Shape & Form - Chapter 1 Outline

FORM:
Shapes, lines, textures, words and pictures that carry meaning.

SPACE:
Form implies space.
-- Space is 2D but turned 3D by forms.

FORMAT:
Format is the shape of space.
-- The space where form “does its thing”
-- Shape of format must be considered; vertical, horizontal, etc.
- Horizontal Formats: Passive, calming
- Vertical Formats: Mirrors the upright body

POSITIVE/NEGATIVE
Positive Space is the form or figure.
Negative Space is the space or ground.
-- The relationship between positive and negative space presents logic and is appropriate to the message.
Active Relationship: Energy, growth, aggression.
Static Relationship: Quietness, restraint, contemplation.
Figure/Ground Reversal: Positive/Negative switch back and forth.

CLARITY/DECISIVENESS
Compositions that create clear messages
-- Resolved: Reasoning behind placement and relationships.
-- Refined: Clearly communicating a specific quality.
-- Clarity: Understandable
-- Decisive: On purpose and indisputable.

TYPES OF FORMS
Dots: A point of focused attention; the building blocks of all other forms, static.
Lines: A pulling effect between two dots; can separate or join spaces, dynamic.
Plane/Mass: A dot increases in size, eventually making up a plane or mass.
Geometric Form: Angular and hard edged contours of a shape.
Organic Form: Irregular, complex shapes found in nature.

CHARACTERISTICS
Surface Activity: Texture and pattern.
-- Texture: Irregular activity without repetition; natural.
-- Pattern: Arranged with a geometric quality.
Symmetry/Asymmetry: Proportion of elements
-- Symmetrical: Elements are static and restful; equal.
-- Asymmetrical: Rigorous - Require brain to assess space and movement.