Page 46 - Designing Ways 250

SHAPES

Shapes

by Stienie Greyling

orm is shape and that includes the
shape of the room itself, along with
Fthe objects within it like furniture,
artwork and decorative items.
Curves are having a moment, whether
talking about patterns made with free-
form shapes, furniture or doorways,
or natural materials like wood, textiles
and cane. Another architectural detail
that is becoming very popular is the
arch, specifically curved doorways and
windows.
Curvy shapes are also taking form as
furniture: Upholstered pieces like sofas,
day beds and occasional chairs are being foundation for the wheel and other simple surrounded by circular rings of grass, fairy
reimagined in undulating and sometimes machines. In addition to the physical circles origins and distribution remain
asymmetrical designs that feel inspired by purposes they serve, circular structures unexplained with some terming them the
décor from the ’70s. have also been built to act as more abstract ‘footprints of the Gods.’
Organic shapes are showing up on symbols.
everything from bath mats to candles. In nature, the appearances of major Psychology of shapes.
Circles have been adopted in every circular areas are often thought to offer All visual objects can be analysed in
domain of human experience, from some secondary meaning. Crop circles are terms of shape. For example, an average
money and art to architecture and intricate, bewildering patterns that have house may be perceived as a rectangle
religion. They are often used to symbolise long confounded people, even igniting with a triangle on the top and the sun
harmony and unity. speculation about extraterrestial activity, is often presented as a circle with lines
Because of their symmetry, circles were although more reasonable explanations around it. People may not always notice
seen as representations of the ‘divine’ cite wind patterns and human interference. that the figures and shapes that surround
and ‘natural balance’ in ancient Greece. Fairy circles in Africa embody a similar them still have a great impact on our
Later on, the shape would become a vital degree of mystery. Bare areas of earth consciousness and behaviour. The science

46 Issue 250 • dw