The last post got me thinking about line and its importance to the design and aesthetics of all products, vehicles and places. When looking at products or buildings one can see that line can have a strong effect on the way we perceive them.
I include line in a group with color, texture, pattern, shape and gloss because they all are perceived as something different than the physical surfaces that define objects and spaces. I call these six phenomena "external qualities."
Line can have character, strength and direction. The character of a line depends on the number and types of bends. The strength is determined by the width, character and contrast. The straightness and length influence the strength of the direction of lines.
These six 'external qualities' you mention - I don't understand what you mean when you say that they are something different from the physical surfaces of objects.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine lines and colors (rainbows?) without surfaces, but the others?
I'm especially having trouble with texture. I can't imagine a texture without a surface.
The "six external qualities" are all different things which can be applied to a physical surface, or shape. basically graphic elements for a 3-D form.
ReplyDeletethink of a Tree there is its shape, and then the bark that covers it to give it texture and color.
OK, thanks. One of the six is shape, though, so it's still a bit confusing.
ReplyDelete