Industrial Arts Design / A Textbook of Practical Methods for Students, Teachers, and Craftsmen

by William H. Varnum

Sequential Progression of Minor Horizontal Space Divisions

Rule 2c. A primary mass may be divided into three or more smaller horizontal masses or sections by placing the larger mass or masses at the bottom and by sequentially reducing the height measure of each mass toward the smaller division or divisions to be located at the top of the mass.

Sequential Arrangement of Minor Horizontal Divisions

Rule 2c. Let us now imagine the center section of a three-part design to be removed and extended upward. Its transformation by this process into a cabinet or chiffonier similar to [Figure 253], [Plate 42], introduces the new principle of sequential progression. Instead of adhering to the limitation of Rules 2a and 2b, this arrangement shows that the horizontal divisions may be gradually decreased in height from the bottom toward the top of the primary mass. By this rhythmic decrease in the measure of the height, the eye is led through an orderly gradation through lesser areas to the top, thus giving a pleasing sensation of lightness and variety to the structure. By this method, also, the large areas are retained at the bottom to give stability and solidity to the structure. A quick test of these conditions may be made by reversing [Figure 254], thus producing a more decidedly pleasing effect.

Plate 42

This orderly gradation or sequence of heights need not be carried out with absolute mathematical precision such as 7-6-5-4-3-2-1. Arrangements similar to the following progression make for equally pleasing and more varied effect: 9¼-8-6¾-6-5-4¾. Many designers repeat similar heights for two neighboring horizontal spaces as, 6-5-5-4¾, but the upward gradation should be apparent. [Figure 255], an Austrian motive, shows a strongly marked sequence with the top division broken by Rule 3b. It is better practice to keep such attempts confined to the bottom or top members of the sequence or loss of unity may be the final result.

By applying this principle to the center section of a three-part design, we now have illustrated in [Figure 256] the new sequence in its application, and [Figures 257] and [258] are variations of the same idea.

Two Horizontal and Three Vertical Divisions

We now come to the transitional type of design where three vertical sections begin to lose their dominance as major divisions, but still retain their places in the design as minor sections. Replacing these in prominence is the horizontal major section or division. The first immediate result of this change as shown in [Plate 43] is to produce a more compact surface with a greater impression of length because of the presence of strongly accented horizontal lines which are always associated with horizontal divisions. This transitional style with its minor but dominant horizontal divisions would harmonize with the long horizontal lines of a room or similar lines in the furniture. The full expression of this style or type will be readily seen by comparing [Plates 43] and [Figures 251] and [252], [Plate 41]. Several styles of period furniture have been introduced in [Plate 43] to prove the universality of these principles of space divisions.

Plate 43

Dominance of Lower or Upper Sections

[Figures 259], [260], and [262], [Plate 43], are divided by three minor vertical sections cut by two minor horizontal divisions with the dominance in the lower section. Rule 2a. The arrangement of the small central drawers could have been more varied by the application of the principle of sequential progression. [Figures 261] and [263] show similar vertical spacings with a difference in the arrangements of the horizontal divisions. In these figures the dominance has been placed in the upper section of the primary mass by the division created by the runner above the lower drawer. It is likewise seen that [Figure 263] needs a top appendage to bind the top into closer unity with minor spacings.

Transitional Types

In carrying the transitional type to which we have referred in the previous paragraphs from the vertical space influence toward the horizontal, we are gradually approaching three minor horizontal divisions, still maintaining three minor vertical divisions in a modified and less prominent form. [Figure 264] is an approach toward three horizontal divisions. As only one clear-cut horizontal space division is visible, this figure is not a pure example. The upper horizontal space division is broken up into a three-part design by the drawer guides. It is not until we reach [Figure 266] that three horizontal divisions are clearly evident.