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Geometry of Design, Revised and Updated
At last, a mathematical explanation of how art works presented in a manner we can all understand. Kimberly Elam takes the reader on a geometrical journey, lending insight and coherence to the design process by exploring the visual relationships that have foundations in mathematics as well as the essential qualities of life. Geometry of Design takes a close look at a broad range of twentieth-century examples of design, architecture, and illustration (from the Barcelona chair to the paintings of Georges Seurat, from the Braun hand blender to the Conico kettle), revealing underlying geometric structures in their compositions. Explanations and techniques of visual analysis make the inherent mathematical relationships evident and a must-have for anyone involved in art, design, or architecture graphic arts. The book focuses not only on the classic systems of proportioning, such as the golden section and root rectangles, but also on less well known proportioning systems such as the Fibonacci Series. Through detailed diagrams these geometric systems are brought to life giving an effective insight into the design process.
144 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2001
About the author
Kimberly Elam
17 books18 followersKimberly Elam is a writer, educator and graphic designer. She currently chairs the Graphic + Interactive Communication Department at the Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL, where she has developed an academic minor in the Business of Art and Design. Her previous design education positions include the Kansas City Art Institute, North Carolina State University and The Ohio State University—where she received a Distinguished Teaching Award.
She has written extensively about graphic design and design education. Her first book, Expressive Typography, Word as Image (Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1990) identifies and analyzes methods by which words can transcend didactic meaning and become images. Geometry of Design, Studies in Proportion and Composition (Princeton Architectural Press, 2001) visually illustrates the connection between classic proportioning systems and modern graphic design, industrial design, illustration and architecture. Grid Systems, Principles of Organizing Type, (Princeton Architectural Press, 2004) puts forth a clear methodology for understanding and learning the grid system of composition. Graphic Translation, A Graphic Design Project Guide, (BookSurge.com) focuses on the creation of images with the visual means of abstraction, reduction and interpretation with point, line, plane, shade and shadow. Her most recent book, Typographic Systems, Rules for Organizing Type (Princeton Architectural Press, 2007), presents an innovative series of nontraditional, rule-based, visual language systems for typographic composition. Her current work focuses on the development of a series of innovative ebooks and print-on-demand books for design education on her website, www.StudioResourceInc.com.
She has written extensively about graphic design and design education. Her first book, Expressive Typography, Word as Image (Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1990) identifies and analyzes methods by which words can transcend didactic meaning and become images. Geometry of Design, Studies in Proportion and Composition (Princeton Architectural Press, 2001) visually illustrates the connection between classic proportioning systems and modern graphic design, industrial design, illustration and architecture. Grid Systems, Principles of Organizing Type, (Princeton Architectural Press, 2004) puts forth a clear methodology for understanding and learning the grid system of composition. Graphic Translation, A Graphic Design Project Guide, (BookSurge.com) focuses on the creation of images with the visual means of abstraction, reduction and interpretation with point, line, plane, shade and shadow. Her most recent book, Typographic Systems, Rules for Organizing Type (Princeton Architectural Press, 2007), presents an innovative series of nontraditional, rule-based, visual language systems for typographic composition. Her current work focuses on the development of a series of innovative ebooks and print-on-demand books for design education on her website, www.StudioResourceInc.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 3, 2012
Bought this after taking it out of the library. Worth having as a reference, but honestly, this whole Golden Section debate is absurd. She justifies its use when the overlays don't even line up the way she describes. But a good exercise.
September 26, 2020
An ode to pareidolia/apophenia, the human tendency to find patterns where they don't really exist.
Overlay after overlay of golden ratios and other proportional patterns drawn over building designs, posters, logos, etc. Because grids can be made any size, the patterns were often close to the actual design, but they never matched exactly.
Essentially the book is full of imaginary, contrived patterns, surrounded by text written in an inaccessible style, e.g.:
That could have been replaced with simply "Proportional designs are pleasing." :/
Probably better to read a physical copy due to the vellum overlays that other reviewers have mentioned -- the ebook obviously doesn't have those. Two stars because I didn't enjoy the book, but a lot of work obviously went into it.
Overlay after overlay of golden ratios and other proportional patterns drawn over building designs, posters, logos, etc. Because grids can be made any size, the patterns were often close to the actual design, but they never matched exactly.
Essentially the book is full of imaginary, contrived patterns, surrounded by text written in an inaccessible style, e.g.:
Geometric analysis identifies the proportioning systems and regulating lines that contribute to the cohesive composition of a work of art, a building, a product, or a work of graphic design. While this analysis does not examine the concept, the culture, or the medium, it does reveal compositional principles and often confirms the positive intuitive response of the viewer through quantifiable means of proportion and alignment.
That could have been replaced with simply "Proportional designs are pleasing." :/
Probably better to read a physical copy due to the vellum overlays that other reviewers have mentioned -- the ebook obviously doesn't have those. Two stars because I didn't enjoy the book, but a lot of work obviously went into it.
