Industrial Arts Design Part 3

A musical composition is often played in an orchestra first by the wood instruments, taken up and repeated by the bra.s.ses, then by the strings, and finally played as an harmonious whole by the entire orchestra. There is a close parallel in Figure 12, an adaptation of one of Gustav Stickley's designs. The two-division rule is used in the relations of the plaster and wainscoting; again in the plaster over, and the cement or tile around the fireplace. It is repeated in the arrangement of the copper and cement of the fireplace facing and hood and in the door panels. By repeating again and again similar s.p.a.ce divisions the wall s.p.a.ce becomes a unified and harmonious whole. Variety is secured by the introduction of three horizontal divisions in the details of the wainscoting. This method of repeating similar s.p.a.ce divisions is called "echoing" and is one of the most effective means known for securing the effect of _unity_.

[Sidenote: Two Horizontal Divisions in Metal]

The horizontal subdivisions in metal are usually made for service.

Figures 17, 18, and 19, Plate 10, are examples of such divisions. The location of the clock face in Figure 18 calls for the placing of its horizontal axis in accordance with Rule 2a. The lamp in Figure 19 shows an instance where the entire design once divided by Rule 2a, may be again subdivided into a similar series of divisions. This arrangement is quite similar to the system of repet.i.tions seen in Figure 12 and termed "echoing" the original divisions.

[Ill.u.s.tration: HORIZONTAL s.p.a.cE DIVISIONS IN METAL

PLATE 10]

[Sidenote: Three Horizontal s.p.a.ce Divisions]

Rule 2b. _If the primary ma.s.s is divided into three horizontal divisions or sections, the dominance should be placed in the center section with varying widths in the upper and lower thirds._

When it becomes necessary to divide the primary ma.s.s into more than two sections the designer's problem becomes more difficult. With the addition of a greater number of horizontal divisions there is a manifest tendency for the design to become cut up into so many small sections that the simplicity of the whole ma.s.s is lost. Here, as elsewhere, that principle which we call _unity_ or the quality of "holding together" is necessary and should be the constant test of the design. The instant any part of the design seems to fly apart from the main ma.s.s it becomes the designer's duty to simplify the design or pull the parts together and thus restore the lost unity.

As a restriction against loss of unity it is necessary to group all of the minor horizontal divisions into a system of two or three large horizontal divisions. Referring to Rule 2b, it is seen that when three divisions are used, it becomes the practice to accentuate the center section by making it larger. This arrangement is designed to give weight to the center portion and by this big stable division to hold the other subdivisions together and in unity.

[Sidenote: Three Horizontal Divisions in Wood]

Two horizontal ma.s.ses and one vertical ma.s.s shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11, Plate 8, ill.u.s.trate the application of this three-division rule to wood construction. It is seen that the construction of rails, doors, and shelves is responsible for the fixing of all of these divisions. It may also be seen that three divisions are applicable to either the vertical or the horizontal primary ma.s.s. Figure 10 ill.u.s.trates the violation of this type of s.p.a.cing at the point _A_, where the shelves are no more pleasingly arranged than the rounds of a ladder. Later on we shall be able to rearrange these shelves in a pleasing manner but at present it is better to relieve the monotony by omitting the center shelf. This applies the three division rule to the satisfactory appearance of the desk at _B_.

Similar monotony in s.p.a.cing is seen in the screen, Figure 11. The correction in _B_ appeals at once as a far more satisfactory arrangement than that secured by placing the cross bar half way up as in _A_. There are no infallible rules for this readjustment beyond those already stated. The eye must in part be depended upon to guide the artistic sense aright.

[Sidenote: Three Horizontal Divisions in Clay]

It is suggested that it is desirable to keep clay forms within the limitations of two divisions. Rectangular posts, pedestals, and other vertical forms in cement may be developed by the application of Rule 2a or 2b, if care is taken to group all minor divisions well within the limitations of these rules.

[Sidenote: Three Horizontal Divisions in Metal]

The statement just made in reference to simplified groupings is ill.u.s.trated in the candlestick and cup in Figures 20 and 21, Plate 10.

