Manipulating Contrast Sturctures

Direction: Most of the unit forms may have similar directions. Contrasting directions are used to provoke agitation.

Direction


Direction


Direction

Position: Unit forms can be positioned towards opposite borders of the frame of reference,
creating tension in between.

Position


Position


Position

Position

Space: The encounter of positive and negative unit forms (resulting in subtraction) is a way of producing spatial contrast. Space can be pushed on and squeezed by unit forms which are thrust against each other. It can also be left void, in contrast with congested areas.Your eye merges the individual pieces into larger shapes.

Space


Space


Space



Gravity: Unit forms dropping from high to low positions, or stacking from low to high positions, can suggest a gravitational pull. Stable and unstable unit forms, static and moving unit forms, or heavy and light unit forms can be put together in effective contrast of gravity.

Gravity


Gravity

Two factors should be considered in a contrast structure are dominance of majority and emphasis of minority which normally work together in a contrast structure.

Dominance of Majority: which is gained by one kind of unit form occupying more space in a design than other kinds. These unit forms are in a majority because they spread over a wider area. Dominance of majority helps to pull the design together in an integrated whole.

Emphasis of Minority: Dominance of majority does not necessarily put the minority into oblivion. On the contrary, the minority often gets emphasized and demands greater attentions.

Dominance of Majority
Emphasis of Minority





Dominance of Majority
Emphasis of Minority


Dominance of Majority
Emphasis of Minority



Dominance of Majority
Emphasis of Minority



Dominance of Majority
Emphasis of Minority



Dominance of Majority
Emphasis of Minority