Shapes can suggest many things visually. Shapes are two-dimensional areas with a recognizable boundary. They can be open or closed, angular or round, big or small. Shapes can be organic or inorganic. They can be free-form or geometric and ordered.
Circular shapes suggest harmony, safety, tenderness, love, friendship, care, support, protection, affection and compassion.
Squares suggest stability, conformity, order, honesty, security, and strength.
Triangles can be stable when sitting on their base or unstable when not. They represent dynamic tension, action, and aggression.
Circular shapes suggest harmony, safety, tenderness, love, friendship, care, support, protection, affection and compassion.
Squares suggest stability, conformity, order, honesty, security, and strength.
Triangles can be stable when sitting on their base or unstable when not. They represent dynamic tension, action, and aggression.
Marc Davis (1959) Maleficent
Shape Language also follows this rule. Every villain in Disney movies are made up of triangles. Triangles suggest something that is sharp, dangerous and active. |
Woods Bagot (2016) SAHMRI
The SAHMRI’s sculptural, iconic form is characterised by a striking transparent facade that unifies the diamond-shaped plan. Inspired by the skin of a pine cone, the building’s unique triangulated facade responds to its environment like a living organism. The pine cone architecture is lifted on a multi-faceted, rounded rectangular shape, creating an open ground plane and a sense of stability. |
Michael Graves (1985) Kettle
Fusing elements from Pop Art, Art Deco and a Cartoon aesthetic, this celebrated Alessi product uses a variety of rounded geometric shapes that suggest comfort. The overall silhouette mimics the profile of a chicken, introduces a sense of whimsy and suggests a morning cup of tea . |