how can one thing in general be many things in particular?  form is a distinct singular thing but causes plural representations of itself in other objects.

these forms are the essences of such objects: they are that without which a thing would not be the kind of thing it is. for example, there are countless tables in the world but the form of tableness is at the core; it is the function or purpose of all of them.

the world of forms is transcendent to our own world (the world of substances) and also is the essential basis of reality. above mere matter, forms are the purest and most universal of all things. true knowledge is the ability to grasp the world of forms with one's mind.

the total solution to the "transforming restaurant" is a truly articulated sytem that can dynamically reshape a room instantly. the walls can turn, bend, expand, or contract, in moments as needed. any shape is possible just by pushing and pulling. the basic elements are a rigid nylon cells which minimize friction and allow free movement at strategic joints. because the system is modular, any combination of heights, widths, and thicknesses are possible, making it adaptable to any space. all the pieces snap together, and there is no extra hardware or tools. therefore, the parts can be easily reconfigured as customer needs change. the same modules that make up the walls can be used to create a raised floor or stage of any height. the same goes for countertops or tables. even seating can be built from the same components. there is a shared unit size to all the pieces, making them interchangable. the core elements solve specialized purposes which serve both decorative and functional characteristics. from these, a multitude of creative variegations arise when assembled in orchestrated ways. shapes and colours can be used in harmonious rhythms which animate during transformations. no off site storage space is needed for unused walls or furniture. these can simply be disassembled and reconfigured on location to serve useful functions. in daily usage, room sizes will automatically chnage based on occupancy. if an area becomes overcrowded, then people bumping up against the walls will cause that wall to naturally move in the needed direction. when privacy is desired, restaurant patrons can spiral a wall around themselves to create nested spaces.

the resulting interior spaces are essentially or "really" - forms, and the instant phenomena seen by the occupants will be like shadows following the form; that is, momentary portrayals of the form under different circumstances.