RP1 – Grids and Frames
In this blog post, there are a series of original images that are real life examples of grids and frames with each image analysed.
A grid is something which is in a pattern of straight lines that cross over each other, forming squares. On maps the grid is used to help you find a particular thing or place.
Collins English Dictionary
a rigid structure that surrounds something such as a picture, door, or windowpane.
Oxford Languages
Interior Design
Figure 4 displays an array of different rugs which were found in Ikea. The positioning of the rugs could portray an example of a column grid. It is advantageous that the layout is this way as it becomes easier for the customer to see each rug clearly, whilst also having the option to compare them side by side.
Figures 5 and 6 are great examples of a symmetrical modular grid. Grids in interior design can be used as a principle or an element. In this case the rug has been used as a design element – a visual component, as apposed to a structural component such as a bookshelf. The symmetrical grid pattern has been really popular within recent years in interior design. Due to the fact that these designs can appear quite bold and are visually appealing, they are mostly used as a focal point.
There are many other approaches the designer could have taken in regards to the grid layout, but the chosen grid was used for aesthetic purposes. If any other grid method had been used, the whole design would change completely and not give the same effect that it was intended to give.
These images were selected as they display the perfect example of a symmetrical modular grid. The way in which the grid is structured is clearly portrayed in the design itself.
Magazines
Figures 4, 5 and 6 consist of images of magazines taken from 2 different brands, BBC Gardeners World and Breathe.
Both figures 5 and 6 have the same symmetrical modular grid layout on the 2 pages that were selected. Symmetry often means balance, here it could be a case of the content having equal importance. The symmetry in the designs make the magazine pages appear more organised, thus resulting in more aesthetically pleasing designs.
Figure 4 is a perfect example of a hierarchical grid structure. The main purpose of this particular layout is for elements to be visually displayed in order of importance. This type of grid doesn’t follow a strict structure like the symmetrical modular grids, it has the opportunity to be laid out however the designer wants it to be.
Architectural Features
Figures 7, 8 and 9 are all images taken on a motorway. On each image there is a view of the road where there are road markings splitting the road into 3 different lanes. The markings between lanes almost act like frames as they’re a structure surrounding the cars on the road.
Figure 7 is an image of a pedestrian bridge that runs vertical to the M62. The actual structure itself is a frame, however the roof of the bridge from the point of view that the image was taken appears like a column grid structure. This is a fairly good example of both frames and grids together.
Figure 6 is an image of an overhead sign that can be found at junction 29 of the M62. Just like in figure 7, the structure of the overhead sign post is a frame. The information in the signs also appear to be in a frame whilst positions in a grid like system.
Architecture
Figures 10, 11 and 12 each display some form of architecture.
In figure 10 is an image of Buckingham Palace. This image holds many examples of grids and frames with the whole palace itself having 760 windows. There are multiple different grid structures within the architecture with the obvious one being the column grids.
Figure 11 displays an image of the Blackpool Tower. The lighting around the edges of the towers structure gives the illusion of a frame.
Figure 12 shows an image of the Edinburgh Castle museum. Each window on the building has multiple frames, but they also have the appearance of a symmetrical modular grid. This is a great example of multiple frames in the structure of grids.
Vertebrate Frames
The most important frame of all is the skeleton of a vertebrate which is a structural frame. Each and everyone of us is made up of a frame. The bones in the body come together to create a frame such as the skeleton that protects our organs, just like a ribcage.
Although these images don’t directly show the inside structure of the dog, you can see how the bones have created a frame which makes the dog look how it does externally. It is something that is only visually exposed through an x-ray, but exists nonetheless which is why I opted to share these images.
Other examples
References
- Collins Dictionary. Unknown. Frame. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/frame. [Accessed 5 October 2022].
- Collins Dictionary. Unknown. Grid. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/grid. [Accessed 5 October 2022].
- Infinitedictionary.com. 2015. Using The Grid For Structure And Appearance. [ONLINE] Available at: http://infinitedictionary.com/blog/2015/02/14/using-the-grid-for-structure-and-appearance/. [Accessed 5 October 2022].
- Orana Verlade.visme.co. 2020. A Quick Look at Types of Grids for Creating Professional Designs. [ONLINE] Available at: https://visme.co/blog/layout-design/. [Accessed 5 October 2022].