Volumetric form

Receding planes or roundness create mass.

Visual traits

• depth
• mass

Expected changes

• Plane recession is more likely to read
• Roundness or mass is more likely to appear

Definition

A volumetric form uses receding planes or roundness so a subject reads with depth and mass. Material, lighting, color, and damage remain separate choices.

In more detail

It adjusts volume in the form only; it does not specify volumetric light, a material, lighting conditions, or spatial perspective.

Includes

• forms with apparent depth and mass

Excludes

• flat forms
• volumetric light
• material
• lighting
• or damage

What this does not imply

• volumetric light
• particular lighting
• material
• color
• or damage

Variability

Perceived volume varies with contour and shading, so viewpoint or lighting can be specified separately when needed.

Usage

• Specify form volume only

Distinguish similar expressions

• Give depth to the subject's form
• not to light or material

Typical uses

• Show a subject's mass

Possible failure modes

• The form reads flat
• Shading is so strong that the form is hard to read