PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN AND APPLICATION

Lesson 3: Elements of Design: Line, Shape and Form, Space

Straight lines on the basis of direction can be further classified as

1. V ertical lines
2. Horizontal lines
3. Diagonal lines
4. Zigzag lines
   

Direction can give additional meaning to a simple line. The direction of line and its breadth and forcefulness suggest particular attributes.

• Tall stately lines create strong verticals, giving lengthening effect due to up and down movement of eye. Vertical lines (Fig.3.3) become associated with uprightness, elevation and formality and suggest majesty and dignity.
  
  

  

  
  


• Horizontal lines (Fig.3.4) give broadening effect due to lateral movement of the eyes and suggest approachability and informality.
  
  

  
  

  
  
• Diagonal lines may assume the characteristics of the vertical or horizontal line as the degree of slant approaches each extreme. They give feeling of movement or action. Diagonal lines add width when they slant more towards the horizontal side. The very slight slant of the diagonal adds length. Diagonal lines (fig.3.5) appear more dynamic than horizontal and vertical ones because neither upright nor perpendicular, they produce psychic tension. They also create the illusion of their moving into depth, hence seen more active.
  
  

  



• A zigzag line (Fig.3.6) is a series of diagonal lines connected. It forces the eye to shift its direction abruptly and repeatedly in an erratic and jerky movement. Because of the eye activity, zigzag lines tend to increase the mass or size of the area covered. Zigzag lines (like lightning) give an electrical, exciting and erratic effect and with their sudden abrupt change of direction produce nervous, jerky and agitated effect.









• Line is also referred to as contrasting, transitional and repetitive (Fig.3.7).
• Repetitive lines (A) create pronounced rhythms in the patterns.
• Contrasting lines (B and C) are horizontal opposed to vertical. These lines make a strong statement and establish a center of interest where they meet or intersect.
  
  

  
  

  
  
• A transitional line (D and E) is a curved line that joins the horizontal with vertical in a graduated manner. It establishes rhythm by creating a flow of movement between the contrasting elements.