Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Primary Elements (part 3)





Three or more lines that converge to form a two-dimensional shape is called a plane. Like lines, planes can be literal or implied, defining spaces or creating an area of interest. They are most often found in a square or rectangular shape (as in walls or corridors), but can be any other shape, regular or irregular, so long as it is flat and possesses no perceived depth.



Image credit: Bernstein, Fred A. "The Good Earth." Metropolitan Home. March 2009. 75. (Overlay mine.)
How you treat planes within a space will greatly affect your perception of the space. This frequently means walls, but can include screen dividers, furniture, or sculptural elements in a space. Emphasis or de-emphasis of a plane can perceptually open up or close off; this can be achieved through wall color, mirrors and pictures, glass or movable wall screens (such as in a Japanese teahouse), or simply via height. A breakfast counter coming off the end of a kitchen counter can provide a barrier between the kitchen and a living room while still visually perceiving both areas.

1 comment:

  1. when we first studying what a plane was, i tended to be confused about this element the most when we extended it past the 'wall plane'. I really like the example you have posted, because of the plane with in a plane. Very unique!

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