Space: Emptiness or Art

The word "space" can be defined in many ways. But in the article on "space", it is defined as being emptiness and something that is created when a figure is placed in it. Space is believed by the author to be the single most overlooked element. His idea of "space" is "emptiness", and that it is necessary to provide a visual of what design can do when combined with space. Believing that when too much white space has been neglected by the designer; the consequences would be what he describes as ugly and unread. But it is recommended that to avoid  this kind of failure, one must carefully consider that "design elements are always viewed in relation to their surroundings". And if this design technique is not used by the designer; then the design itself will eventually turn out to be a complete failure. A failure that will appear to the viewers as being distateful, tacky, and over the top.

My main argument with the author, is that there is a possibility that a lack of white space within a design can be managed well. I feel that Paula Scher's design for the poster for "Bring in da noise, "Bring in da funk"  was a good eaxmple of how much a lack of white space can be managed well with the right design. Black graphics and text seem to go well with white backgrounds, as is described by the author in this article.  White space plays the role of being the provider of context and a physical environment where a message can be received, but the black text and design provides the aesthetic qualities which proves that these two elements (colors) are dependent on eachother. The unity of white and black color in these graphic designs can illustrate to the viewer that "space" itself; whether a lot, or a total lack of, can be just one factor in providing an aesthetically appealing visual design. The actual colors used to create these designs can be as equally important as the amount of "space" that is used or not used. So...... can the amount of "space" used within a design be the only culprit responsible for turning the design itself into a visual failure? 

Space

Space is something we take for granted; only becoming aware of it when it is taken away. In life, we need physical space to feel calm, safe, and composed. Space used in design often has the same effects as physical space. Without the appropriate amount of space, the reader can feel overwhelmed and panic. It is interesting to think about the use of white space because it is not something I usually notice or am consious of. Personally, I enjoy more simplistic designs. With too much writing and graphics, I become confused as to what the actual message the design is trying to get across. If there is plenty of space to separate the idea from the design, it is more clear to the observer.
White space is not just used to create simplicity and control, but it can be used to deliberatly express certain ideas as well. Using white space to create a shape or to create symmetry can create cohesiveness without being obvious. The artical interestingly analyzed space inside a store. Design can be looked at in the same way; too much white space can symbolize elitism and rarity. But, not enough white space creates chaos and confusion. It is important to obtain the correct amount of space in all aspects of life. Each individual situation requires different amounts of space, which is what makes this tactic so tricky. The best we can do is know the effects space has and learn as we go along.

Response to the article "Space"

I've never given much thought to space and background in design prior to this article. I found it interesting that "space" rather than the image itself shapes the design. How much space we use and where and how we use it all have their own contextual meaning. The different uses of space, just like with any other design elements, construct a message. Although, we often think of design and art as free flowing and expression based, the use of space does construct a pattern artists follow. Simple things like positioning the image in the center of the design or off to one side are also linked with how much space we want in our design. It is interesting to think what artists are trying to achieve by leaving this "space" empty. I also liked the way the article incorporated expensive boutiques and stores as examples and referenced how spacious they are. Prior to reading this, I've always thought of space as incomplete, or unfinished. However, with the descriptions in the article, I understand how the use of space creates elegance and a basic need. It's an imperative part of design, often times overlooked.

NEW WAVE AND POSTMODERNISM: Complexity in design

    Designer Katherine McCoy argues, "if design is about life, why shouldn't it  have all the complexity, variety, contradiction, and sublimity of life? Not only does this philosophy apply to the chaos that surrounds us in everyday life, but it is a better representation of today's mainstream popular culture. McCoy was determined to bring complexity into the design during the 1970's.  During the past several decades, the design elements of  New Wave and Postmodernism spoke to people through design. People began to step out of the grid-like design element but many also continued to use the grid, but putting a more artistic, and creative spin on the graphic design itself. Playing with the grid and creating a whole new style was something that Paula Scher was able to accomplish in her designs during the late 1980's, a time where form and content, modernism and postmodernism clashed when it came to the use of typography within the whole design, and the overall graphic design itself.

     The grid itself was once viewed as being believable, because the content itself was supposed to be believable to all those who viewed it. But designers like Katherine McCoy and Paula Scher must have believed in the idea that  one should not look at the actual message because the message itself was within the design. Clarity in the design was not the main goal , but refiguring what could be appealing to mainstream society was, especially for Paula Scher. Through the use of chaotic, yet creative typography and graphics; the viewer or reader was challenged to pay attention.These New Wave and Postmodernism designs were an obvious step away from the grid, challenging the formality of the grid while also being critically examined through the eyes of postmodern viewers.