October 29, 2015
Designers and artists will be intrigued by Kimberly Elam’s visually rich investigation of proportion, form, and composition. I tend to draw intuitively, placing elements in a picture where they seem to “fit”. My ability to illustrate was definitely sharpened by my years in design school working with grid systems and analyzing the composition of posters and page layouts. Kimberly Elam’s book echoes that experience by closely examining everything from a Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair to a Toulouse-Lautrec poster. She relates the forms in design, architecture, and art to naturally occurring forms such as a Nautilus shell or a pine cone. The author’s ability to explain complex concepts in an understandable way makes this book approachable, useful, and fun. I am fascinated by Ms. Elam’s use of transparent overlays that allow the reader to see the structure of the work under examination. Judging by the fact that the book has been published in nine languages, apparently other readers are fascinated as well.
July 8, 2017
A great little book about geometry and design with a focus on the golden ratio and root rectangles. I really liked the use of overlays to show clear geometry of easy to identify designs. Would recommend to anyone interested in the golden ratio in art and design.
September 1, 2007
The golden ratio in design - it does a great job of highlighting the use of the golden ratio as it has vellum pages illustrating the design proportions overlaying a photograph of the actual object.
August 2, 2023
In my Interior Design school, I learned about the Divine Proportion and since then I was fascinated with it. This book describes it beautifully well how it works. The Golden Ratio has been defined using various names in the past as well as the present. Phi, the Golden Mean, the Divine Section, the Golden Proportion, and the Divine Proportion are a few to name. Almost all the elements of nature consist of this magical ratio (1:1.618). The Golden Ratio in nature exists in the shape of our universe to the shape of the human body, the shape of clouds to the shape of flowers and leaves. This ratio can be found in almost all the beautiful elements in nature around us. The golden ratio in nature exists repeatedly. It also has the capability to make elements look balanced and attractive. Therefore, humans have been using the same proportion since ancient times in mathematics, art, music, as well as architecture.
The earliest known application of the Golden Ratio in architecture is believed to be the Great Pyramid of Giza (2050 B.C). Although there is no documented writing to confirm its intended implementation, there is a golden ratio within the triangular form with a 0.025% margin of accuracy. All cultures have used it from ancient times to our days.
April 25, 2021
Książka Kimberly Elam uświadomiła mi, jak wiele rzeczy w sztuce i dizajnie wyznacza matematyka. Pomimo tego, że zawsze kierowałem się w stronę ekspresji ponad przemyślanego tworzenia siatek na bazie odpowiednich proporcji, jestem w stanie docenić dziedzictwo tej wiedzy. Szczególnie to, pozostawione przez dizajnerów przemysłowych i architektów. Odkrywanie ukrytych znaczeń za znanymi plakatami i formami jest bardzo satysfakcjonujące i zachęca do zastanowienia się, dlaczego niektóre kompozycje tak bardzo podobają się ludziom. Książka dla młodych dizajnerów i niezdrowych entuzjastów sztuki.
April 26, 2020
A neat little book that is a great addition to any designer / creative professional's library. Vellum overlays throughout help you see the geometry in many of the world's famous artworks and designs.
In my opinion it's best to use intuition when it comes to geometry and proportion (otherwise you risk designing things that look too contrived) but this book can help one to cultivate that intuition.
In my opinion it's best to use intuition when it comes to geometry and proportion (otherwise you risk designing things that look too contrived) but this book can help one to cultivate that intuition.
March 27, 2019
An interesting collection of geometrical analysis of the golden rule in various types of designs be it art, painting, sculpture, architecture or products. All the geometrical calculations lead to a good understanding and clarity on proportion in design.
November 15, 2020
Great book on how geometry is in design including in paper sizes, posters, furniture, appliances, and also the Volkswagen Beetle. Discusses golden section preferences, root rectangles, rations, etc. and how they are used in various items.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2019
Fairly elementary but I like the translucent overlays. That's pretty cool.
December 31, 2020
La belleza a través de la biología, la geometría y el arte, disciplinas que se imparten como materias separadas pero que se interconectan en este libro a través del diseño.
March 9, 2021
Well organized with examples of famous pieces of art and their geometric construction.
December 15, 2021
Loved the overlaid guides. Filled the gaps in my knowledge about golden sections. Very concise
April 30, 2022
A great introduction to design layouts and aesthetic composition.
August 16, 2022
Insightful, yet repetitive. Clearly establishes the relationship between geometry and architecture, art, graphic and industrial design.
April 29, 2023
Na bezrybiu i rak ryba...
Spodziewałem się czegoś więcej, ale jak się nie ma, co się lubi:
a) ...to się lubi, co się ma.
b) ...to się kradnie co popadnie.
c) ...to się nie lubi tych co mają.
Spodziewałem się czegoś więcej, ale jak się nie ma, co się lubi:
a) ...to się lubi, co się ma.
b) ...to się kradnie co popadnie.
c) ...to się nie lubi tych co mają.
