Primary Elements

The primary elements --- point, line, plane, and volume --- are the fundamental building blocks for design. Without these primary elements, Form, Space, and Order ceases to exist. In the same order stated earlier, the primary elements begin to grow from one dimensional to eventually three dimensional. Although these elements may seem a little elementary, it is important to review them to better grasp their importance in design.

POINT

The most basic element, and the beginning of it all, is the point. The point marks a particular location in space. It has no sense of dimension; instead it considered more of a fixed, simplistic element. Even with no sense of form or dimension a point can convey various feelings. When placed in the center of an environment it reads as stable and secure. As the point moves off center it becomes more intrusive and fights for dominance. A point can be used to mark parts of other primary elements such as the intersection of two lines, the ends of a line, the joining of lines in the corner of a volume or a plane, or the center of a field.

Below is an example of point used in the built environment:

Clarity NW Photography. (Photographer). (2014). Woodinville Retreat [Web Photo].

The dark metal elements contrast greatly with the light tones of the rest of the kitchen and bring focus to these various points in the room. It is also known that points can create lines and other elements. If you mentally connect the dots of these points, conceptual lines can be created.

LINE

Line comes to life with the connection of two points or the extension of a point. These methods give the line length but still deprive it of width and depth, making line a one-dimensional object. The motion of the point or points make the line dynamic and directional. Although two points may give the line a fixed length, the segment can really be considered part of a longer line. Lines serve to connect, enclose, and support other visual elements. They also bring life to edges and surfaces of planes. Different types of lines provoke different feelings. Horizontal lines, for example, convey rest and stability while vertical lines are strong and energetic.

 

Below is an example of line used in the built environment:

Benson, R. (Photographer). (2015). Greenwich Shingle Style [Web Photo].

The continuous use of horizontal lines with the roof line and the rest of the facade helps create a sense of stability and permanence for the house. The many horizontal lines move your eyes outward making the house seem wider and bigger than it actually appears. Each horizontal line adds another layer to the house and facade.


PLANE

Two linear objects are able to visually express a plane, although one line extended in a direction other than its natural path can do the trick also. This means a plane not only consists of length but also width, making it a two dimensional object. The edges of a plane consist of various directional lines and within these lines a surface is created. Planes are an important part to architectural design in that they are the surfaces in which provide shape, color, texture, and size. Multiple adjoining planes define the limits of a volume, a three dimensional space, in which we create our spaces.

 

Below is an example of planes used in the built environment:

Horst Architects. (Designer). (2013). Caya [Web Photo].

The planes of this house are used to define the overall various cubical forms of the exterior. Each plane has two horizontal and two vertical lines that define it. While the surfaces of these planes are fairly flat and plain, a few provide interest with different textures and colors.


VOLUME

Volume is created once a plane is extended in a direction other than its inherent direction. Volumes can also be created by adjoining together multiple planes. These modifications of the plane make the volume a three dimensional object consisting of length, width, and depth. This gives the element definite form and space. Its form is defined by its shape and the relationship between planes. A volume consists of all three previous primary elements. Although it is now a three dimensional object that doesn't necessarily mean it is a solid, volumes are also in many cases void.

 

Below is an example of plane used in the built environment:  

Michael Robert Construction. (Designer). (2014). Classic Coastal Colonial Renovation - the Ultimate Island [Web Photo].

The kitchen island consists of various rectangular planes than in turn make it a volume. Not only does it have form as a rectangular prism but it also defines the space within the kitchen. Like the room itself, the kitchen island is a mostly void volume.