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

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

3. what makes a language ?

4. 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

5. syntax and semantics the green dream has a headache 5/33

6. form follows function

7. design function ● a design object has a purpose ● a design object does something ● a design object expresses

8. design structure ● configuration of design elements ● according to design principles

9. design elements space - form

10. 10/33

11. space ● ‘real thing’ ● create – manipulate - sense ● vital element ● architecture, aeroplanes, ships, graphics ● must define space ● infinite - bounded ● sense ● protected, grand, tight, scale

12. form ● counterpart of space ● seems more real ● defines / delimits space ● inseparable ● elements of ● shape – dimensions – substance ● substance may be real or virtual

13. 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

14. line ● one-dimensional in theory ● thick - thin ● defines outline of shape ● defines dominant direction ● emphasize shapes ● vertical – horizontal lines ● qualities ● diagonals more ‘active’ 14/33

15. 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

16. 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

17. design principles ● balance ● rhythm ● emphasis ● harmony - variety – unity ● proportion - scale

18. 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

19. symmetrical balance

20. 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

21. asymmetrical balance ● informal - active ● visual weights equivalent but not equal ● principle of moments / levers ● informality and flexibility ●produces some ‘tensions’

22. symmetry - asymmetry

23. radial balance ● elements repeated around a circle ● gives a circular movement effect ● used on bowls, plates

24. radial balance

25. rhythm ● 2 nd 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 25/33

26. 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

27. progression ● ordered systematic change ● suggests onward motion in some direction ● dynamic ● colours from light to dark ● sounds getting louder ● shapes getting bigger

28. emphasis ● 3 rd 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

29. harmony – variety - unity ● important to maintain overall harmony ●concord - agreement ● variety and unity combine

30. 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 30/33

31. 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

32. 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

33. important property colourcolour 33/33