asic Elements

9012008
The Elements

These elements are the bare essentials and hold the greatest importance in a work. There are 6
main elements and form, space are some of them. The other 5 more elements include dot, line,
shape, texture, and colour. All works should incorporate these elements in the design because
it defines the creation on the platform of art and functionality it stands on.

Dot

A dot is a mark that is shows the beginning of a work or the end of it. It is the very basic
element whereby an art work or a design starts. Nothing will be done without the dots. Its the
basic. One dot marks a point where people will look and concentrate at as it directs attentions.
Dots are used to amplify perception and it does not mean one dot, a dot in architecture can
mean a center or a mole or a concentration of forms or objects near or close together. Dots
that are aligned together create a line. Dots are use to create feel or texture to create form,
space and texture. Dots are used to create tones and more. One dot is a point, a number of
dots create different elements that are important to showcase a design. A dot does not mean
that it is rounded, it dot can have any shape imaginable. A dot just means a point or a mark and
that mark could be a circle, triangular, square or uneven shapes. The main purpose of the dot is
there regardless of its shape.
Line

A line is a combination of a series of dots that are continuous, with an exact distance in
between each dot. They are a number of lines that are all around us, they vary from size of its
thickness to the smoothness of the line: lines can be jagged, twisted, bold or anything. Line can
be the outer layer of a form. It defines a shape and also space. Lines creates shapes, Lines could
also show texture, lines creates patterns, Lines create color tones, lines create texture and
space, line creates form and texture, line creates form and patterns and most importantly lines
creates form and space. By using the right lines in a work, you are able to create something that
has all of the elements which include the above: form, texture, tone, pattern, space and
movement.

They are many materials that creates lines, from pencils, ball point pens, brushes, technical
pens, or even charred coal. Line shows emotions or has a theme with the intended stroke that
has been done. Rough line shows masculinity, strength, and power. Fine line shows sensitivity,
sharpness and speed. Lines with edges reflect worries, in-stability, un-finished works. Fine wavy
lines shows softness, flexibility, happiness, and fluidity. They way lines are done tell a meaning
and that is what architecture is, it should be able to relate to people.

A combination of lines tell a different theme when they are put together. Take for example with
a combination of straight, rough, and fine lines that are arrange in vertical, horizontal and
twisted will create a image that is energetic, strong and accurate.

If fine lines were use instead, where the line is allowed to flow freely creates an image that is
smooth, quiet, peaceful and stylish.

Lines that are horizontal normally reflect peacefulness, and serenity: these lines regardless of
the thickness or appearance are flat. The architecture term horizontality refers to the landscape
and the building being flat and long allowing the building to be with nature and the
surrounding, it does not seem to challenge nature. Straight lines are dominant in showing
horizontality, and horizontality means humbleness and closeness to the surroundings. s

Vertical lines are lines that are straight up, these lines shows strength, and stability. Verticality
in architecture means that a building is there to make a statement and to challenge the norm. It
is a strong bold element that contrast the surrounding.

Lines with points, angles or edges show direction. It shows the focus point of the movement
that should be followed. These lines are used in directing to an important space of order. It
serves as a sign and movement.

Lines that are radiating from a center, these lines give an impression that of an energy source,
light and attention. It radiates from an important center to allow the impression for us to
concentrate on the center. It could show direction, movement and connection. Its is a node and
shows importance.
Shape

Shape is the creation when the end of a line meets the start of that line itself. Shape can be just
a flat plane that is surrounded by outer line and does not hold any mass. Shape is perceived as
an idea of the form or how it looks. Shape is composed in positive and negative shapes. Positive
shapes mean the shape of the object on the area it is located. Negative shapes is the shape of
the area the object is on. Normally to emphasize on the object or area, they are usually darken
to show concentration.

There are 2 types of shapes, Geometrical and Organic Shapes. Geometrical Shapes are shapes
that have exact angles at every edges and they are design to be that way, they were done on
intention. These shapes include circles, squares, triangles, rectangles etc

Organic Shapes are shapes that does not have a proper angle to its edge and are made to be
natural. They were not intended to be that way and usually drawn with the guidance of
intuition and free-handed.

The arrangement of shapes in repetition creates a pattern using the grid method. Taking one
simple pattern of geometrical shape and differentiating the next pattern by using its negative
shape. Arrange them one after the other and repeating the pattern will create a motif as a
whole.

Patterns that are interesting are based on one shape that is identical and this could be created
by using techniques such as separation, touching, over-lapping, see-through over-lapping and
anything that you believe could create a new motif or pattern.
Shape can be developed more by using 3 simple techniques. Over-lapping, Adding, and
Subtracting.

Shapes can be simplified from the original shape to form logos. These logos are normally
presented in negative or positive shapes.

Form

From the evolution of dot, to lines, and to shape; it evolved from 1 dimension (dot &line) to 2
dimension (shape) and form is the 3 dimensional combination of the previous products. Form
has an area, height, mass and more then one surface. The outline is a forms structure and form
will have a different perspective from different point of view, front, left, right, rear, top and
bottom. In terms of presentation of form, it is done by using a few elements such as lines,
renderings, texture and tone value.

They are 2 types of forms, the Concrete form and the Illusion form.

Concrete Form is the form of the real object it self. It is a 3 dimensional character which mean
that I can be seen, touch, and feel.

