FCS-FNL-4 ELEMENTS OF DESIGN What do we know? What do we want to know? What did we learn? Written by: Helen Hawyer Georgia CTAE Resource Network 2010

The notes from this PowerPoint were paraphrased from the book “Residential Housing and Interiors” (Good-Heart Wilcox) Chapter 6

VOCABULARY SPACE LINE SHAPE FORM TEXTURE COLOR A. The area provided for a particular purpose B. The visual direction of a design C. A flat or silhouette design that is 2-D in width and length D. The outlined edges of a 3-D object E. A surface’s tactile quality F. Another name for hue

SPACE Without space, there would be nothing to decorate! –the area provided for a particular purpose –May be 2 or 3 dimensional –Can be divided into distinct parts Provide a sense of space and security –Using doors, walls, dividers, screens, etc. –Too little space creates a feeling of loss of privacy Think of the streets of New York City –Too much space can create a feeling of loneliness Think of the deserts of Nevada –Space should change gradually instead of abruptly Kitchens flow into dining rooms, which flow into dens, which flow into back porches, etc. etc.

CROWDED! Above: Too many things going on in a small space. Right: The bathroom is almost non functional because of the crowded space Above: This space is too small to use as a sitting area and a dining area.

SPACED OUT! Notice a division of space using a screen (Right) and columns (Below) This space to the right is used as a den. The designer made certain to incorporate the use of window space on the wall.

SPACE HOMEWORK Utah State Lesson Plans ew.cgi?LPid= ew.cgi?LPid=4925

LINE The visual direction of a design Used to emphasize an element or to hide one –For example, making a short room appear taller Lines can be used in patterns of wallpaper or fabric, or in shapes of furniture and windows Types of lines –Vertical…add height Tall furniture –Horizontal…lead eye left or right and create width Long couches, long tables –Diagonal…suggest action or movement, create excitement in design Staircases, checkerboard floors –Curved…add softening, graceful effect Arched doorways and windows, rounded furniture

DIAGONAL

VERTICAL

HORIZONTAL

CURVED

PROJECT BLACK AND WHITE LINE DESIGN –Utah State Lesson Plans STRUCTURAL AND DECORATIVE DESIGN –Utah State Lesson Plans lan/preview.cgi?LPid=4101http:// lan/preview.cgi?LPid=4101

SHAPE AND FORM Shape is a flat silhouette or image –Has two dimensions, length and width –Created by intersecting lines that form geometrical shapes –Imperfect geometric shapes cause tension and attract interest They should be used with care –Stained glass windows –Modern Art

SHAPE AND FORM Form is the outlined edges of a 3-D object –Has length, width and depth as well as volume and mass –A square is a shape, but when 6 are joined together, it creates a form, or a cube Dressers, chest of drawers –Forms can be sturdy or fragile Heavy wood versus a glass vase –Related forms look better together than unrelated forms A collection of circular objects in various sizes verses square, rectangle, and circular objects.

PROJECT SHAPE AND FORM PROJECTS –Utah State Lesson Plans Shape and Form Salt Dough an/preview.cgi?LPid=4281http:// an/preview.cgi?LPid=4281 –Team Shape Picture an/preview.cgi?LPid=4280http:// an/preview.cgi?LPid=4280 –Shape Creation an/preview.cgi?LPid=4280http:// an/preview.cgi?LPid=4280

TEXTURE Texture is the surfaces tactile quality –Tactile refers to the perception of touch Crinkled, rough, smooth, wrinkled, etc. Patterns or colors often form illusions of texture –Floral patterns give off texture even when printed on silk (a smooth surface) –Striped fabrics give a sense of rigid texture Furniture can have texture –Carvings made into wood or wood grains showing through a stain Can affect color by subduing or intensifying it –Rough surfaces absorb more light and smooth surfaces reflect light

SMOOTH/FORMAL

ROUGH/INFORMAL

Texture Project Utah State Lesson Plans n/preview.cgi?LPid= n/preview.cgi?LPid=4283

COLOR The most important element of design and the most exciting tool of the designer! Colors are also called hues Designers use the color wheel to help match color schemes

Color Book Project