December 19, 2012
No existen manuales para medir la estética y belleza en las creaciones de diseño, eso es cierto. Aun así este interesante tomo explica con sencillez y con una vasta cantidad de ilustraciones los elementos de proporción y composición que contribuyen indudablemente a crear objetos y construcciones notables. La autora revisa conceptos matemáticos y geométricos ancestrales que explican el talento humano para entender la naturaleza misma de la belleza.
Con delicadas inserciones en papel velum, elaborados dibujos y detalladas razones matemáticas uno a uno se revelan los secretos de la proporción aurea, la secuencia Fibonacci y otras maravillas de la naturaleza que han inspirado y guiado a los grandes del diseño y la arquitectura en sus creaciones maestras.
Este volumen trata el tema con un acercamiento sencillo y claro por lo que, además de ser una indispensable referencia para los profesionales del ramo, puede ayudar a los amateurs en el entendimiento de los maravillosos secretos de las proporciones y geometrías de la belleza.
Con delicadas inserciones en papel velum, elaborados dibujos y detalladas razones matemáticas uno a uno se revelan los secretos de la proporción aurea, la secuencia Fibonacci y otras maravillas de la naturaleza que han inspirado y guiado a los grandes del diseño y la arquitectura en sus creaciones maestras.
Este volumen trata el tema con un acercamiento sencillo y claro por lo que, además de ser una indispensable referencia para los profesionales del ramo, puede ayudar a los amateurs en el entendimiento de los maravillosos secretos de las proporciones y geometrías de la belleza.
July 20, 2008
This is a short book on design and composition that focuses on a handful of popular ratios and geometrical constructions and then overlays those constructions on professional design work and architecture to reveal the geometric framework underpinning the works of art. The initial geometric portion of the book focuses on the golden rectangle and root rectangles, showing how they are constructed and subdivided. After this initial material, the book launches into a series of examples involving art ranging across the 20th century. The book has two weaknesses. First, the examples are heavily slanted towards graphic design work of the early 20th century. A more even spread of examples would have been helpful. Second, the analysis of examples often requires the introduction of many geometric concepts that were not covered in the introductory sections. Perhaps the book should have been longer and covered more material. These complaints aside, it's a very useful work on geometric composition.
November 16, 2011
I'm obviously guessing at the date I finished this book. I remember taking it out of the library at University and hanging it on to it until they wouldn't let me renew anymore.
I loved the velum paper overlays of the geometry of well know pieces of art and design. I always love to know that what I'm doing, where I'm putting something in a composition is for a damn good reason, like a law of mathematics! It's obviously not always the case that I do everything to strict geometric rules, but it's a good basis and now a subconcious thing I do when designing, and I think that seeing in black and white in the book helped cement that.
I've recently asked for this book for a Christmas pressie- fingers crossed for Santa so I'll always have it to refer to.
I loved the velum paper overlays of the geometry of well know pieces of art and design. I always love to know that what I'm doing, where I'm putting something in a composition is for a damn good reason, like a law of mathematics! It's obviously not always the case that I do everything to strict geometric rules, but it's a good basis and now a subconcious thing I do when designing, and I think that seeing in black and white in the book helped cement that.
I've recently asked for this book for a Christmas pressie- fingers crossed for Santa so I'll always have it to refer to.
February 22, 2016
It is a brilliant collection of design examples and how they follow proportion and composition rules. It covers pieces from classic paintings to architecture starting with a digestible theoretical ground that holds the hand of the reader through the vast ammount of examples. The displayed pieces are analysed through several glasses and the use of semi transparent paper on top to overlay the relationship between elements. Well achieved and a great reference book, I recommend this one to everyone that wants to open their perception on how some beautiful proportions work.
February 12, 2017
I'm not a person that is trained in design, but I love the correlation between nature and geometry. The book started out with those comparisons, but went into geometry and key posters of the past as well as furniture....Mies van der Rohe, Jules Cheret, A. M. Cassandre. I enjoyed learning about Root Rectangles and Golden Section rectangles and triangles, but that was only the first 42 pages of the book. I'm guessing this book might be a short study for a graphic designer.
May 12, 2008
Yet another essential volume for a graphic designer's library. It's small, it's quick, it's priceless.
I generally dislike graphic design books. They tend to be written by knowledgeable folks who love reading their own incoherent words (coughRANDcough). Kimberly Elan's books--Grid Systems being another--are worth every penny you pay for them as far as I'm concerned.
I generally dislike graphic design books. They tend to be written by knowledgeable folks who love reading their own incoherent words (coughRANDcough). Kimberly Elan's books--Grid Systems being another--are worth every penny you pay for them as far as I'm concerned.
October 22, 2007
A wide-ranging, lucid, and meticulously illustrated illumination of...um...Geometry in Design.
January 22, 2008
Really sweet illustrations of the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio.
May 4, 2008
Another great from Princeton Architectural Press. Makes proportion in design dead simple, and doesn't expect visual people to learn via math equations. Just show me, and I'll get it. And I did.
June 9, 2009
Excellent must have.
August 22, 2009
Fairly elementary but I like the translucent overlays. That's pretty cool.
January 12, 2010
fun and quick. great illustrations.
August 17, 2011
fundamental!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews