The link between architecture and shapes dates back to ancient times when the two disciplines were virtually inseparable. Egyptian pyramids and Roman temples were some of the earliest examples of architectural shapes at work.
Today, shapes continue to define the residential landscape, and thanks to modern technology, architects can explore seemingly infinite design options allowing them to design groundbreaking homes. In this article, we look at the use of basic shapes in residential and home architecture.
Triangles
Look around you. Triangles are everywhere. Any home requiring a rigid and robust support system depends on triangles to achieve that goal. We see it in the framework of most residential buildings. When a house is constructed using the shape of a triangle, the design has a massive base, and the pinnacle at the top is capable of holding a lot of weight. Also because of its rigid shape, a triangle cannot be deformed when pressure is applied to it.
This is the reason why one of the most recognized homes is an A-frames; it provides both strength and stability. The most common triangular forms in home design are the equilateral (where all sides are equal) and isosceles (where two sides are equal), their symmetry helps in proper weight distribution.
The use of the triangle in home architecture dates back to the early years even before other familiar shapes such as the arch and dome were used.
Squares and Rectangles
A key concept in residential architecture is the use of squares and rectangles. These are by far the most used shapes in home design. Even though they are weak and require structural support unlike triangular designs, rectangles and squares are at work wherever cost reduction is needed.
This is because such shapes are generally cheaper to construct. Floors, walls, ceilings, windows, and doors usually are rectangular or square in shape. Odd shapes will be more challenging to build and will cost more.
Similarly, most plots are rectangular or square shaped, so building in such a plot will give you a similarly shaped house. Rectangular and square designs also allow furniture and other interior items to be fitted more easily. Incidentally, most items of domestic utility come in rectangular and square shapes too.
With regards to energy efficiency, it is cheaper to service rectangular and square shaped rooms and houses. Oddly shaped houses will cost more in air conditioning and heating since standard solutions will not apply. Customized solutions are more expensive to install and maintain. Moreover, inside wall fittings such as electrical lines and water pipes run through straight and bending them to fit irregular shapes can cause difficulties in installation and also maintenance.
In short, rectangular and square shaped homes are not only easy and inexpensive to build, but they are also the most structurally sound.
Circles
Not all residential designs are formed by straight lines. One of the most useful architectural shapes is the circle. It provides the most economical forms of construction, mostly because a circular design supports itself, and therefore doesn't require pillars to stand it up.
Another advantage is improved ventilation because of the heightened ceiling and less hindering structures within. This allows cool and warm air to flow around smoothly than in any other shape of building. With 20% reduced wall space, heating and cooling bills can be lowered.
Round homes also stand up to extreme winds. The curved roofs make them wind-resistant because winds will flow around the structure instead of getting trapped in angles. Because of this, they are particularly resistant to high-velocity winds lifting the roof or tilting the house.
Circular homes are also considered environmentally friendly. They use fewer materials than their rectangular and triangular counterparts. In conclusion, shapes define architecture, no matter how subtle. Believers say that when we recognize shape and build upon it, we create buildings that inspire and comfort.
This is the core mission of Bill Whittaker Registered Architect- to help you shape a home that you'll love for many years to come.
Call us today to discuss your next project and how we can be of help.
FAQs
The three primary shapes of circle, triangle and square have been regarded as the criteria for judging the whereabouts of building forms across the spectrum of Euclidean geometry in its classical sense.
Why are shapes important in architecture? ›
Shapes arguably form the most elemental structure of commercial design. The shapes of walls, roofs, floors, doors, and windows work together to complement and enhance one another while contributing to a visually exciting end product.
Why is the shape of the house important? ›
Squares and rectangles
Square shaped plot, buildings and rooms are considered ideal for a number of reasons. A slightly rectangular structure is also well appreciated. Distribution of space becomes easy in a square or moderately rectangular building. Positive energy travels well within its walls.
What is the reason behind the different shape of house? ›
In terms of building cost, a square or rectangle built as a multiple of standardized construction components, like 4x8 plywood and Sheetrock, is least labor intensive and therefore most cost efficient. If you mean energy efficient, a dome or sphere has the least surface are for volume.
What are the basic shapes of buildings? ›
Rectangles, arches, and triangles are the most common shapes used to build big structures. The weight pushes down on the rectangle and causes the top side to bend. The weight presses down on the arch and is spread outward along the curve to the ground below.
What is the most important shape in architecture? ›
The triangle is the strongest to as it holds it shape and has a base which is very strong a also has a strong support. The triangle is common in all sorts of building supports and trusses.
Why are basic shapes important? ›
Learning shapes not only helps children identify and organize visual information, it helps them learn skills in other curriculum areas including reading, math, and science. For example, an early step in understanding numbers and letters is to recognize their shape.
What is the weakest shape? ›
If you Google the weakest shape, the most common answer is the circle. Many variables will factor here as well. As it turns out, there really is no simple, one-size-fits-all answer to the question. Knowing if we need strength for support or containment is an example of what needs to be known to answer the question.
What is the strongest shape? ›
The triangle is the only polygon that will not shift under pressure. Triangles are the strongest shape there is. Any weight placed on them is evenly distributed on all 3 sides. They represent geometric sturdiness; no matter how much weight you put on any side, it will not break.
What is the most efficient house shape? ›
Dome: Dome-shaped houses are half spheres with their broadest area at the base. Structures lose energy in the corners. This shape features no corners, so winds pass smoothly over its surface resulting in little or no air pressure differences around the house.
Triangles have a large base that is able to support the weight of the rest of the triangle that leads to a small tip. Even rectangular houses are made up of different triangles to support the house. This makes a triangle the strongest shape for houses.
Which shape is best for a house? ›
Which are the best shapes for a house as per vastu shastra? Square and rectangle are the best shapes as per vastu as they bring prosperity, happiness, and health in the long run.
What is the psychology behind shapes in design? ›
What is the Psychology of Shapes in Design. The psychology of shape delves into the symbolic and emotional effects of different shape designs. Different shapes evoke different emotions, guiding designers to create impactful, mood-setting designs that resonate with viewers.
What is the basic shape of house? ›
Rectangular Homes
The cheapest to build and structurally the strongest, a house arranged in a rectangle is the most basic form of housing known.
What are basic shapes? ›
Basic shapes mainly are composed of plane figures and solid figures. Plane figures, also known as 2-dimensional shapes, lie on a single plane having length and breadth. Examples of plane figures include squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, and quadrilaterals.
What are the 5 basic shapes in drawing? ›
Square/cubes, circles/globes, cylinders, ellipses, and triangle/pyramid are the common forms that can be found in complex objects. Learning to correctly draw these shapes will improve your drawing skills.
What are the 5 main points of architecture? ›
Urbanism and Architectural Theory
The design principles include the following five points by Le Corbusier: Pilotis (pillars), roof garden, open floor plan, long windows and open facades.
What are the 3 types of shapes in design? ›
So, there are three main kinds of shapes we use in graphic design: geometric, organic, and abstract. Even though we're focusing on geometric shapes for this lesson, let's take a quick look at the other two for comparison.
What are the 5 elements of design in architecture? ›
From ancient Greek statues to modern graphic design, every art form can be broken down into basic design fundamentals—line, shape, form, color, value, shape, and texture. Architecture is no exception and can also be dissected using these basic design elements.
