Origins of Form

"Origins of Form" is a specialized book that explores the shape of objects and their influencing factors. It examines what limits the height of a tree, why large ships or office buildings are more efficient than smaller structures, and what similarities exist between human rib cages and airplanes or between bison and cantilevered bridges. The author, Christopher Williams, has selected eight criteria that represent the essential influences on three-dimensional form. Each of these criteria is addressed in its own chapter, analyzing and comparing both natural and man-made products. The book aims to raise awareness among designers and builders about their physical environment and encourages them to move away from previous assumptions and indifference regarding the evolution of forms in our surroundings. With a practical approach and detailed illustrations, it provides a clear understanding of how design and function are interconnected and what laws influence the development of forms.