Download the Language of Design - Architecture, Design and Planning

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 a
language ?
Languages
● natural language
● spoken or written
● writers use words to express
verbal ideas
et tu Brute
● mathematics
F = Ma
● numbers/symbols to express
mathematical ideas
● music
● sounds/notes to express musical
ideas
syntax
and
semantics
the green dream has a headache
5/33
form
follows
function
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
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’
texture
● how materials feel to touch
● decorative qualities
● physical impression
● upholstery, brick
● affects light reflection
● gives character
● acts as ornament
● contrast to smooth surfaces
15/32
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 Nature
20/33
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
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
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
colour