Selected Bibliography Architecture - Form Space and Order | Page 63

R E G U L AR & IRREGULAR FORMS

Regular forms refer to those whose parts are
related to one another in a consistent and orderly
manner. They are generally stable in nature and
symmetrical about one or more axes. The sphere,
cylinder, cone, cube, and pyramid are prime
examples of regular forms.

Forms can retain their regularity even when
transformed dimensionally or by the addition or
subtraction of elements. From our experiences
with similar forms, we can construct a mental
model of the original whole even when a fragment is
missing or another part is added.

Irregular forms are those whose parts are
dissimilar in nature and related to one another
in an inconsistent manner. They are generally
asymmetrical and more dynamic than regular
forms. They can be regular forms from which
irregular elements have been subtracted or result
from an irregular composition of regular forms.
Since we deal with both solid masses and spatial
voids in architecture, regular forms can be contained within irregular forms. In a similar manner,
irregular forms can be enclosed by regular forms.

48 / A R C H I TE C TU R E : F O R M , S PA C E , & O R D E R