: Require the dominancy of a geometrically regular and centrally located form.
Linear forms: Repetition of forms, expressing movement. A result of matching topography, view or ventilation, can be manipulated to enclose a space, centered vertically as a tower.
Radial forms: Combines the aspects of centrally and linearity into a single composition. Can grow into a network where several centers are linked by linear forms. Best viewed from aerial view.
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

16. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : THE TRANSFORMATION OF FORM:
Clustered forms : Flexible organization to incorporate forms of various shapes, sizes and orientation. Could organized in:
Attached as appendages to a larger form
Related alone to express their volumes as individual entities.
Interlock their volumes and merge into a single form with variety of faces.
Could consist of forms that are equivalent in size , shape and function.
Found in vernacular architecture and in other compositions.
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

17. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : THE TRANSFORMATION OF FORM:
Grid Forms : Can be defined by two or more intersecting sets of regularly spaced parallel lines .
Composite Forms : consists of more than one formal organization.
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

18. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : FORMAL COLLISIONS OF GEOMETRY:
The two forms can subvert their individual identities and create new composition.
One of the two forms can receive the other totally in its volume.
The two forms can retain their own identities and share interlocking.
The two forms can separate and be linked by a third element that may recall the geometry of on of the forms.
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

19. Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

20. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : THE ARTICULATION OF FORM :
A form and its surfaces can be articulated by:
Differentiating adjacent surfaces with change in material , color texture or pattern.
Developing the corner as a distinct element independent from the surface.
Removing the corner to separate adjacent planes.
Lighting the form to create sharp distinctions of light and dark at its corners.
Corners could be rounded to emphasize the continuity of the surfaces.
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

21. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : THE ARTICULATION OF FORM :
Edges and corners :
Corners define the meeting of two surfaces.
Corner could be reinforced by adding a distinct element at corner.
Opening at on side of a corner.
Corner window.
Rounded corner .
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture

22. Lecture 3: Architectural Form : THE ARTICULATION OF FORM :
Surface articulation :
By contrasting the colors of the plane’s surface and the surrounding field.
Frontal view reveals the true shape of a plane, oblique views distort it.
Familiar elements can aid our perception of the plain’s size and scale.
The texture and color can affect the visual weight, scale and light reflection.
Shape and proportion can be distorted or exaggerated by layering an optical pattern over its surface.
Dr. Nihad Almughany- Theory of Architecture