Selected Bibliography Architecture - Form Space and Order | Page 19

PO INT

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A point marks a position in space. Conceptually, it has no
length, width, or depth, and is therefore static, centralized,
and directionless.
As the prime element in the vocabulary of form, a point can
serve to mark:
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the two ends of a line
the intersection of two lines
the meeting of lines at the corner of a plane or volume
the center of a field

Although a point theoretically has neither shape nor form,
it begins to make its presence felt when placed within a visual
field. At the center of its environment, a point is stable and
at rest, organizing surrounding elements about itself and
dominating its field.

When the point is moved off-center, however, its field becomes
more aggressive and begins to compete for visual supremacy.
Visual tension is created between the point and its field.

4 / A R C H ITE C TU R E : F O R M , S PA C E , & O R D E R