Geometry

Q&A: Geometry

A distinctive feature of contemporary architecture and design are the clear shapes and the complete obedience to the strict rules of geometry. Even the most complex figures are formed entirely of planetary simple lines. At first glance, designing in this style is an easy and achievable task. The truth, however, is that only a person with a high degree of professionalism and attention to detail can create regular, ideally organized geometric spaces. Here are the characteristics which, in my view, an architectural project must have in order to fit into the "Geometry" category:

Q&A: What is typical for the geometric surroundings of the buildings? 

Geometry begins from the courtyard of the building. The straight line determines everything there. The green areas represent the most popular figures - square, rectangle, diamond, equilateral and isosceles triangle ... Crossing two directions, for example, in pedestrian alleys, takes place at a specific angle. Casualties are absolutely forbidden. The most commonly used are 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, 90 ° and 120 °. Centrally symmetrical compositions are unfamiliar to this style. Forget about Baroque elliptical staircases, parade paths and small squares with gazebos or a fountain in the middle. This should not, however, mean that, like any complete composition, it should not have its own focus center (accent). The green areas must correspond to their name. Straight-cropped fresh ryegrass best suits the overall concept. Flower beds and decorative-shaped corners with rock gardens, streams and bushes should not be present in a modern geometric courtyard. As for the pavements of the alleys, there is greater freedom, once again observing the geometry. Both large and small bulk materials (gravel, felt, coarse sand, etc.) are suitable, as well as wooden slats and slabs of the correct shapes. Raw stone and cobblestone have no place here.

Q&A: How to design a building with geometric volume and facades?

A geometric-style building is a simple composition of a small number of stereometric bodies. Here the power belongs to the cube, parallelepiped, prism and pyramid. The oval volumes of the cylinder, cone and sphere may also be a part of the vision, though used more sparingly. All planes and surfaces have to act in a general way and their shape should be smooth and fully insightful. The attention to detail, the clear contact between the different volumes and the underlined straight lines and edges are a peculiar feature of the style. The rhythmic alternation of elements is also an appropriate means of expression, since rigid order and organization are typical in this case. Of course, here is the eternal rule of the ancient Greek poet Pytak: "Know the limit". Cutting volumes, the use of decorative ornaments and details, as well as sloping roofs are absolutely forbidden. The composition must be united by a common idea. For this, purely visual combination of volumes and the use of similar (no more than three in one building) materials can be used. Metal, glass, plastic are commonly used. The wood can also find good application if it is subjected to the general geometry.

Q&A: What is important when creating a geometric interior?

Building the internal space of a geometric building is the most complex task in the project. If the exterior can afford to be cool and respectful by its strict rectitude, the rooms must be warm and hospitable. Achieving a successful combination of geometry and comfort is the great challenge for architects and designers. The large smooth volumes, characteristic of the facades, do not work well in the interior. Logically, given the scale of the external and internal space. Therefore, there is a striving for some overburdening. However, the pure geometric detail and the clarity of shapes must be preserved. This is achieved by paving, cladding, wallpaper, etc., which form figurative compositions. Needless to say, the tiles of flowers, shells and all sorts of classic ornaments will not be accepted here. Everything must be stylized and made up of right forms. Colors of materials play a very important role in achieving the goal. Appropriate in many cases to distinguish between volumes and emphasis on different elements are the contrasting tones. As far as the furniture and their design are concerned, all the above mentioned principles fully apply. The paraphrasing and the measured verbatim repetition of the exterior shapes in the furnishings are among the most used techniques. This strengthens the sense of style unity between all parts of the building. Modulation is also a commonly applied principle. The furniture materials should have a smooth surface, be cool and stiff to the touch. Plush and long-haired fabrics, as well as a large number of accessories such as cushions, curtains and draperies are unthinkable for a geometric interior.