Balance

1. How is visual weight different than physical weight?

- Physical weight is a measure of physical force that an object exerts on the world. Visula weight, however, is a measure of how much pressure a part of a composition holds compared to other parts of the composition.

2. What happens to objects when they get close to the edges of a composition?

- Near the top, they seem to float and towards the bottom they seem to sink away

3. Why are human beings more comfortable with balanced compositions?

- As humans, we desire predicability and stability. Balance gives us a sense of maintaining this.

4. What happens when there is imbalance?

- it lends a sense of chaos and throws off our equalibrium. This can sometimes be overwheling and disorienting or can lead us to ponder the composition more.

5. Is there a place for purposeful imbalance? Give some examples.

- yes, to make your composition frightening or disorienting and therefore evoke a negative emotion that violates serenity

6. Why is symmetrical balance so popular in architecture?

- Because symmetrical balance gives a feeling of serenity and stability. Architects want people to feel happy and secure in their buildings.

7. Can different types of balance be used in a single composition?

- Yes. Shape, color, and rhythm are all separate concepts and can be used independantly of each other or together.

8. How many ways are there to achieve asymmetrical balance? Name them.

- scale and proportion, rhythm, emphasis, contrast, and placement.

9. Is radial balance always symmetrical? Why or why not?

- No, a spiral is balanced, but not symmetrical.