The construction based upon the three functions performed by the cup, the handle, and the base, suggests the use of these horizontal divisions. The minor curves have been subordinated to, and kept within, these three divisions. The final result gives a distinct feeling of unity impossible under a more complex grouping. The Greek column will afford an architectural ill.u.s.tration of a similar grouping system.

The lathe bed of Figure 22 shows one of innumerable examples of s.p.a.ce violations in the industrial arts. A slight lowering of the cross brace would add materially to the appearance and strength of the casting.

Figure 23 is a copper box with the following more or less common faults of design: commonplace ratio of length and width (2:1) partially counteracted, however, by a more pleasing ratio of the vertical dimension, equal s.p.a.cing in the width of cover of box and box body, and equal s.p.a.cing of the hinges of the box from the ends of the box and from each other. By applying the two and three horizontal division rules these errors may be avoided.

[Sidenote: Freehand Curves]

Figure 24 shows a low bowl with a compa.s.s curve used in designing the contour. This has brought the widest part of the design in the exact center of the bowl which makes it commonplace. In addition to this the top and bottom are of the same width, lacking variety in this respect.

Correction is readily made by applying a freehand curve to the contour, raising or lowering the widest point (_F_), at the same time designing the bottom either larger or smaller than the top.

INSTRUCTION SHEET

Plate 7 is a sheet suggestive of the application of Rules 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b, with an indication of the type of problem to be required. The steps of the designing processes in either wood (cla.s.s 1), clay (cla.s.s 2), or metal (cla.s.s 3), are summarized as follows:

SUMMARY OF DESIGN STEPS

(_a_) Construction of the rectangle representing the vertical or horizontal character of the primary ma.s.s with desirable proportions. It is better to select a typical view (Plate 6, _D_), preferably a front elevation.

(_b_) Subdivide this rectangle into two or three structural sections; horizontal in character. Make two or three trial freehand sketches for varied proportions and select the most pleasing one in accordance with Rules 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b.

(_c_) Translate the selected sketch to a full size mechanical drawing or at least to a reasonably large scale drawing. The structural elements: _i.e._, legs, rails, posts, etc., should be added and other additional views made.

(_d_) Dimension and otherwise prepare the drawing for shop purposes.

(_e_) Construct the project.

SUGGESTED PROBLEMS

Design a nasturtium bowl, applying Rules 1a, 1b, 2a. Design a writing table 2 feet 6 inches high with three horizontal divisions.

SUMMARY OF RULES

Rule 2a. _If the primary ma.s.s is divided into two horizontal divisions, the dominance should be either in the upper or the lower section._

Rule 2b. _If the primary ma.s.s is divided into three horizontal divisions or sections, the dominance should be placed in the center section with varying widths in the upper and lower thirds._

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. State two methods of subdividing the primary ma.s.s.

2. Define the nature and need of horizontal s.p.a.ce divisions.

3. Give five steps to be used in designing a foot stool or piano bench.

4. What point const.i.tutes a horizontal division in the contour of a simple clay bowl?

5. State the rule governing two horizontal s.p.a.ce divisions and furnish ill.u.s.trations in wood, clay, and metal.

6. Give the rule governing three horizontal s.p.a.ce divisions and supply ill.u.s.trations in wood, clay, and metal.

7. State five steps in the designing of a project in the industrial arts involving the use of horizontal structural divisions.

[Ill.u.s.tration: APPLIED AND CONSTRUCTIVE DESIGN

PRINCIPLE 3: VERTICAL s.p.a.cE DIVISIONS OF THE SINGLE H OR V PRIMARY Ma.s.s.

PROBLEM: VERTICAL SUB DIVISIONS IN CLa.s.sES 1 2 3. THEY ARE USED TO BREAK OR VARY LARGE AREAS OF HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL Ma.s.sES.

PLATE 11]

Chapter IV

VERTICAL MAJOR DIVISIONS OF THE PRIMARY Ma.s.s