It's the voids of space created by the above mentioned manipulation. Its the quality of spaces, the proportions, and shear volumes of space formed by voids and solids. Its the shades of coloring applied to those forms, the texturing we add that contrast, accent, and articulate the surfaces of those forms. Before we can apply the knowledge we have learned previously, we must consider other factors we can not control such as nature. The sun, the wind, and rain are ever present and they are our main reason for searching for shelter in the first place.
Natural lighting accentuates surfaces with shadows and is quite capable of defining space.
Forms can be manipulated in such a way as to take advantage of the sun and the prevailing winds. In addition to nature which is a part of the existing context, there may be other forms already existing. Building features that your design will have to address if it is to exist harmoniously on the site. There is most likely an existing society and cultural beliefs that will also help to prescribe vocabulary for designing. This essential vocabulary of architecture consist of forms, spaces, volumes, light, and nature.