Architectural Principles

from Architecture: Form, Space, & Order by Francis D.K. Ching

Primary Elements 1. point elements 2. linear elements 3. planar elements 4. volumetric elements

Form and Shape 1. visual properties 2. relational properties 3. primary shapes and forms - circle - triangle - square - sphere - cylinder - cone - pyramid - cube Horizontal Elements Defining Space 1. base plane 2. elevated base plane 3. depressed base plane 4. overhead plane

Transformation of Form 1. dimensional transformation 2. subtractive form 3. additive forms 4. centralized form 5. linear form 6. radial form 7. clustered form 8. grid form Vertical Elements Defining Space 1. vertical linear elements 2. single vertical plane 3. L-shaped planes 4. parallel planes 5. U-shaped planes 6. four planes: closure Spatial Relationships 1. space within a space 2. interlocking spaces 3. adjacent spaces 4. spaces linked by a common space Ordering Principles axis symmetry hierarchy datum rhythm repetition transformation

Manipulation of Form 1. formal collisions of geometry - circle and square - rotated grid 2. articulation of form - edges and corners - surfaces Openings in SpaceDefining Elements 1. opening within planes 2. openings at corners 3. openings between planes

Qualities of Architectural Space 1. proportion 2. scale 3. definition 4. degree of enclosure 5. light 6. view Circulation 1. circulation elements 2. building approach 3. building entrances 4. configuration of path 5. path/space relationships 6. form of the circulation space

Spatial Organizations 1. centralized organizations 2. linear organizations 3. radial organizations 4. clustered organizations 5. grid organizations