Elements and principles of design.

Elements of Design

Space:

distance, area, volume; physical space independent of what occupies it; absolute space.

Mass/Volume:

closed, independent, 3D form- inter penetrable, completely surrounded by space.

Example: block of wood, plaster or stone.

Shape, Positive and Negative:

positive shape is the totality of the mass lying between its contours; in 3D work, the visible shape or outer limit of a form changes as the viewer’s position is changed. These outer limits are seen as shapes moving back and forth between major contours. Negative space is empty space defined by positive shape. Sometimes referred to as occupied and unoccupied space.

Line:

the edge or outline of a form, the meeting of planes

Examples: wired, wood, metal rod, string or any materials with a long thin shape.

Value:

light and shadows on the surface of forms; quantity of light actually reflected by an object’s surface; valued changes might be affected by the addition of color to the surface of a work.

Texture:

the surface quality of a form – rough, smooth, weathered, etc.

Color:

in 3D design, the actual color of the material being used.

Plane:

a flat or level surface

Examples: foam core, cardboard, sheet metal, plastic sheets and plywood.

Principles of Design

Harmony:

resolution of forces in opposition

Contrast/Variety:

different qualities or characteristics in a form; interest generated in a work by using a variety of shapes, forms, textures and so on.

Rhythm/Repetition:

rhythm is the result of repetition; the duplication of the same form, two forms used alternately and the sequential change of a form (large to small)

Emphasis:

something in the ork must dominate. A high point or climax occuring in the work, or the domination of a motif or design element.

Continuity:

organized movement or rhythm (repetition, alteration and progression)

Balance:

ordered relationship of parts. whether symmetrical or asymmetrical; equilibrium.

Symmetrical Balance:

equal visual units right and left/ top to bottom of an imaginary center point.

Asymmetrical Balance:

visual balance achieved by dissimilar visual units.

Example: two or three small shapes on the right balancing one larger shape on the left.

Proportion:

elements compared, one to another, in terms of their properties of size, quantity and degree of emphasis.