Universal Principles of Architecture

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VOLUMETRIC ARCHETYPES

Architectures of pure geometric forms and their combinations

Volumetric archetypes are three-dimensional shapes that have the capacity to contain uses, programs, and spaces while maintaining their formal purity. They can be found throughout history, from ancient times to contemporaneity. Volumetric archetypes are scalable: They can be designed as small architectural artifacts like furniture and toys, and as very large buildings or even cities.

Types

Cubes are three-dimensional shapes, either solid or hollow, contained by six quadrilaterals of similar size. Contrary to the geometrical definition, cubes as architectural items don’t have to be symmetrical because scale and perspective are important factors that determine ...