An iconic architectural expression is a distinctive pattern that physically manifests in a building, town, or park. Examples of iconic expressions include the swastika, the cross, and the Mayan pyramid. Architectural expressions are important to the understanding of the architecture itself; for example, an expression could facilitate pathways or allow sunlight into a building. Architectural expression is studied at schools of architecture as part of architectural history and theory. Characteristics like geometrical patterns and weight shifting can also be incorporated into designs to create an idea.
