Form
There a number of different possible definitions of the noun ‘form’.
- In architecture, a form is a three-dimensional object or building that is perceived by a viewer in space and time, and made possible by the action of light and shadow. For example, a building may be said to present a complex, geometric form on the skyline. However, a form cannot be two-dimensional as it will then merely be a shape.
- ‘Human form’ is sometimes used to describe the body in a functioning, though not physiological sense. Le Corbusier considered houses and automobiles as essential modern tools that were extensions of the human form. He rejected Cubism in favour of the pure, simple geometric forms seen in everyday objects.
- Form can also be used in the same sense as ‘type’, so, for example, one may say that office buildings come in many different forms (i.e types, which can mean style, size, general arrangement, etc, or a combination of some or all of these. Or, theatre productions down the ages have taken many different forms, e.g proscenium, thrust, in-the-round etc.
- The term, ‘form’ can also mean a mould, i.e for holding a liquid or semi-plastic material in a particular shape until it sets. Hence, in construction, formwork is used to create shapes and designs, e.g supporting in-situ concrete until it cures to form walls and floors, etc.
- A form can be a standard document that can be completed, such as a Declaration of non-collusion form.
- Plato’s theory of forms suggests that a form is an idealised, universal paradigm of a particular concept or virtue which transcends the real world and by which in comparison, all other manifestations in the real world are nothing but inferior copies. For Plato, forms represent reality to which the inhabited world can only approximate. So, if a thing was beautiful, it resembled some of the aspects of the form of beauty, but its beauty was only participatory, and an imperfect imitation of the form of beauty.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
ECA progress on Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter
Working hard to make progress on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.