While surfing a routine pre-work surf session this morning, I started observing the tendencies of human
nature when it comes to spatial distance.  I began this morning's surf session with only one other guy in
the water.  We said hello, exchanged pleasantries, and talked about the swell.  But for some reason, neither
of us sat right next to the other.  But why is it that an hour later when 40 guys were out in a quickly-crowded
lineup, we could literally touch elbows with people sitting next to us?   What once was considered awkward
instantly became socially acceptable.  It's an interesting phenomenon of the human psyche.  One could say
almost an inverse relationship between quantity and space.

Perhaps it's a similar explanation as to why you don't sit directly next to somebody in a movie theater when
the rest of the theater is empty.  Or why you don't use the bathroom stall next to a person when other stalls
are available.  It's an unspoken bubble:  an unspoken understanding and need for space.

Is it just America?  Can part of it be cultural?  Research shows that an average American's personal space
requirement is twice that of any other culture.  Any recent trip to Japan and you'll notice that strangers
have little qualms about crowded lines and faciltiies.


Evening train commute in Tokyo:  image via Earlham .

But more than just a cultural phenomenon, one can find that spatial zones exist in all people.  Surfing
lineups in Japan have similar charactistics to those of the US.  It's interesting how spatial patterns and
behavior can apply differently in various scenarios, but nonetheless they do exist.

Which leads us to think, how do spatial patterns influence good design?
When you look at a t-shirt graphic, a website layout, a business card layout, or an advertisement layout,
what subconscious elements exist that render a positive reaction in your mind?

Spatial patterns may be one of the most-discussed subjects in the design rooms here at BAYVI.  It's an
intriguing and important subject, as spatial elements play an often overlooked and underrated role in
creating a nice aesthetic.  Instead of designing and focusing on the lines and elements that speak, what
about placing an emphasis on the unspoken space that surrounds?

The timeless design of the Beatles' White Album Cover, utilizing space to its fullest.


The Colosseum in Rome.  One of the most reputable uses of spatial distancing in architectural design.
Image courtesy of the Wikipedia Commons .


Consistent and repeating uses of space in patterns:  designed by Mother Nature.  Image courtesy of the
Wikipedia Commons .

If this holds true for visual design, would not the same hold true for the composition of music?  For art? 
For photography?  The more one thinks about it, the more one realizes that spatial harmony surrounds us.
What defines beauty and aesthetics may instead come down to a question of what defines space.

So the next time you look at a photograph, the next time you buy a graphic tee, or the next time you listen
to your favorite song, you may find it fascinating to see all the subtle workings of space that comprise
good design.


Or the next time you get to surf in waves as epic as this by yourself, you will most definitely appreciate the
wonderful workings of space.  [Photo credit:  Scott Crumrine]

Email us your thoughts and discuss with us further at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Post by:  Ron
092309