Chapter VII
Principles
Axis is the imaginary line created between two points from
which objects are positioned in an visually harmonic manner. The axis suggest conformity, counterbalance
is a must. The division of visual
elements determines the strength of the axis.
The axis is a line which contributes to the movement and direction along
a visual field. An axis must have a
definite end formed by two specific areas.
An axis may be created by a symmertrical series of shapes or
spaces. This axis may be strenghtened by
horizontal or vertical lines lines that correspondwith the axis.
The end points of
the axis serve as both the beginning and end of
axial movement. The ultimate
principle of an axis may be produced by:
positions in a field
may be produced by vertical or horiziontal lines or centralized forms.
vertical facet
created by a symmetrical form introduced by an open field.
specific spaces
defined by central, consistant shapes.
entryways that open
inwardly to the axis.
Symmetry is the balanced compisition of equal shapes and spaces on
either side of a dividing line or central axis.
There are two basic forms of symmetry:
Bilateral symmetry
is the balance of similar shapes and spaces on a median axis so that the one
plane appears as two equal halves
Radial symmetry is
the balance of similar radiating shapes so that the area may be divided into
complementary halves around a center point or axis.
Symetrical
composition may be achieved in two ways.
An entire building may be in symmetry. Or a building or space may be may
be designed with a central portion in symmetry with outward irregularities to
resolve issues of asymmetry on a build site.
Hierarchy is the expression of relevance of a space by size, shape
or placement. A visual hierarchy among
forms and space is essential in establishing the symbolic and functional
differences among design elements. A
building or space may be seen as visually exceptional by making the form or shape an deviation fromits
surroundings. This may be achived by
making a shape or space: large in size, unique in shape or strategic in
location.
Hierarchy by size is
when a form or space is significantly grander in size than surrounding elements
in the configuration.
Hierarchy by shape
is when a form or space is clearly different from surrounding elements in a
configuration.
Hierarchy by
placement is when a form or space is
placed in a manner that makes it stand out from the surrounding
elements. This may be achieved by:
a termination of a sequence or axis,
making a center point of a symmetrical grouping,
the center of a
radial or centralized grouping,
being placed away from the grouping.
Datum is the is a volume, line or plane that gathers and organizes
a sequence of shapes and spaces. Datum is similar to an axis in that it
organizes a series of shapes and spaces along it's line. Unlike an axis, a datum is not defined as a
striaght line. A datum may also be
planar or volumetric. A linear datum
should have visual consistancey that intersects the spaces being
formulated. A planar or volumetric datum
should have ample size, closure and consistancy so that it brings together the
other shapes and spaces being organized within the area.
Rhythm and repetition is the consolidating movement of a pattern within a
space. Rhythm is the basic idea f repetition as an elemnt to bring together
forms and spaces in a design. Most all
structures contain repetitive rhythms. Beams, columns, windows and doors are repetative
and rhythmic by design. The proximity of
space and the similarities of shape bring together elements to form groups. The principle of repetition brings together
these groups to organize the visual repetition of a design.
Transformation is the idea that a form or structure may undergo a series
of minute changes in a reponse to conditions or needs without losing the basic
concept of the design. The principle of
transformation allows an artist to use a prototype design and manipulate it to
meet his specific design needs and conditions.
