Francis Ching's Primary Elements

Point:

A point indicates a position in space. Conceptually, it has no length, width, or depth, and is static, centralized, and directionless. A point can serve to mark: the two ends of a line, the intersection of two lines, the meeting of lines at the corner of a plane or volume, and the center of a field. A point begins to make its presence felt when placed within a visual field.

Line:

A point extended becomes a line. Conceptually, a line has length, but no width or depth. A line, in describing the path of a point in motion, is capable of visually expressing direction, movement, and growth. A line is also a critical element in the formation of any visual construction. A line can serve to: join, link support, surround, or intersect other visual elements and describe the edges of and give shape to planes.

Plane:

Two parallel lines have the ability to visually describe a plane. The closer these lines are to each other, the stronger will be the sense of plane they convey. Additionally, a series of parallel lines, through their repetitiveness, reinforces our perception of the plane they describe. As these lines extend themselves along the plane they describe, the implied plane becomes real.

Volume:

A plane extended in a direction other than its intrinsic direction becomes a volume. A volume has three dimensions: length, width, and depth. All volumes can be analyzed and understood to consist of: points or vertices where several planes come together, lines or edges where two planes meet, planes or surfaces that define the limits or boundaries of a volume.

Credits:

Ching, F. (2007). Architecture.

circlelinemedia. (2016, December 24). How to draw in 2-point perspective: Buildings: San Francisco. YouTube. Retrieved January 25, 2022, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMeK75m4hAI