Ch. 2: La FORME

    Les PRIMARY SOLIDS:

Primary solids can be defined as a three-dimensional version of primary forms. By adding depth, height and width to a triangle, a circle or a square you obtain these solids. They include spheres, cylinders, cones, pyramids and cubes.  They are the most basic kind of shapes but also the most important, especially when it comes to the building arts.

These towers located in Kuwait city are an excellent example of sphere used in architectural design. Using this kind of structure is an ingenious way to create spacious areas with an interesting and original aesthetic. 

    

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    La DIMENSIONAL TRANSFORMATION:
A dimensional transformation is the process of taking a solid (cube, sphere, etc) and modifying its dimensions to create a new solid that belongs to the same ‘family’ without being a primary solid.  These transformations can consist in changing the width, height, angle or depth of the solid. For example, by stretching out a sphere we obtain an oval.

Like shown in the example below, dimensional transformation can is often used in design to create very unusual structures. Here, the distortion given to this arched shaped building gives the impression that it is collapsing.

        

    

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    Les SUBTRACTIVE FORMES:

Another kind of form transformation is the process of subtracting. Subtracted forms look like as if a chunk of their volume has been taken out. It then creates interesting forms in the negative space.

In design, the subtractive technique is usually applied to create openings such as windows or balcony. In the example below, we have a cubic subtracted form that becomes some kind of entry porch to this house.

    

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    Les ADDITIVE FORMES:

Additive transformations are simply the opposite of subtractive transformations – instead of removing a chunk, we add one! There are many possibilities for adding forms together. We can group them by interlocking them together, by placing them face-to-face or edge-to-edge, etc. Various kinds of forms are created from this process: linear forms, radial forms, clustered forms or grid forms.

The additive process is often used in design to create additional spaces to interiors or structures. In the example below, a room has been added to this house by grouping another cube to its facade.

    

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    La FORMAL COLLISION of GEOMETRY:
Collision of geometry is created when two forms differing in geometry collide to create a new entity. A circle in a square is a process of geometric collision. It also concerns two forms of different orientation bound together – for example, two squares interlocking each other, but one angled to a diamond shape. The relation between the two varies in shape but also in size or placement.
In this contemporary form of architecture, we can clearly see a circular window placed in a cubic structure. This process creates originality and playfulness to the visual.

    

La DESIGN Philosophie

What is my design philosophy? When I first asked myself this question, it took me a while before I could put it in words. However, if you ask me to represent it visually, that would only take me a couple of minutes. So I'm glad we got to do this collage in class that would consist in representing ourselves and our profile as designers through images.

And that's what mine ended up looking like >>

I know it looks very chaotic, but it is a very organized form of chaos! I am actually very picky when it comes to organization and composition. 

So let me explain how my design philosophy is represented in this collage. I first went through a stack of old magazines that were just lying there in the corner of my room. I didn't have any specific idea of what I really wanted to do, however I knew that if it has to be some sort of 'mood board' of who I am, my artistic instincts would probably guide me through my search. And they did! I ended up with a pile of images that simply inspired me... nothing too specific - just a condensed mix of me:  rough metallic textures, multicolor neon lights, mysterious spaces of confusion, exotic harajuku dialects... 

Well, to understand this mess, it is obviously important for you to know a little bit about me - my passions and desires, my goals in life, my accomplishments... and I hope this blog will make you discover the real Mademoiselle hiding behind this virtual identity.  

However, this is the starting point! So let me give a better interpretation of my collage:

Design for me starts where creativity and imagination lie - something common remodeled in an unusual and intricate form. How can I make an underground station different from the the dull, sinister ones we are accustomed to? That's when creativity knocks on your door and gives you the brilliant idea to paint the walls electric blue and light up the place with crazy glowing neons. Well, at least that's what I would do. Others would certainly do it differently, and that's what's beautiful about designers: we all have our own design identity. It is what makes the complexity and originality of our environment, of the whole world. Without it, life would be dull and monotone - yes, in brief, design makes us happy! When I look at my collage, I feel joy, comfort and most of all, identity.

Ch. 1: Le POINT, la LIGNE, le PLAN et le VOLUME

    Le POINT:
I guess we could say that point are the simplest elements of visual design. It has a position but no extension - it's a single mark in space. Alone it can be a strong focal point, drawing our attention to important information. But as we start to align multiple points, our brain automatically starts to connect them together. It then becomes the starting point to anything - two points create a line for example.
In this photo, point is used as a focal point, and the starting point to an entire design - which is the drapery.

           

    La LIGNE:
A line can be thought of as points so close together that they form a new entity. It can be straight curved or irregularly shaped. A line is characterized by length and direction and can be used to convey a specific kind of feeling - for example horizontal lines symbolize rest whereas diagonal lines are dynamic and action oriented. In addition, lines can be used to create perspective and direction in a composition.
In this room, line is used with repetition. It helps giving us an idea of the overall dimension of the room, but it is also used to give a sense of balance by separating those huge glass windows in equal parts.

    Le PLAN:
A plane is seen as a flat surface or area extending in height and width. It can be represented as the path of a moving line. Ceilings, wall, floors and windows are physical planes. However planes are 2 dimensional and cannot have any depth.
This rotating door/window is defined by a simple plane. This simplicity gives a sense of calmness and tranquility.

    Le VOLUME:
Volume is basically the appearance of height, width and depth of a form. It helps representing 3 dimensional objects. Since everything in the physical world has volume, giving a 3 dimensional aspect to an object makes it look real. We can create the illusion of volume from a 2 dimensional object through various techniques such as perspective or lighting and shading.
Here, this kitchen counter is defined by a voluminous block. This bolt design gives a feeling of solidity but at the same time its contemporary design make its originality.

Getting Started!

SO, this is my first time blogging... I hope this is going to go smoothly. This blog has been created for my Form, Space and Oder class, however I might go a little further and blog some more about my journey as an Interior Design student at SCAD. Hopefully all of this might inspire some of you and even teach you one or two things about design!

From the Shanghai Tang Cafe in Beijing - incredible colors!