Principles of Design

Symmetrical Balance

Each room above is symmetrical because of the way the furniture is set up. There are an equal number of chairs, couches, and lamps on each side of a table and they all replicate each other. Each side is a mirror image of the other creating a symmetrical balance. Also, the black and white fabric in the middle row on the right side is symmetrical because the pattern is repetitive through its entirety. 

Asymmetrical Balance

Like symmetrical balance, asymmetrical balance also speaks for itself. These pictures demonstrate an object or setting that is balanced, but each side is not a mirror image of the other. Though you cannot see it, the top of the object in the top, right picture is jagged and moves up in a diagonal direction. The entire object is basically symmetrical, but the top creates an asymmetrical element because it is not completely even on both sides.

Radial Balance

These pictures show radial balance because they create a since of movement and each object revolves around a specific point. The top, left picture demonstrates radial balance because the four chairs surround the table in the middle which serves as the focal point of that specific space. In the middle, right photo, the chandelier is radial because it has a central point that different parts of the light come out of.

Emphasis

Emphasis is a focal point or something that immediately catches your eye. I used color as emphasis in each of these photos because it is what stands out the most. The objects in these pictures are bright colors that are surrounded by bland and neutral colors, thus making them pop. These objects caught my attention immediately which is exactly what emphasis is.

Repetition and Rhythm

These pictures exemplify repetition and rhythm because these objects and spaces keep my eyes moving and elements are repeated. For example, in the painting in the middle row on the right side, the houses are all identical and they repeat as they approach the ocean. In the bottom, left photo, the pillow has a design that keeps my eyes moving.

Movement

Each picture above creates a sense of movement through usage of color, shape, and design. The object in the top, right picture represents movement because its shape makes it look as that it is moving. The sculpture in the bottom, left picture also creates a sense of movement not only from its shape and design, but from its color as well. The curves and twists it creates represent movement, and the bright red color that it is creates movement.

Proportion and Scale

All of the objects in these pictures are good examples of proportion except for the one in the bottom, right picture. The squares in the pattern on the chair are proportionate to the size of the chair, the lamp shade is proportionate to the body of the lamp in the center picture, the squares and holes in the object in the top, right picture are proportionate to the size of the object, the cherry is proportionate to the size of the spoon, and the cylindrical barrels are proportionate to the little rectangular shed. However, the the object in the bottom, right is not proportional because the top is too big in comparison to its bottom. There is no other element to balance out the different proportions.

Unity and Harmony

The set-up of each of these spaces create unity and harmony because of the colors that are used together. The different spaces have furniture that go together whether it is through color or through the style of the objects.

Actual Space

Both of these spaces are actual spaces because they have an intended purpose. The pathway in the top picture was made with the intention of people walking on it. The table and chairs in the bottom photo are intended for people to sit and eat together. The way it is set up forces people to interact in some way.

Actual Texture

These four pictures represent actual texture because you can physically touch them and know that they are not smooth. All four have a bumpy quality that you can see and feel.

Static Form

The living spaces above represent static form because they are both sort of plain. They serve their purpose well and are in a resting position.

Form

Geometric

The rigid lines and the perfect circles in the pictures above demonstrate geometric forms. The Lego holders form perfect geometric circles, the defined edges and straight lines in the building in the top right and the side table in the bottom right photo create squares and rectangles, and the wooden beams that are present on the deck in the bottom left picture form triangles and rectangles.

Natural

I took each of the pictures above outside to demonstrate natural forms. Each photo contains something from nature whether it is a figure made out of wood, a small waterfall flowing into a lake, or flowers. Even though some of these things are manmade, they still hold an element of nature because of what they are made from.

Abstract

I chose each of the four structures above to represent abstract forms because they have some sort of unique element to them. For example, the picture in the bottom looks like a giant rock form, but it is a carving of the Native American, Crazy Horse. It is rock form, but has been altered to become a monument.

Plane

What makes the four pictures above good examples of planes is their shape and their depth. Each of the pictures shows an object with a thin, flat surface which is exactly what defines a plane. The bottom and back of the swing, and the glass in each of the windows create planes.

Shapes

Geometric

Geometric shapes are the most basic shapes we recognize. They consist of squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, and other rigid lines or definite forms. The picture above shows those basic shapes and characteristics.

Natural

Natural shapes are shapes and objects found in nature. They range anywhere from environmental objects such as trees, clouds, flowers, and bodies of water, to the animals pictured above. 

Abstract

The pictures above are abstract because they consist of random patterns and objects, but they are still pleasing to look at. Like organic lines, abstract shapes make you ponder what you see. I think these are successful abstract photos because for the most part, you cannot figure out what you are looking at. These patterns come from objects, but instead of focusing on what the objects are, the patterns are what draw your attention.

Non-Representational

Non-Representational shapes are like abstract shapes in that they are not clear objects. Even though viewers can probably guess what each picture above is of, they are successfully non-representational because only I know where each picture was taken and what the whole object is. For example, you can probably tell that the top left picture is of a building, but only I know that it is the at&t building in Nashville that  I think looks like Batman.