Element Earth: The Basics

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."

Khalil Gibran

Earth can be considered our foundation and just like the Elements and Principles are foundations of Design.

Elements of Design

Space - Shape - Volume - Line - Pattern - Texture - Color - Point

Principles of Design

Scale - Balance - Proportion - Rhythm

PERCEIVING A POINT

A point marks a position in space. Static. Centralized. Provide direction.  Beginning and the end. Self evolving. Provide balance. A threshold.

In theory points do not have shape or form, but its presence is felt visually. For example, this bathroom faucet has no specific point, but indeed draws the viewers eyes into the the center. When a point is located in the center, it is stable. When points are not in the center they do not feel as peaceful, instead visual tension is created between the point and the surround space.

THE ART OF A LINE

Length. Thickness. It expresses direction. Joined. Linked. Surround. Intersect. Outline. Lines create planes. Every line has a meaning.

Horizontal lines...

Horizon. Foundation. Calm. Weighty. Secure. Restful. Solid with the Earth.

Vertical lines...

Divide. Lofty. Stable. Strength. Solid. Formal. Restrained. Lift the eye while lifting the mind.

Diagonal lines or Angular lines...

Action. Movement. Dynamic. Energy. Support.

Zig Zag lines...

Variety. Energy. Life.

Curve lines...

Fluid. Comfort. Soft. Grace. Relief from straight lines. Rhythmic. Feminine.

Flowing lines...

Gentle. Growth. Interesting.

Below is an example of a strong horizontal axis. This photo stood out because of the harsh but secure lines. The natural horizontal lines along with the setting allow the home create an interesting relationship with the Earth and give off  exude a calm restful feeling.

PLAIN...PLANES

Planes are extended lines. They do not have depth. There are three different types; they include overhead planes, wall plane, and base plane.

The overhead plane can be the roof that covers and shelters the interior spaces or can be the ceiling plane that forms the enclosing layer of a space. Wall planes are vertical and is a vital to the shape and enclosure of the space. A base plane is the ground plane that creates the lower enclosing surface that users walk on. This is a wall plane that encloses a space and gives shape to the interior while also creating an aesthetically pleasing architectural element to the exterior.

VOLUPTUOUS VOLUME.

The space comprised by overhead, wall, and base planes demonstrate volume. Volume can be a solid or an area enclosed by planes.