Selected Bibliography Architecture - Form Space and Order | Page 60

P RI M A RY S OL I DS

Cone

A solid generated by the revolution of a right triangle about one
of its sides. Like the cylinder, the cone is a highly stable form when
resting on its circular base, and unstable when its vertical axis is
tipped or overturned. It can also rest on its apex in a precarious
state of balance.

Pyramid A polyhedron having a polygonal base and triangular faces meeting
at a common point or vertex. The pyramid has properties similar
to those of the cone. Because all of its surfaces are flat planes,
however, the pyramid can rest in a stable manner on any of its
faces. While the cone is a soft form, the pyramid is relatively hard
and angular.

Cube

A prismatic solid bounded by six equal square sides, the angle
between any two adjacent faces being a right angle. Because of
the equality of its dimensions, the cube is a static form that lacks
apparent movement or direction. It is a stable form except when
it stands on one of its edges or corners. Even though its angular
profile is affected by our point of view, the cube remains a highly
recognizable form.

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