Formulas state concepts or "main ideas", applied to SVA architectural products. SVA use them as the communicational tool in the office while developing a particular product, in discussions with the client and presentations to the public.

More than one product can be defined by one formula. Formulas exist regardless of typologies, program, location, site, budget, time of execution, symbolic power, landmarking, and any other parameters that outline the "uniqueness" of an architectural product.

Formulas are part of a vocabulary that stems from our architectural production and is also an influence upon it. They aim to become generic phrases and to provide a "user friendly" tool for communicating architectural products.

Formulas communicate architectural products away from their technical categories ("curtain wall", "chilled ceiling"), topological categories ("mountain house", "seaview window"), or typological categories ("office building", "courtyard").

A formula is articulated such that it captures both the character of an architectural product and its affect on the observer and user.