13. Three-dimensional form

The difficulties faced by students in handling three-dimensional forms are as under
• a failure to visualise and comprehend three-dimensional form
• a lack of experience in transferring two-dimensional images to three-dimensional forms
• a difficulty in form analysis and classification
• unfamiliarity with the use of three-dimensional materials, tools, machinery and processes.

Working with three-dimensional forms is more complex than working with two-dimensional forms and is more of a challenge.

13 - 01 What is form?
The commonly accepted definition of form refers to the visual and physical structure of an object. Form is three-dimensional.

CONTINUOUS & NON-CONTINUOUS FORMS
1. Closed forms
2. Pierced forms
3. Planar forms
4. Open forms
5. Mobile forms
6. Organic forms
7. Geometric forms
8. Natural forms
9. Linear forms
10. Wire forms
11. Solid forms
10. Pneumatic forms

13 - 02 Forms
The commonly accepted definition of form refers to the visual and physical structure of an object. Form is three-dimensional. A fundamental fact of human existence is that we live in a three-dimensional space surrounded by stationary or kinetic forms.

a. LINEAR (OR OPEN) FORMS - A linear form, for the purpose of visual analysis, may be said to be one possessing an exaggerated dimension - that of length. It is considerably longer than its height or width. In linear forms, space is articulated with a minimum of mass, by a long thin element. Since the linear form is much smaller than the surrounding space, its relationship is in a rather delicate balance. Linear forms often appear skeletal or unfinished - disproportionate to the space around it. Since it interacts with a great quantity of space, it runs the risk of being overpowered by the environment that isolates the form. Linear forms have one exaggerated dimension. Linear forms articulate the space with a minimum of mass. Since the linear form is much smaller than the surrounding space, its relationship is often in a rather delicate balance. The environment overpowers the space within and around the linear form.