Illusion Form is the form that is 2 dimensional in characteristic whereby you can only see. This
type of form uses elements such as texture, rendering, lines and color tones to create the shape
and from on a piece of paper.
Texture

Normally we define texture as feel of the surface of an object. Texture is everywhere from
every material and object whether it was man-made or natural. Texture give a sense of
individuality on the material and using the right material on a design will help emphasize and
create a feel that is called home or anything that the space is design for. Texture tells a whole
lot more then just feel, it tells emotions and thoughts. Rough edges tells of anger and
masculinity, and smooth surfaces is the opposite.
There are 2 types of texture. Texture that you can feel and texture on paper whereby you can
see but you cant touch. Some paintings are made to be touchable and felt.

Textures that could be felt are like sculptures, assemblage, collage, embroidery, etc
Textures that are made to be seen are like paintings and drawings.

Using texture in architecture creates the feel that all of us need which is to feel belonged and
trusted. Using the right material to design is important thus learning and understanding the
materials make a difference in design concepts and presentation.

Color

Color is the most important element in the creation of a work. Color has the power to influence
and brings out our feelings. Take for example, bright colors creates a sense of joy and
happiness. Dark and gloomy colors create a sense of sadness and dread.

There are 3 groups of colors that are dominant in the color wheel. Primer Colors, Secondary
Colors and Tertiary Colors.

Primer Colors

The Primer Colors or Basic Colors are the main colors that everything exists on. It is always
perceived as the strongest and powerful colors and there are used in logos, posters and ads
that needs to have energy and strong statements. The primer colors are Red, Blue, and Yellow.
These three are the core colors whereby they are unable to be generated by mixing other
colors together to produce it. No combination of colors can create any of the core colors and
thus they are known as the Primer Colors simply because they are the original colors.

Secondary colors

Secondary colors as its name state, are the combination of the primer colors to produce
another color. There are 3 secondary colors, orange, Purple, and green. Orange is the product
of mixing yellow + red, Purple/ indigo is the mix of blue +red, and green is the product of blue+
Yellow. The mixture ratios for the colors are equal. The secondary colors are dap with a decline
in its power, yet it is brighter then the tertiary lines.
Tertiary Colors.

Tertiary Colors are made from combining the secondary and the primer colors together and
usually with the color next to one another. There are 6 colors on the tertiary line, light green:
green + yellow, Light orange: Orange + Yellow, orange red: red + orange, violet: purple + Red,
indigo: blue + purple, dark Green: blue + green. The tertiary colors creates a sense of softness
and has the ability to lower the intensity of the primer and secondary colors if they are used
together in a good composition.
Color Composition

There are 3 groups of color composition: Harmonious Colors, Contrast Colors and Tonal Colors.

Harmonious Colors are known as a set of colors alike and are located next to each other on the
color wheel. These colors are able to create a comfortable feel, interesting, and also a balance
environment.
Contrast Colors are sets of colors that are located on the opposite of each other on the color
wheel. These colors when put together will create a refreshing and energetic feel. It creates a
contra, vibe, and movement. Its a perfect media to use to create a statement and to relay an
idea across fast because it attract attentions.
Tonal Colors are also known as Monochrome colors and it is made out of one color but in
different tones ranging from the softest to the darkest tone. The more white is used to lower
the tone value and to increase the value black is used. This color composition creates a
harmonious and comfortable vibe but will be a boring sight after sometime.
Color Value.

The value of a colors are divided into 3 groups: color tones, chromo colors, and neutral colors

Color Tones are the effects of the light beams that effects a colors tone from the brightest to
the darkest. Its the same with tonal colors where white and black are used to create different
color values, the lightest value contains more white and the darkest contains the most black.
Color tones are very important and useful in producing space and 3 dimensional spaces.

Chromo Colors is the creation from mixing 2 contrast colors in certain ratios that creates a tonal
value that flows from the two colors. Chromo colors creates a dull color from the original colors
and these colors are used to show longings, sadness and are able to bring back the nostalgic
feel.

Neutral Colors normally refers to black and white. Black and White are neutral because they
have no strength and power yet they are able to lower or increase a colors value. The two
colors have value when mixed together and the tone value change from white to black, where
white turns into grey and to turns into black. Neutral Colors also mean chromo colors where
the creation from both mixtures produced colors that have lost the originality of its core colors.
Neutral Colors are colors that have no power or strength but it has the ability to lower the
intensity of other colors when composed well with other colors. Neutral colors are powerless
but they are able to create a comfortable and less stressing environment.
Color Temperatures

The temperature of colors are felt through the emotion of the viewer and occupants. There are
2 color temperatures: Hot Colors and Cold Colors.

Hot Colors are colors that are bright and vibrant which creates a strong, bold and hot vibe.
These colors are shades of yellow, orange, and red. Hot colors are used to show anger, rage,
unevenness and to portray mess, madness etc.

Cold Colors are colors that cold to the eye, they are not strong, gentle, soothing and pleasant.
These colors range from the shades of green, blue, and purple. Cold colors create a fresh, cold,
distant, and sad feel. Normally to show great emotions.
Color Action

When a color is put on a background that is different will create a different feel but when 2
colors create a contrast combination it is called a Positive Action. But when 2 colors create a
tone and feel that are almost identical it is called a Negative Action. Positive is when the color
overwhelms the background and Negative is when the background takes over the color put on
it. The composition of color to create the right action is important to stress on an idea and to
relay a message.
Perspective Colors

Perspective colors are colors that creates an illusion of space, distance, and most importantly
perspective. Objects that are close are clear and dark in tone where farther objects have
blurrier images with a brighter tone. A good perspective effect is with the use of harmonious
colors and tonal colors. Understanding tone value and the use can create works that capture
eyes around.