Q.
Definition of Design, Types of Design, Difference between structural and decorative
design, Characteristics/importance of design in context of art, interior and architecture.
Ans. What is Design?
‘‘Design is comprised of elements and principle use to create any art piece or object and develops a
sense of balance, proportion, attractiveness, and functionality in itself and provide a satisfactory
appearance.’’
Although there is no universal definition of the word "design", it is defined to purpose as meaning: "the plan
involved in creating something according to a set of aesthetics."
Key aspects of this definition include: the element of a plan; the idea of creation (art) rather than production
(science); the criteria of aesthetics (a style of beauty).
Types of Design
There are two major types of design:
1. Structural design
2. Decorative design
Structural Design
Structure refers to the relation of parts, to the relative proportions of the component elements.
Structural design is the arrangement of line, shape, colour, texture and size of a design object, e.g.
fashion design, furniture design
It denotes the structure or construction of objects. It is comprised of size, form, colour and texture of an
object; the drawing of the object worked out on paper.
Decorative Design
This is the surface enrichment of the structural design, any lines, colours or material that have been applied
to structural design for purpose of adding a richer quality to it constitute its decorative design.
Kinds of Decorative Designs
Naturalistic/ Realistic Design
Comes from the nature; The motifs reproduced from nature in its natural form e.g. Birds, flower etc.
and includes detail, these motifs lend themselves to either formal or informal themes.
Abstract Design
These are unrecognizable designs as a specific object or thing, highly stylized.
Geometric Design
Geometric designs are based on inorganic shapes like circle, triangle, square, rectangle etc. and are
combined to make a beautiful and intricate design. A geometric design is equal from all sides.
Stylized Design.
A design with modified or abstracted elements that give the design a more decorative look but the
objects are recognizable. It takes natural forms and alters the colour, shapes, lines, and features.
Though Structural and decorative design cannot be separated.
Difference between structural and decorative design
Structural Design Decorative design
Simple Fancy or intricate
Comprises of line, shape, size, Comprises of elements and principle
direction and texture to create the to add richness to the structure of a
basic outlook of a design. design.
the purpose of the design is easily Purpose is to Add aesthetic sense to
recognizable. a design but the design may or may
Can be defined as the mixture of art not be recognizable.
and science. Comes under the field of art.
It doesn’t have a focal point. Use to emphasize the structure or an
Has functionality. object.
Has expressiveness but doesn’t
include functionality.
Characteristics/Importance of Design in Context of Art, Interior and Architecture
Characteristics/Importance of Design in Context of Art:
Design is the primary factor that is must consider while creating or developing any work of art in
any field.
Significance: A design is comprised of elements and principle that are the basic requirement of any art
work. Without these an art work cannot be developed.
Elements includes:
Dot, Line, shape, form, texture, pattern, size, colour, space.
Principles incudes:
Balance, Emphasis, Movement, Rhythm, unity/harmony, proportions, variety.
It is easy to say about an art work that ‘I like it’ or ‘I don’t like it’. This is because the design is being judged
upon its appeal rather than on its expressive sub-factors.
That’s why design has a great importance in context of art and therefore it is vital to know the meaning and
types of designing elements and principles.
Characteristics/Importance of Design in Context of Interior:
Design plays an important role in interiors and maintains the overall look if used sufficiently.
Significance: Design in context of interior includes both structural and decorative design for a pleasing
appearance.
It is systematic arrangement of lines, forms, texture, colours etc. to create beauty in interiors that will add
harmony, balance, Proportion and variety to the setting.
Objectives:
Beauty
Expressiveness
Functionality
Design in interior is achieved appropriately when the overall appearance make it bound to look at other
things.
A Suitable design in context of interior will have the following characteristics:
Adequate Adjustment
Colour/value
Creates focal point
Compliment other things in the area.
Has proper space (not congested or crowded with things or patterns)
Characteristics/Importance of Design in Context of Architecture:
Design is the basic requirement for an architecture.
Significance: Design for an architecture is made on paper or 2D surface. Without the basic layout or design
an architecture cannot be developed. Design help to customize the building design according to the needs.
A good design will result in an architectures functionality, structure and appearance. Architectural design is
a concept that focuses on components or elements of a structural design and later enhanced by decorative
design.
An architect is based when work with space and elements to create a coherent and functional structure.
