Basic concepts

-Place

• Relation of contrast, the relation with the place is either juxtaposition or abstraction
• Relation of camouflage, the relation with the place is of extreme integration
• Organic relation, is a nod to the place, and integration is done by reinterpreting its elements. It shows sensitivity towards the place
• Contextual relation, has to do with the meaning expressed by the building

-Space

• Classic space, closed and compact space with usually massive walls. In the Renaissance period, this space also becomes centralized and with one symmetry axis. In the Baroque period, they experiment with tension in the centralized space adding at least two axes of symmetry
• Uniform space, the modern movement breaks the compact space, breaks the ‘box’ and lets the space flow allowing vertical and horizontal collections
• Contemporary space, the defining feature is the absolute confusion of the public space with the space of relation

-Function

• Mechanical functionalism, form is a direct consequence of its function. Beauty came from the mechanical efficiency and not for the search of beauty
• Organic functionalism, the form takes on a biological sense and adapts itself to the living functions which must be carried out in the environment , that is, adapted to human activities and the social environment
• Moralistic functionalism,  utility exists for an end, the beauty is on making this utility visible. Beauty and utility are so close that the line between both concepts blurrs

-Form

• Rhythm, sequence o repetition of shapes in space
• Axiality, linear element that marks a direction and distributes the space or elements around it
• Symmetry, regular arrangement of parts or points of a body or figure in relation to a center, axis, or plan
• Hierarchy, relationship of supremacy of an element over others based on an established approach
• Module, a unitary element that serves a proportional unit which is repeated on the same scale or at different scales
• Grid, composition based on a grid of axes serving as a guide
• Movement, the irregularity of the forms and the variants of the order inspire the idea of movement, of displacement
• Unit, the relationships of the parts to the hole so the nothing should be removed or added
• Centrality, organization of space around a focal center that draws attention to it
• Balancing, complementary relationship between the elements of a composition
• Limit, the edge of the elements of a composition where there is a change
• Light, “Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light.”, Le Corbusier
• Contrast, opposition or remarkable difference between elements to create a  dynamic effect on the composition
• Texture, surface finishing of the elements involved in the final perception of  architecture
• Color, chromatic manifestation of the used elements
• Proportion, harmonic relationship of dimensions according to mathematical rules
• Scale, relation between the size of the building and the size of a human being

-Materiality and structure

In the process of technological evolution, materials and technology are replaced by new ones, but the shapes remain, symbols of the first materials and the need of humans to protect themselves