C O N S I D E R
Types of Arrangement- The possibilities are definitely unlimited, but we can examine some of the common ways of arrangement as Follows [using four circles of the same size]:
Linear Arrangement - The circles are lined up as guided by a conceptual line which passes through the centers of all the circles. The conceptual line may be straight, curved, or bent. The distance between the circles may be regulated as desired. Note, in an extreme case, that each of the circles crosses over all the other three simultaneously, producing as many as thirteen distinct divisions.
Square or Rectangular Arrangemen - In this case the four circles occupy four points which, when joined together, can form a square or a rectangle. As in the Linear arrangement, an extreme case also shows thirteen divisions when all the circles deeply penetrate one another.
Rhombic Arrangement - Here the four circles occupy four points which, when joined together, can form a rhombus. Regulating the distance between the circles, various types of super-unit forms can emerge.
Triangular Arrangement - Here the four circles are arranged so that three occupy the three points of a triangle, with the fourth in the center. This also produces interesting super-unit forms.
Circular Arrangement - Four circles in circular arrangement turn out the same result as in square arrangement, but circular arrangement can be very unique with more circles. Four circles can be arranged to suggest the arc of a circle, but this may be similar to a linear arrangement.
[Wong, Wucius. Principals of Two-Dimensional Design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1972.]
C o n s i d e r:
Place
Adjust
Adapt
Order
Array
Prepare
Settle
Establish
Agree
Act, State, Manner of arrangement
In a particular way
Proper, Desired, or Convenient Placement or Order
Adaptation of a composition to.... voice, instruments, purpose.....
Adjustment
Settlement
Agreement
Preparatory Measures
Plan
Schedule
Manner
State
Measures
Way
Purpose
"But though no one can invent by rule, there are some simple laws of arrangement which it is well for you to know, because, though they will not enable you to produce a good picture, they will often assist you to set forth what goodness may be in your work in a more telling way than you could have done otherwise; and by tracing them in the work of good composers, you may better understand the grasp of their imagination, and the power it possesses over their materials . . . . " [On Composition, pg. 164, The Elements of Drawing, John Ruskin, Dover Publications, Inc., New York, 1971 [Originally Published in London, 1857]
Principality
Repetition
Continuity
Curvature
Radiation
Contrast
Interchange
Consistency,
Harmony
[A responsiveness for the context of any one thing--for the relationships which make up that context or this circumstance because of the nuances engaged in these broad terms . . . . "you may see it, and seize it, at all times, but never laboriously invent it......... while powers of invention distinguish man from man, powers of perception distinguish school from school."]
R E F E R E N C E S
Arrange [ME araynge(n) < MF arangie(r) = a- A-5 + rangier to RANGE]
-v.t. 1. to place in proper, desired, or convenient order. 2. to come to an agreement or
understanding regarding. 3. to prepare, plan, or schedule: to arrange a meeting. 4. Music. to adapt (a composition) for a particular style of performance by voices or instruments. -v.i. 5. to make preparations: They arranged for a concert on Wednesday. 6. to make a settlement; come to an agreement (usually fol. by for): to arrange with the grocer for regular deliveries.
-Syn. 1 . array. 2. settle, establish.
Arrangement: [< F] 1. the act of arranging. 2. the state of being arranged. 3. the manner in which things are arranged. 4. a final settlement; adjustment by agreement. 5. Usually, arrangements. preparatory measures; preparations: They made arrangements for an early departure. 6. something arranged in a particular way: a floral arrangement. 7. Music. the adaptation of a composition to voices or instruments, or to a new purpose.
[Urdang, Laurence, ed. Random House Dictionary of The English Language. New York: Random House,1968.]
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