Point of Concentration—Effect upon Structure
When a border is used to parallel a rectangle it is customary to strengthen the border at the corners for two reasons: first, to strengthen, apparently, the structure at these points; second, to assist the eye in making the sudden turn at the corner. The corner enforcement affords momentary resting points for the eye, and adds pleasing variety to the long line of border. The strengthened point is called the point of concentration or point of force. Its presence and effect may be noted by the symbol P.C. in [Figures 207], [208], [213], and [214].
Chip Carving
[Figure 213] represents the rather angular and monotonous chip carving motive. It is, however, a simple form of carved enrichment for wood construction. [Figure 214] shows the more rhythmic flow of a carved and modeled enrichment. Two methods of leaf treatment are given at A and B.
[Figures 215], [216], and [217] are industrial and public school examples of the forms of surface enrichment treated in this chapter.
INSTRUCTION SHEET
[Plate 35] shows the necessary working drawings for wood inlay and is supplied as a typical high school problem by Mr. C.E. Partch of Des Moines, Iowa. See [Figure 216c].
SUMMARY OF DESIGN STEPS
(a) Draw the primary rectangle, appendage, etc.
(b) Subdivide the rectangle into its horizontal and vertical subdivisions.
(c) Design very simple contour enrichment.
(d) Determine the location of zone of enrichment, and the amount and method of enriching the surface.
(e) Make several preliminary sketches to determine the best design and add the one finally selected to the structure. Correlate with contour enrichment.
(f) Add additional views, dimension, and otherwise prepare the drawing for shop use.
SUGGESTED PROBLEM
Design a walnut side table 3 feet high and enrich with a double band inlay of ebony.
SUMMARY OF RULES
Rule 6a. Surfaces to be enriched must admit of enrichment.
Rule 6b. Surface enrichment must be related to the structural contours but must not obscure the actual structure.
Rule 6c. The treatment must be appropriate to the material.
Rule 6d. Bands and borders should have a consistent lateral, that is, onward movement.
Rule 6e. Bands and borders should never have a prominent contrary motion, opposed to the main forward movement.
Rule 6f. All component parts of a border should move in unison with the main movement of the border.
Rule 6g. Each component part of a border should be strongly dynamic and, if possible, partake of the main movement of the border.
Rule 6h. Borders intended for vertical surfaces may have a strongly upward movement in addition to the lateral movement, provided the lateral movement dominates.
Rule 6i. Inlayed enrichment should never form strong or glaring contrasts with the parent surface.
Rule 6j. Carved surface enrichment should have the appearance of belonging to the parent mass.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Give the reasons why surface enrichment may be used as decoration.
2. State an original example illustrating when and where to use surface enrichment.
3. Name an object from the industrial arts in which the structure has been weakened or obscured by the application of surface enrichment. Name an example of the correct use of surface enrichment and state wherein it has been correctly applied.
4. How should surface enrichment of small masses differ from that applied to larger masses; in what manner does the fiber of the wood affect the design?
5. Name three means of enriching the surface of wood. Briefly describe the processes of inlaying and carving, with the design restrictions governing each.
6. Give three sources of ornament open to the designer of surface enrichment.
7. Draw an accented triple band motive for inlay.
8. What is the inceptive axis; a bilateral unit? What are leading lines; dynamic forms; points of concentration?
9. Design an upward and onward continuous carved border for wood and base it upon a vertical inceptive axis. Treat as in A, [Figure 205].
10. Illustrate the manner in which structure may be apparently strengthened by a band or border.