What term describes the arrangements of forms of a building?

The term "massing" refers to the three-dimensional form and volume of a building, representing the overall shape, size, and arrangement of its parts. Massing is crucial in architecture as it encompasses how different components of a structure relate to one another in space, influencing both the external appearance of the building and its interaction with the surrounding environment.

Understanding massing helps architects create visually enticing designs and ensures that the building functions well contextually, considering factors such as light, shadow, and texture. This concept allows architects to experiment with different shapes and configurations to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and functional structure.

The other terms listed do not accurately capture the idea of form arrangements in the same way. "Volume" typically pertains to the spatial capacity of a building rather than the arrangement of its forms. An "elevation drawing" is a two-dimensional representation showing one side of a building, providing details about its facade but not how various forms are organized in three dimensions. The "ground plane line" relates to the level or base where the building sits rather than describing its overall massing or form arrangements.