Theory In Action 2021

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  FACS Interior Design I Class

  Kevin Layell

  Students from the FACS 200 Interior Design course worked together to design projects that physically moved while celebrating one or more tenants of Gestalt Theory. Projects were displayed in the Jerry Falwell Library, and students from the Magic Faucet, Interactive Shadow Box, Origami Birds, and Pendulum groups gave presentations on their work on November 2, 2021, in the library. Each project began with a mind map to generate ideas, followed by: the Programming Phase to discover materials and explore interpretations of Gestalt Theory, the Schematic and Design Development Phase to create plans for the proposed ideas, and finally, the Contract Administration Phase to fabricate the design and put the project on display.

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  The Magic Faucet

  Janell Gillmore, Riley Andrews, Frankie Glasscock, Noelle Schneider, Elizabeth Parker, and Jacob Funk

  The criteria for this group project were to create something that physically moves while employing one or more laws of the gestalt theory. The gestalt theory states that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The six laws stated in the gestalt theory are figure-ground, similarity, closure, proximity, continuation, and symmetry.

  Our team started this assignment with the programming phase by creating a group mind map, where we brainstormed ideas and decided to move water. Our team then moved into the schematic development phase as our team continued brainstorming and narrowed down the using clear pipe and the gestalt law of continuation: our team also used the internet to look up some ideas to help us come up with how would move water using clear tubing. As we moved into the design development phase, we finally concluded on using a floating faucet. The water would be physically moving to meet the criteria set forth in this assignment. Our team then began the contract document phase as we began to assemble the project.

  To start off our project, we collected materials that were going to be needed to build. Those supplies included a metal valve, water pump, hot glue gun and glue sticks, a bucket, and a clear tube. To start off, a hole was drilled into the bucket in order for the water pump cord to be able to run through and plugged in. The water pump was then glued to the bottom of the bucket to keep it sturdy, and the clear tube was attached to the water pump s that water would be able to filter up through the tube. The metal valve was then glued to the clear tube where a small hole was placed so when the water goes up the clear tube, it will also run down the sides of the tube. This gives the illusion that the valve is floating, and the water is pouring out of it with nothing attached to it.

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  Interactive Shadow Box

  Madi Freeze, Lindsay D'Amato, Faith Bartell, Faith Jones, Elizabeth Lauramore, and Chloe Sammond

  For this project, our group designed a shadow box that requires interaction to receive the full effect. The project is a galaxy theme and casts shadows of moon phases. The interaction comes into play when casting the actual shadow. When someone interacts with the shadow box, they are to use the flashlight feature on their phone and shine it at the moon phases. Various shadows can be cast depending on the angle at which the light is pointed. The moon phases were created with Styrofoam spheres that were cut according to the moon phase and held up by wooden dowels. The shadow is cast on a black styrofoam poster board that is decorated with stars to add to the galaxy theme.

  The shadow box highlights three Gestalt Theories. Those three theories are the Law of Figure-Ground, Law of Balance, and Law of Unity. The main theory is the Law of Figure-Ground which is showcased by the shadow cast from the moon phases. The viewers can distinguish the moon phases from the background. The next theory is the Law of Balance which is established in the four different moon phases: full moon, crescent moon, quarter moon, and gibbous moon. The three smaller phases balance the large full moon phase. The last theory is the Law of Unity which is evident in the moon phases, stars, clouds, and blackness that together create a galaxy theme.

  Instructions:

  Use your phone flashlight to cast a shadow of the moon phases. Shine the light from various angles to see the shadows move. Changing the distance from which the light is shined will affect the intensity of the shadow.

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  Pendulum

  Ava Asta, Aine Aylward, Juliana McKee, Lindsay Breon, Mia Berger, and Taylor Arnold

  Our group created a colorful pendulum to represent two main concepts of the Gestalt Theory. The main tenants of the Gestalt Theory our team focused on were the Law of Continuation and the Law of Symmetry. First, the Law of Continuation was displayed by hanging three wooden balls in a row, equally spaced. The "line" the balls create, drags the eyes down to the last ball at the end. Second, the Law of Symmetry was present because of the colors displayed by the balls. The middle ball is pink, and the two outside balls are gold. In other words, the right side of the balls reflects the left side. Thirdly, motion is displayed because the balls were able to swing and be manipulated by the viewer.

  The materials for the construction of the pendulum consisted of three wooden balls, 2x4x10 wooden board, 3 1/2 inch multi-purpose screws, 80 grit sanding block, three cans of spray paint, one wooden skewer, and a clear cord/string to hang the balls.

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  Origami Birds

  Mackinzie Thompson, Emma Shughart, Lauren Evans, Giavanna Cambeletta, Jinhee Kim, and Katie Baumgardner

  Design and psychology are closely linked. One image can be seen through multiple lenses by different viewers, but everyone develops their own perception. This idea of visual perception is what the Gestalt Theory is all about. According to Stephen Pentak and David Lauer, authors of a book titled, Design Basics”, “The designer’s job in creating unity is made easier by the fact that the viewer is actually looking for some sort of organization, something to relate the various elements” (pg. 32). We put this theory into action with our project. Demonstrating motion with static elements proved to be a challenging task. However, we were able to create a visual representation of unity and proximity, nonobjective construction, perceived movement, and repetition.

  Throughout our design, there is a noticed common theme and unity. The origami birds are all very similar in their design and construction. This construction was nonobjective because the shapes of the birds are all very similar but different in their own way. Each group member followed the same directions when creating the individual birds. However, since done individually, there were subtle alterations in the birds due to everyone creating the shapes separately and at different times. This factor could have been a potential downfall, but instead added an element of charm and uniqueness. Another element applied was perceived movement. When looking at the design, the birds seem to be flying. It is true that the origami shapes can be moved, but even when static that same message is conveyed. This assumption relates to the viewer’s psychology in that they use past knowledge and visual representation to create movement in their minds. The last Gestalt principle represented is repetition. By having multiple birds, the theme of motion is emphasized on a larger scale. This addition makes it easier for the viewer to understand theory in action. Overall, our group created a design that was balanced nd unique. By using elements of the Gestalt Theory, we were able to engage the audience and foster visual perception.

  Reference

  Pentak, S., & Lauer, D. R. (2016) Design Basics. Boston: Cengage Learning.