Selected Bibliography Architecture - Form Space and Order | Page 17

PR IMARY ELEMENTS

This opening chapter presents the primary elements of form in the order of
their growth from the point to a one-dimensional line, from the line to a twodimensional plane, and from the plane to a three-dimensional volume. Each
element is first considered as a conceptual element, then as a visual element
in the vocabulary of architectural design.

As conceptual elements, the point, line, plane, and volume are not visible
except to the mind’s eye. While they do not actually exist, we nevertheless feel
their presence. We can sense a point at the meeting of two lines, a line marking
the contour of a plane, a plane enclosing a volume, and the volume of an object
that occupies space.
When made visible to the eye on paper or in three-dimensional space, these
elements become form with characteristics of substance, shape, size, color,
and texture. As we experience these forms in our environment, we should be
able to perceive in their struc GW&RF