Primary Elements

It is critical to understand the importance of basic levels of design and knowing the effect these elements have on the users and viewers  in the development of a successful design. In my FSO class, we have been studying the simple shapes within images and breaking them down to their simplest form, via diagramming. The primary elements of form we have been learning about:

Point

How can a point be an element of form when it is one dimensional? It is an element of form because it marks a particular position in space. It is the beginning point in order to create form. In design we are using points constantly, from vanishing points to create a drawing a space to the focal point of the space. Point can create either tension or stability depending upon its location in the built environment. The image and diagram are visual examples of how the point is center focus of the sunburst mirror.

Line

Line is an element, straight or curved, that is generated by a moving point and that is the length of the path of the point. The image and the diagram are visual examples of how line visually expresses direction, movement, stability, the horizon, etc.

 Wright's Ward Willits House

Plane

If  two points form to make a straight line and the line is extended, between the two lines lies a plane. The lines form the contour of the plane. The image and diagram are visual examples of how a plane defines the limits or boundaries of a volume.

Volume

If two or more planes join, volume is the amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object. The image and diagram are visual examples of how forms that stand as objects in the environment are viewed as volumes of space.

Apple Store in NYC