Unit summary 4

Light and color help us understand design as an integrated practice by making what we view more appealling and connecting all aspects of the design together. Without color, life would be so dull and so boring. Similarily, without light, aspects would be completely different and would not have the same effect on the viewers as it normally would. For example, the UK Art Muesum is almost completely reliant on artificial light with spotlights on each of the pieces. Without these spotlights, the pieces would blend into the wall and would seem odd in a gallery space. Light and color can also enhance scale making the structure or object seem smaller or visa versa. For example, the lincoln memorial in Washington, D.C., relies heavily on the use of light. At night spotlights shine down on the statue of Lincoln and also have spotlights shining upwards on the columns on the building. The column spotlights make the building seem very large, even from very far away. The way the lighting is set up on the statue also makes it the obvious focal point. The whole structure is white marble, but no two slabs are the same. Therefore, when examining closely in detail, you can notice the different natural tones throughout.  I also believe that light and color connects back to what we have learned in unit 1 and unit 2. Color and light can change the complete look of scale and can also be described with the design elements and principles. All designs can be described with color and light, even if the object is monochromatic or black and white. Even though the piece may not be vibrant, it can still be full of different hues and shades.