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Datum
THEORY & MATHEMATICSintermediate
Definition
A reference element — a line, plane, or volume — that anchors or organises other elements in a composition. Other forms relate to the datum by touching, aligning with, or departing from it. The datum itself does not have to be central; it just needs to be consistent.
Example
In Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye (1931), the horizontal pilotis band acts as a datum from which the raised main floor appears to float.