Here is my latest project for my elements and principles of design class. We recently learned about circulation, so the finished piece had to incorporate a minimum of two path configurations (linear, radial, spiral, grid, and/or network), one of each path-space relationship (path that passes by spaces, path that passes through spaces, and path that terminates in a space), and one of each form of circulation space (enclosed path, path open on one side, and path open on two sides). In addition to demonstrating these elements of circulation, we were required to use at least one of each of the primary elements and forms, principles of repetition and rhythm, positive and negative spaces, additive and subtractive forms, regular and irregular forms, and articulation of form/surface articulation. The piece also had to incorporate a base plane of limited size.
As if all those requirements were enough, the piece actually had to be based on a concept. Imagine that! And the concept was a group effort. We actually got to choose our groups, so I ended up with three additional stellar people, and we chose the four seasons as our concept. I ended up with spring. Here is my design intent statement:
Our group project as a whole represents the four seasons and, more specifically, the changes in light during the different seasons.
In spring, the days grow longer and we experience more and more sunlight as summer approaches. The two 10×10 inch planes on opposite sides of the piece illustrate this phenomenon. Each contains thick lines that prevent light from entering into the center of the piece. At one corner, these lines are very close together, letting in little light. As they travel away from the corner, the negative space between the lines grows, letting more light into the center of the piece. Similarly, the trapezoidal planes that connect the two 10×10 planes contain “windows” of negative space. The windows are small near the enclosed corner, but become larger and more open farther away from the enclosed corner.
The season of spring also evokes thoughts of re-emergence and new life; species come out of hibernation (whether it be literal, as in the case of bears, or figurative, as in the case of humans bundled in bulky winter clothes, blankets, and heated buildings) and plants begin to bud and blossom. This emergence is represented by the forms of the pyramid and cube, which are surrounded by layers of larger forms that appear to be peeling away. The piece as a whole is a larger version of these smaller forms, as it contains three spherical forms in the interior enclosed corner and the four planes are opening up away from the spheres similar to the way the outer pyramid and cubes are opening away from the smaller central forms.
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That is crazy looking, but pretty cool. If you took pictures, it would be cool to see the other seasons. Your spring “reawakening” came across really well. Nice.
I did not take pictures of the other seasons, but I may be able to in class tomorrow. Unfortunately, one season (winter) disappeared off the face of the Earth, so who knows how that would have turned out.
I enjoyed reading about the “Spring” project The first thing that I saw when I looked at it, before reading the great description about your instructions and what the design’s meaning was, was an open flower in the upper left hand corner and a bud in the lower right hand corner.