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Hierarchy

All elements of a building are not equally important. Real differences exist among the forms and spaces of a structure, and these differences reveal the value system of the builder and the building’s users. The ranking in importance of various elements of a structure is called “hierarchy.”

For a form or space to be identified as being important, it must stand out visibly. The most common ways of endowing a form with hierarchy are 1) giving it exceptional size; 2) making it a unique shape; or 3) giving it a strategic location in the building.
 

View examples for each type of hierarchy. Using spheres, cubes, and/or cylinders create your own composition that shows the different types of hierarchy. Add any number and combination of shapes by clicking on the shape buttons. To move or transform a shape, click on it and then use the move, rotate or scale sliders.