Essay

Featured Image Takeaway Design Strategy:

When you design architecture, are you aware of the visual layers which you create? Now, rarely is a work of architecture viewed in pure elevation in the real world — so studying the three-dimensional layering within your design could result in some amazing effects. For instance, layering often leads to rhythm and/or transparency (depending on design form and placement). And with rhythm and transparency, you can create depth, texture, and boundary. If you look at the two above images, you’ll quickly see that each serves as an example. The red rails above create a transparency and the white structural elements create rhythm. So why is this important? Well, rhythm and transparency are two ways to provide perceptual engagement, to “lead one’s eye”, and to most importantly direct attention. Thus, in the first image your eye may be drawn to the complexity (through the handrail), while in the second image your eye may be drawn to the simplicity (the door).

To Apply This Strategy, Ask Yourself:

How can I direct my building occupant’s attention with my design elements? It’s not enough for design form to interplay with design form from a distance — thus, you as the designer are better served when forms interact: whether through rhythm, transparency, or even physical inter-connection. Analyse what happens as elements layer. What types of juxtapositions are created? And how do they direct your occupant’s attention?

Image Credit: © puroticorico | Flickr