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 surfaces 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: This space is too small to use as a sitting area and a dining area.

Above: Too many things going on in a small space.

Right: The bathroom is almost non functional because of the crowded space

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
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/previ 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
Verticaladd height
Tall furniture

Horizontallead eye left or right and create width

Long couches, long tables

Diagonalsuggest action or movement, create excitement in design

Staircases, checkerboard floors

Curvedadd softening, graceful effect

Arched doorways and windows, rounded furniture

DIAGONAL

VERTICAL

HORIZONTAL

CURVED

PROJECT

BLACK AND WHITE LINE DESIGN

Utah State Lesson Plans
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview .cgi?LPid=4141

STRUCTURAL AND DECORATIVE DESIGN

Utah State Lesson Plans
http://www.uen.org/Lessonp 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 http://www.uen.org/Lessonpl an/preview.cgi?LPid=4281

Team Shape Picture

http://www.uen.org/Lessonpl an/preview.cgi?LPid=4280

Shape Creation
http://www.uen.org/Lessonpl 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

http://www.uen.org/Lessonpla 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