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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Architecture as a three-dimensional language

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

"Architecture As A Three-Dimensional Language" is defined as a communication between architect and man manifested in form. It is useful to make an analogy between architecture and language since the purpose of both is to communicate. Communication requires the use of signs and symbols. In architecture form communicates meanings through signs and symbols. Some meanings communicated in architecture through signs and symbols demonstrate a sense of shelter, function, and movement. Function manifested in form anticipates the need for movement in the environment. Movement involves defining a direction. Direction can be established through the use of view and path as they relate to form. These elements create the approach, entrance, and circulation pattern of each building. As each individual building communicates movement by establishing a direction, the city also establishes a direction for movement in a universal way. Describing architecture as a language whose basic mode of communication is form suggests a design criteria based on how man perceives and responds to what the architect's design is trying to communicate.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Architecture
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Architecture
Department dc:contributor.department
Architecture
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Year dc:date.issued
1977

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Carey, John Homer

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Handle dc:identifier.uri
http://hdl.handle.net/10919/64129
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/64129

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Carey, John Homer. Architecture as a three-dimensional language. masters thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1977. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/64129