ABSTRACT
REPETITION IS CREATED WHEN identical or similar things (i.e. objects, elements, surfaces or spaces) are duplicated in an environment. While repetition seems a basic idea, it can be used for several different and conflicting things depending on the context. The primary use for repetition in architecture is to create a sense of continuous built fabric through sameness. This is one way to create a field effect or a ground in contrast to an object (see Object-Ground ), create a relationship through similarity (see Relationship ) or reinforce alignment (see Alignment ). When the same forms or their attributes are repeated – such as a series of windows on a façade, façades on a street, surface materials or colour palette – those single elements are interpreted as part of a larger whole. Once clustered into a larger group, we no longer consciously address them as individual elements. Repetition suppresses difference by eliminating hierarchy between the elements which then dismisses our direct attention.
