Korsformer

Korsformer (Norwegian and Swedish for “cross forms”) is a term used to describe objects or spaces that have a cross-like layout or symbol. In architecture and urban design, korsformer often refer to cruciform floor plans or layouts where arms extend from a central area, producing a cross-shaped silhouette; such forms are common in medieval and church architecture as well as in some garden and civic designs. In ecclesiastical architecture, cruciform churches are designed to emphasize a central nave intersected by transept arms.

In heraldry, korsformer denotes crosses used as charges or symbols on shields and emblems; many heraldic crosses differ in the shape of their arms, such as a cross patée, cross fleury, cross potent, or cross moline. These variants are collectively regarded as korsformer in Nordic terminology when describing cross shapes on arms or insignia.

In decorative arts, korsformer appears as motifs in tiling, metalwork, textiles, and ceramics, where a cross-like motif is used for symmetry and balance. The term is general and can be applied to any field where a cross-shaped form is a primary design element, though specific subtypes are usually named in their respective domains.

Note: The term is primarily descriptive rather than technical and its precise use may vary by region and discipline.