the language

of design

Faulkner R and Faulkner S (1975). Inside today’s home, 4th ed., Holt, Rhinehart and Winston, NY

http://daphne.palomar.edu/design/default.html

what makes alanguage ?

Languages

●natural language● spoken or written● writers use words to express

verbal ideas

●mathematics● numbers/symbols to express

mathematical ideas

●music● sounds/notes to express musical

ideas

et tu Brute

F = Ma

syntax and semantics

the green dream has a headache5/33

form followsfunction

design function

● a design object has a purpose ● a design object does something

● a design object expresses

design structure

● configuration of design elements

● according to design principles

design elements

space - form

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space

● ‘real thing’● create – manipulate - sense

● vital element

● architecture, aeroplanes, ships, graphics

● must define space● infinite - bounded

● sense● protected, grand, tight, scale

form

● counterpart of space● seems more real

● defines / delimits space

● inseparable

● elements of● shape – dimensions – substance● substance may be real or virtual

shape

● 2D – 3D ● different shapes have different properties

● circle - symmetrical all axes - calm● triangles - more ‘violent’● curves - continuity

● functional● triangles resist change in shape - structural

line● one-dimensional in theory

● thick - thin ● defines outline of shape

● defines dominant direction

● emphasize shapes● vertical – horizontal lines

● qualities● diagonals more ‘active’

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texture● how materials feel to touch ● decorative qualities

● physical impression● upholstery, brick

● affects light reflection● gives character

● acts as ornament

● contrast to smooth surfaces15/32

principles of design● explain why some combinations of space, form, line, texture work / look better ● no absolute rules for effective design

● guidelines only

● characteristics which are important

design principles

● balance ● rhythm

● emphasis

● harmony - variety – unity

● proportion - scale

balance

● equilibrium

● visual weight● psychological impact● size of objects, colours● small spot of bright colour may balance large grey area

● can change● depends on viewpoint & illumination

● 3 types ● symmetrical balance● asymmetrical balance● radial balance

symmetrical balance

symmetrical balance

● formal - passive

● quiet – reposed – stately - dignified● depends on objects● violent shapes symmetrically placed

● result of laziness ?

● may lead to dullness

●used to contrast with Nature20/33

asymmetrical balance

● informal - active

● visual weights equivalent but not equal

● principle of moments / levers

● informality and flexibility

●produces some ‘tensions’

symmetry - asymmetry

radial balance

● elements repeated around a circle

● gives a circular movement effect

● used on bowls, plates

radial balance

rhythm

● 2nd major principle● heartbeat – day/night – zebra stripes● harmony consequence of rhythm

● continuity – recurrence - organized movement

● implied movement and direction● sense of liveliness

● repetition and progression● primary ways of developing rhythm

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repetition

● repeating shapes, colours or textures

● more complexity by alternating

● just repeating – not very stimulating● repeat underlying basic forms● avoid repeating the ordinary● too much to monotony● too little to confusion

progression

● ordered systematic change

● suggests onward motion in some direction

● dynamic● colours from light to dark● sounds getting louder● shapes getting bigger

emphasis

● 3rd design principle

● dominance - subordination

●calling of attention – focal points● creates interest● FLW fireplace● strong contrasts

●different levels of emphasis● emphatic – view of outdoors● dominant – fireplace, large painting● subdominant – major furniture elements● subordinate – sculptures, walls, floors

harmony – variety - unity

● important to maintain overall harmony

●concord - agreement

● variety and unity combine

proportion - scale

● relate to size of things

● deal with magnitude, quantity or degree

● proportion● relation of one thing to another● satisfactory - unsatisfactory

● scale● relative size of a thing to other things● small - large

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proportion - scale

●no foolproof system of proportion devised

● Vitruvius● Corbusier – The Modulor● The Golden Mean - 1.618● Fibonacci series 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,….

●scale● grand● human – buildings, keyboards, toys

summary

no magic formula

● can’t just apply suitable parts of balance, rhythm, etc

● need to understand – take into account

● recognize basic elements

● discover successful principles

important property

colour33/33