ELEMENTS OF DESIGN Elements of design are tools

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN Elements of design are “tools”. Just like the carpenter has a hammer and saw, the designer has the elements. There are 4 elements of design: Line, FORM, Color, & Texture.

Form is 3 -Dimensional… It describes the shape and structure of solid objects. It contains mass and volume. Line is one dimensional: length Shape is two-dimensional: length and width Form is three-dimensional: length, width, and depth

There are 4 different types of form… A chair is shown here, illustrating all 4 types of form. Realistic Form: it looks like the real thing Abstract Form: alters a recognizable object to be more contemporary Geometric Form: uses geometric figures to create an object Free Form: random, untraditional with a sense of freedom

The sphere form is derived from the curved line, and therefore communicates the same feelings and emotions: soft, feminine, gracefulness, playfulness, and zest.

The curved lines of the cylinder, cone, or sphere create 3 -dimensional forms for interior furnishings.

The cube form is based on a combination of horizontal and vertical lines, and therefore may express the feelings and emotions of those lines: the of horizontal lines or the formality, dignity, and strength of the vertical lines.

The straight vertical or horizontal lines of the cube or rectangular form translate into 3 dimensional home furnishings.

The pyramid is based on horizontal The horizontal and diagonal lines usedlines, to and diagonal create the pyramid form so conveys the same emotions and feelings associated with those lines, including the activity, interest, and motion of the diagonal lines.

Interior decorating items develop out of the pyramid and cone forms, with their curved, straight, and diagonal lines.

Guidelines for using Form… Form follows function. The function of the object must be the first consideration, and the form is of secondary importance. The curved lines create a globe-type form for this vase. Although colorful, the opening at the top is not of an ample size for the flower stems. This vase, therefore, is only useful as a knickknack. The diagonal form of this bookcase, along with the colorful stains, are attractive and interesting. The function, however, has been ignored. The books would always be falling over without vertical side supports.

Guidelines for using Form… Related forms are more agreeable than unrelated forms. A room is more pleasing if the form of the dominant piece is repeated in minor pieces and accessories within a room. The curved lines and forms of the headboard are repeated in the nightstand dresser, the chandelier, the tiedback curtains, the table lamps, and the pattern in the rug.

1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 4. _____ There are 4 different types of form. The table lamps above represent those types. Label each accordingly. Identify the predominant shape/form in this room. In the space below the picture, explain how the furnishings in this room comply with the guideline… “RELATED FORMS ARE MORE AGREEABLE THAN UNRELATED FORMS”. _____________________________________________ The consumer needs a pitcher for serving water at the family dinner table. Adults and children need to be able to use this. In the space below, describe the pros and cons of each choice and decide which of the two pitchers is the best design, considering the guideline… “FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION”. __________________________________________________________________