ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN -( 3RD YEAR )

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

All visual designs are reduced to elements or dimensions.  The elements of art are the basic structure and comprise of line, form, colour, texture, pattern, light and space, which apply to the furnishings and room planning. The effect of these elements is reflected by our instinct and intellect.  They make a visual impact and evoke emotional response.

Following are the different elements of art and design:

Ø  LINE:

Directions of line such as vertical, horizontal, diagonal or curved express various ideas and themes. Straight vertical lines convey strength and force, while the horizontal lines suggest response, secrecy and relaxation.  Curved lines introduce a softening effect while spiral lines show activity and interest.  Lines can be used to introduce variety and design.

Ø  FORM:

Form and line are closely related wherein the combination of curve, straight or diagonal lines help to produce the three dimensions and create form and shade.  Form represents solid and tangible substances. Horizontal and vertical lines combine to create a rectangular or square form.  Curved lines create circular form. Form can be created within enclosed space by arranging substances.

Ø  COLOUR:

The main characteristics of colours are hue, value and intensity. is the name of the specific colour; value which represents lightness or darkness; intensity the brightness or darkness of the colour.

Ø  TEXTURE:

The roughness or smoothness of a surface is referred to as texture.  Texture is found in wall finishes, carpets, furniture, paintings etc. The texture quality of any surface is controlled by touch.  It also makes a difference to the depth of colour, which results in brightness or darkness of a colour.  The coarser the texture, the lesser is the amount of light reflected and therefore the duller the colour.

Ø  PATTERN:

Colour is used frequently in connection with pattern.  This adds interest and variety to a decorated scheme.  Careful consideration is necessary before introducing pattern.  Too much of pattern disturbs the eye and creates restlessness in a room.  Pattern is introduced through floors, floor coverings, through walls, wall coverings, furniture, furnishings and fittings.

Ø  LIGHTS:

This is an art element which is both functional and decorative. It has a dispute, proportional and emotional effect.  Colour depends upon the light in which an object is viewed.  The quality of light is important for colour.  The utility of the room should be considered while planning lighting.  Natural and artificial lighting should be selected appropriately.  This may cause variation in the appearance of colours.

Ø  SPACE:

The importance of space as on art element is widely recognised.  Space organisation is a basic element in architecture and interior design.  Space creates beauty and is necessary for areas to be used effectively. Fluidity or flow in the room is important and the eye is encouraged to travel small spaces can be enlarged by using large glass windows.

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN:

The elements of art are line, form, colour and texture.  This must be handled within conformity with certain principles and laws that govern their use if beauty is to result.  Every art field has certain guidelines that are to be followed and the same is applicable in planning of interiors.

1.    SCALE AND PROPORTION:

By habit, the human eye becomes accustomed to definite dimensions in daily life.  Some of these dimensions are fixed for convenience.  Proportion is the law of relationship, which demands that all space divisions should be pleasingly related to each other and to the whole. The Greeks developed a great deal of calculations about space distribution and a scale of space relationships. These skills are used even today.  The normal ratios are 2:3, 3:5 and 5:8.  These forms are equal divisions.  A square room is more difficult to arrange and uninteresting to live in.  Rooms should be preferably furnished with smaller furniture types and consistent patterns.  The furniture should be in proportion to the size and height of the room and its architectural features.

2.    BALANCE:

It is the principle of design, which produces a feeling of restfulness and contentment.  Balance deals with quantity or number in the arrangement, colour and distribution of pattern or plain surfaces.  Balance is the result of equalisation of attraction on either side of a central point.  Balance can be attributed to colours, texture, pattern and light. 

There are two types of balance:

Formal Balance and Informal Balance

Ø  Formal Balance:

Formal or symmetrical balance occurs when objects of equal size and weight are placed on each side and at equal distance from the centre.  When they are identical, the balance is symmetrical.

Ø  Informal Balance:

Informal or asymmetrical balance results when objects are arranged in such a way that a large one nears the centre, smaller ones away from the centre.  Both types of balances are attractive.  Formal represents intellect while informal represents feelings.  This also has emotional significances.

3.    RHYTHM:

This is the principle of design that suggests connected movement in a pleasant manner.  It can be obtained through a repetition of light, forms, and colours or through a progression of rise or continuous line movement.  Rhythm is achieved through repetition, progression, transition, opposition and radiation.

4.    EMPHASIS:

It is the principle of design that centres interest on the most important thing in the arrangement in a room. Emphasis may be centred on a painting, fireplace, window treatment or furniture grouping.  All other parts must be subordinated to the interesting point.  It is better to understand emphasised rather than over emphasized.  Emphasis can be created at any point in the room.  Dramatic use of art components creates emphasis i.e. large and unusual forms, different surface patterns, more light elsewhere and unusual texture and contrasting colours.

5.    HARMONY AND UNITY:

It is an expression of an agreeable combination of all the parts that are produced. In other words, if all other elements of design have been combined as per the principles, it inevitably results in unity. Unity and harmony demand that size, shape, textures, colours and ideas are pleasingly related e.g. a copper lamp would look charming in an ethnic arrangement but not in a modern formal one.