Elements of DesignUnit 5

Design Characteristics

Function: how a design works. (usefulness, convenience, and organization) Successful functional design eliminates barriers.

Construction: materials and structures. Materials: fabrics, woods, metals, plastics, or stones. Structure: how the materials are assembled

Aesthetics: Beauty, pleasing appearance or effect.

Elements of Design

Line Form Space Mass Texture Color

Line

Forms when two dots are connected Connect the edges or outlines of

objects and areas Show direction and cause the eyes to

move from one point to another

Types of Lines

Horizontal: Parallel to the ground. Communicates peace, relaxation, calmness, and

restfulness Vertical: perpendicular to the ground

Height, strength, dignity, formality, and stability Diagonal: angle between horizontal and

vertical lines Communicates levels of activity, action,

excitement, and sometimes agitation Curved: part of a circle

Communicates organization, eternity, and uniformity

Horizontal Lines

Vertical Lines

Diagonal Line

Curved Line

Form

The physical shape of objects. Outlines the edges of 3D objects and

contains volume and mass.

Types of Form

Realistic: Form looks like the real thing. Communicates: life like, traditional, and familiar feeling

Abstract: rearranges or stylizes a recognizable object. Communicates a contemporary, changing, creative,

and artistic feel. Geometric: uses squares, rectangles, circles, and

other geometric figures to create form. Communicates: organization, order, plannings, and a

tailored look. Free: random and flowing. Found in nature.

Communicates: sense of freedom

Realistic Form

Abstract Form

Geometric Form

Free Form

Using form in housing and interior design:

3 guidelines to follow Form follows function▪ Consider the function of an object then choose

the form. (Chair in a dining room) Related forms are more agreeable than

unrelated forms▪ You eyes feel comfortable looking at similar forms

A gradual change in form smoothly directs the eyes▪ Too much or abrupt change in form may be

unpleasant and confusing

Space

The area around a form (around a table)

The area inside a form (inside a room)

Consider the size of the space and its arrangement when discussing space.

Size of the Space

Height, length, and width describe the size fo interior space.

The affects who will use it Large spaces can communicate

feelings of openness, grandeur, or freedom. It can also make you feel small, lost, or overwhelmed

Small spaces can make you feel cozy, intimate, or comfortable. It can also make you feel very crowded.

Large Space

Small Space

Arrangement Of Space

Arrangement can make a small place look large and a large space look small.

To expand an area add mirrors, remove walls, expand window areas.

To create the feeling of coziness, divide the space into separate areas. (rugs, clustering furniture, adding a kitchen island)

Mass

Amount of pattern or objects in a space.

A space can have high mass or low mass. High mass: a space that is visually

crowded (reflects a full, congested look) Low Mass: a space that is simple and

sparse. Uses only the most essential furnishings. (reflects clean, airy feelings)

Low Mass

High Mass

Texture

The way a surface feels or appears to feel Two kinds of texture

Tactile : the way a surface feels to the touch Visual: texture that you see, but cannot feel.

Causal Feeling created by using rough textures

Elegant feeling created by smooth textures Heavy or rough textures absorb more light

so the room looks smaller Smooth textures reflects light creating the

illusion of a larger space.

Tactile Texture

Visual Texture