IDES 211 - Ching Readings

Ching: A Visual Dictionary of Architecture (52-55)

Form

Form

Shape and structure of something

Shape

Outline or surface configuration of a particular form or figure

Line

Edge or contour of a shape

Texture

Visual and tactile quality of a surface

Visual Texture

The apparent texture of a surface resulting from the combination and interrelation of colors and tonal values

Tactile Texture

The physical, dimensional structure of a surface

Organic

Of or pertaining to shapes and forms having irregular contours which appear to resemble those in nature

Nonobjective

Shapes and forms not representing natural or actual objects, nonrepresentative

Geometric

Shapes and forms which resemble or employ the simple rectilinear or curvilinear elements of geometry

Abstract

Shapes and forms having an intellectual and affective content dependent solely on their intrinsic lines, colors, and relationship to one another

Symbol

Something that stands for or represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, deriving its meaning cheifly from the structure in which it appears

Sign

A mark or figure having a conventional meaning and used in place of a word or phrase to express a complex notion

Massing

A unified composition of 2D and 3D shapes or volumes, especially one that has or gives the impression of weight, density, and bulk

Additive

Characterized or produced by addition, accumulation, or unity, often resulting in a new identity

Articulation

A method or manner of jointing that makes the united parts clear, distinct, and present in relation to each other

Content

The significance or meaning on an artistic work, as distinguished from its form

Form

The manner or arranging and coordinating the parts of a composition so as to produce a coherent image

Organization

The systematic arranging of interdependent or coordinated parts into a coherent unity or functioning whole

Detail

An individual, minute, or subordinate part of a whole

Fabric

An underlaying framework or structure of connected parts

Parti

An underlying framework or structure of connected parts

Diagram

A drawing, not necessarily representational, that outlines, explains, or clarifies the arrangement and relations of the parts of a whole

Composition

The arranging of parts or elements into proper proportion or relations to parts of a whole

Pattern

An artistic or decorative design, especially one having a characteristic arrangement and considered a unit, of which an idea can be given by a fragment

Design Principle

A fundamental and comprehensive concept of visual perception for structuring an aesthetic composition

Order

A condition of logical, harmonious, or comprehensible arrangement in which each element of a group is properly disposed with reference to other elements and to its purpose

Unity

The state or quality of being combined into one, as the ordering of elements in an artistic work that constitutes a harmonious whole or promotes a singleness of effect

Harmony

The orderly, pleasing, or congruent arrangement of the elements or part artistic whole

Repose

Harmony in the arrangement of part colors that is restful to the eye

Coherent

Logically or aesthetically ordered or integrated to afford comprehension or recognition

Agreement

Correspondence in shape, size, or color among the elements in a work of art

Similarity

The state or quality of being alike in substance, essentials, or characteristics

Proximity

Nearness in place, order, or relation

Uniformity

The state or quality of being identical, homogenous or regular

Homogenous

Uniform in structure throughout or composed of parts that are all of the same nature or kind

Regular

Uniformly or evenly formed or arranged

Monotony

The state or quality of lacking variety

Continuity

The state or quality of being a continuous line, edge, or direction

Alignment

Arrangement in or adjacent a straight line

Variety

The state or quality of having varied or diverse forms, types, or characteristics

Emphasis

Stress or prominence given to an element of a composition by means of contrast, anomaly, or counterpart

Contrast

Opposition or juxtaposition of dissimilar elements in a work of art to intensify each elements in a work of art to intensify each elements properties and produce a more dynamic expressiveness

Anomaly

A deviation from the normal or expected form, order, or arrangement

Complexity

The state or quality of being a whole composed of complicated, intricate, or interconnected parts

Collage

An artistic composition of often diverse elements in unlikely or unexpected juxtaposition

Hierarchy

A system of elements rankked, classified, and organized on or above another according to importance or significance

Opposition

The state or position of being placed opposite another, or of lying in corresponding positions from an intervening space or object

Juxtaposition

The state or position of being placed close together pr side by side, so as to compare and contrast

Tension

A tenuous balance maintained in an artwork between opposing forces or elements often causing anxiety or excitement

Point

The major idea, essential part, or salient feature of a narrative or concept

Salient

Prominent or conspicuous

Counterpart

A parallel but contrasting element or theme in a narrative or concept

Chaos

A state of utter disorder or confusion

Contradiction

The state or condition of being opposed, inconsistent, or logically incongruous

Equilibrium

A state of rest or balance between contrasting elements or opposing forces

Equipoise

An equal distribution of weight, relationship, or forces

Counterpoise

A counterbalancing weight or force

Balance

The pleasing or harmonious arrangement or proportion of parts or elements in a design or composition

Symmetry

The exact correspondence in size, form, and arrangement of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane, or about a center or axis

Bilateral Symmetry

Symmetry resulting from the arrangement of similar parts on opposite sides of a median axis

Local Symmetry

A symmetrical condition occuring in one part of a design, often serving to center an irregular pattern

Radial Symmetry

Symmetry resulting from the arrangement of similar radiating parts about a center point or central axis

Axis of Symmetry

An imaginary line about which a figure, body, or composition is symmetrical

Axis

A straight line to which elements in a composition are referred for measurement or symmetry

Movement

The rhythmic quality or character of a composition suggesting motion by represented gestures or by the relationship of structural elements

Direction

The line along which something is moving, pointing, or facing, with reference to the point toward which it is directed

Gradation

A process or change taking place by degrees or through a series of gradual, successive stages

Rhythm

Movement characterized by a patterned repetition or alternation of formal elements or motifs in the same or modified form

Repetition

The act or process of repeating formal elements or motifs in a design

Interval

A space between two objects, points, or states

Concatentation

A series of linked or interconnected things or events