A Language of Form: Two Dimensional Isometric System

Abstract

Designers create form in relation to processes or materials, but tradition in design has not established an objective method of inquiry that would lead to an understanding of the relationships present in forms. Rather, a subjective, nonintellectual, nonacademic precedent has persisted. Because an objective method of inquiry, one which would result in an augmented perception and comprehension of form in relation to the visual world, is desirable a recent and extensive search of the current literature was undertaken. This search revealed that an objective point of view does not exist, but a system of relationships used by physical scientists—classical symmetry theory—could be adapted for design studies. This system reflects an objective point of view, requires a rigorous academic discipline, and has the possibility of extensive application. Ultimately, it may lead to the formation and conventionalization of a visual language.