Scribd
Upload
343 views10 pages

Transformation of Form

Dimensional, subtractive, and additive transformations can alter the form of an object while retaining aspects of its original identity. Dimensional transformation involves changing an object's dimensions, like transforming a cube into a vertical slab. Subtractive transformation removes part of an object's volume, potentially transforming it into another family of forms. Additive transformation adds elements that can alter or retain an object's initial form, like attaching subordinate parts. Relationships between additive forms include spatial tension, edge-to-edge contact, face-to-face contact, and interlocking volumes.

Uploaded by

Aicelle Gayap
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
343 views10 pages

Transformation of Form

Dimensional, subtractive, and additive transformations can alter the form of an object while retaining aspects of its original identity. Dimensional transformation involves changing an object's dimensions, like transforming a cube into a vertical slab. Subtractive transformation removes part of an object's volume, potentially transforming it into another family of forms. Additive transformation adds elements that can alter or retain an object's initial form, like attaching subordinate parts. Relationships between additive forms include spatial tension, edge-to-edge contact, face-to-face contact, and interlocking volumes.

Uploaded by

Aicelle Gayap
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 10

THEORY of ARCHITECTURE 1

TRANSFORMATION OF FORM

Source:
Francis D. K. Ching, Architecture –
Form, Space and Order, 4th Ed [2015]
•Dimensional
Transformation
•Subtractive
Transformation
•Additive
Transformation

TRANSFORMATION OF FORM
Dimensional Transformation

A form can be transformed by


altering one or more of its
dimensions and still retain its
Dimensional Transformation of a Cube
into a Vertical Slab: Unité d’Habitation,
identity as a member of a
Firminy-Vert, France, 1963–1968, Le Corbusier 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
Subtractive Transformation

A form can be transformed by


subtracting a portion of its
volume. Depending on the
Subtractive Transformation Creating Volumes of Space: extent of the subtractive
Gwathmey Residence, Amagansett, New York, 1967,
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.
Additive Transformation

A form can be transformed by


the addition of elements to its
volume. The nature of the
additive process and the
Additive Transformation of a Parent Form
by the Attachment of Subordinate Parts: number and relative sizes of
Il Redentore, Venice, 1577–1592, Andrea Palladi
the elements being attached
determine whether the identity
of the initial form is altered or
retained
Relationships of Additive Form

• Spatial Tension
• Edge-to-Edge Contact
• Face-to-Face Contact
• Interlocking Volumes
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.
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.

You might also like