Fundamental Concepts of Architecture : The Vocabulary of Spatial Situations

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to the expression and character of the total architectural situ-
ation. Form characters are components of atmospheres; as a
consequence, both encompass common expressive qualities.
We do not attach these to the forms subsequently through
interpretations or associations, but instead experience them
directly as perceptible form. They can be distinguished ac-
cording to their formal properties in the narrower sense (1),
other qualities or properties of objects (2), dynamic effects
(3), sensory impressions (4), mood qualities and appeals (5),
and expressive qualities that are conveyed indirectly (6).

1. Generated through purely formal traits, for example,
   are rounded, pointed, or compact characters. Compositional
   qualities determine whether an architectural or spatial form
   makes a uniform or fragmented impression, and allow a spe-
   cific formal constitution to be recognizable. For an impres-
   sion of > size, form and dimensions are equally decisive; big-
   ness, for example, may come into its own through the design
   and shaping of bulging forms, while scalar relationships and

   
   

   proportions may cause a form to seem elongated, compact,
   or well-balanced.

   
   

   
   


2. Strictly speaking, weight, material and construction do
   not belong to the formal characteristics, but the expressive-
   ness of forms is often strongly influenced by such factors. By
   emphasizing the weighty character of a form, its > heaviness
   comes to full effect. Dependent upon > materiality are, for
   example, the expressive qualities of > porosity or > density,
   while > tectonics as an expression of construction determines
   whether a built form seems to bear weight, to hang, or simply
   to rest.


3. According to Rudolf Arnheim, dynamic ‘perceptual
   forces’ are always effective in cognition upon which form
   character are largely dependent. When a building is said to
   ‘soar’ or a square to ‘spread itself out’, language attributes
   autonomous behaviour to inanimate objects. Yet not every
   building soars upwards; some rest, crouch, bend, recline, or
   sandwich themselves between other structures; and a square