4. Datum

Datum

A datum is essentially a reference point, though it is a little more complex than that. A datum can be a line, plane, mass, object, or anything that unites the building’s parts into a singular whole. The datum can help locate, measure, and provide scale to the rest of the building as well. The building’s forms are dependent on the datum for the building to be read together. A much simpler form of a datum is often used in the study of geometry and is usually just a singular point. The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, has a large window with an almost comically large inset that acts as a datum for the facade. The building’s side wing and the signs, doors, and other façade windows are all based around this central form. The analysis in the upper right corner of Lina Bo Bardi’s glass house shows two datums, the tree in the center of the enclosed courtyard which the building wraps itself around and the open portion on the left side of the building which the private rooms are organized around and look out onto. Datums are thus integral to the arrangement of geometrical forms.

From top to bottom:

An analysis I did of Lina Bo Bardi’s Glass House showing datums in red as well as the lines of balance.

The facade of the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia showing the large central window and inset. Designed by Brasfield and Gorrie. Photo from the National Football Foundation.