Horizontal emphasis

Definition

Horizontal emphasis refers to a design principle in architecture and art that prioritizes horizontal lines and shapes over vertical elements. This approach creates a sense of stability, calmness, and spaciousness, often evoking the feeling of an expansive landscape or the horizon. In modern styles, such as Streamline Moderne, horizontal emphasis is especially significant as it shapes the aesthetic of buildings and their relationship with their environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Streamline Moderne architecture, horizontal emphasis is reflected in the long, low profiles of buildings, which often mimic the streamlined form of modern transportation.
2. This design principle promotes an illusion of greater width and can make structures appear less imposing compared to vertically emphasized designs.
3. Materials like glass and concrete are often used to enhance the horizontal lines, allowing for seamless integration with the landscape.
4. The use of curved forms alongside horizontal lines helps to soften the overall appearance of buildings in this style.
5. Horizontal emphasis not only defines aesthetics but also influences the spatial organization within the interiors of Streamline Moderne structures.

Review Questions

• How does horizontal emphasis manifest in Streamline Moderne architecture, and what effects does it create?
  • In Streamline Moderne architecture, horizontal emphasis is prominently displayed through the elongated shapes and low-profile designs of buildings. This focus on horizontal lines creates a sense of stability and calmness, making structures appear more approachable and integrated into their surroundings. The effect is further enhanced by the use of smooth materials like glass and concrete, which contribute to the seamless flow of horizontal forms.
• Discuss how horizontal emphasis differs from vertical emphasis in architectural design and what implications this has for user experience.
  • Horizontal emphasis contrasts sharply with vertical emphasis, which typically conveys grandeur and height. While vertical designs can evoke feelings of aspiration or dominance, horizontal emphasis fosters a sense of openness and tranquility. This difference impacts user experience significantly; spaces designed with horizontal lines tend to feel more expansive and inviting, encouraging movement and interaction within the environment.
• Evaluate the cultural and historical significance of horizontal emphasis in relation to the development of modern architecture.
  • The cultural and historical significance of horizontal emphasis in modern architecture reflects a broader shift toward embracing innovation, functionality, and a connection to nature. As society moved into the 20th century, there was a desire for architecture that mirrored technological advancements and modern lifestyles. Horizontal emphasis in styles like Streamline Moderne symbolized this transition by emphasizing sleek designs that harmonized with the natural landscape while also promoting ideas of speed and efficiency associated with contemporary life.

Related terms

Streamline Moderne: An architectural style that emerged in the 1930s, characterized by smooth, rounded forms, horizontal lines, and an emphasis on modernity and speed.

Art Deco: A visual arts style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, known for its bold geometric patterns, rich colors, and luxurious materials, often incorporating horizontal lines.

Cantilever: A projecting structure supported at only one end, often used in modern architecture to create dramatic horizontal overhangs.