Selected Bibliography Architecture - Form Space and Order | Page 24

LINE

Although a line theoretically has only one dimension,
it must have some degree of thickness to become
visible. It is seen as a line simply because its
length dominates its width. The character of a line,
whether taut or limp, bold or tentative, graceful
or ragged, is determined by our perception of its
length–width ratio, its contour, and its degree of
continuity.

Even the simple repetition of like or similar
elements, if continuous enough, can be regarded
as a line. This type of line has significant textural
qualities.

The orientation of a line affects its role in a visual
construction. While a vertical line can express
a state of equilibrium with the force of gravity,
symbolize the human condition, or mark a position
in space, a horizontal line can represent stability,
the ground p lane, the horizon, or a body at rest.

An oblique line is a deviation from
the vertical or horizontal.
It may be seen as a
vertical line falling or a
horizontal line rising. In either
case, whether it is falling toward a
point on the ground plane or rising to a
place in the sky, it is dynamic and visually
active in its unbalanced state.

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