Form

Form is another element of design with multiple meanings.  It is often used in reference to the manner of arranging and organizing the elements and parts of a composition to create a complete image.  Form also references both the internal and external structure giving three-dimensional mass and volume to a primary shape.  

Primary Solids

Primary solids are shapes, such as circles, squares, and triangles, which have been stretched to produce volumetric or three dimensional forms.  These familiar circles create spheres, squares become cubes, and triangles form pyramids.  The most common pyramids are the Egyptian pyramids, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, which can be seen below.  

Dimensional Transformation

If a form is not considered a primary solid it is considered to be a form transformed by alternating one or more of its dimensions.  A cube can be extended in height, width, or length to create a rectangle or a plane.  A circle can be stretched to form an ellipse as you can see in the image below.

Subtractive Forms

A form can also be transformed by subtracting a percentage of its volume.  Depending on how much is subtracted; the form can still retain its initial identity or can be transformed into something new.  The example shows a corner in a room that has been cutout and given a new shape.

Additive Forms

By adding elements, a form can also be transformed.  Depending on the type of additions and the number and sizes of the elements added, the initial identity can be altered or retained.  The particular image below demonstrates a type of additive form:  Radial Form, which transforms into a composition of linear forms that extend outward from a central form.  Other forms included Centralized Forms, Linear Forms, Clustered Forms, and Grid Forms.

Formal Collision of Geometry

Formal Collision of Geometry occurs when two forms that differ in geometry or orientation collide and intertwine.  This collision can occur in numerous ways; two forms can merge to create a new form, one of the two forms can engulf the other within its volume, the two forms can share just an interlocking portion of their volumes, or the two forms can be separated but linked by a third element.  The example in the image shows the cylinder of the sink intercept the rectangular counter.