The Gradation Structure

Most repetition structures can be converted into gradation structures. Let us examine such possibilities in the same way as we discussed the variations of the basic grid...:

a. Change of Size and/or Proportion. The structural subdivisions of a basic grid can increase or decrease in size [with or without change of proportion] gradually from one to the next. The vertical or horizontal structural lines or both of the basic grid can be spaced with gradually increasing or decreasing widths. gradation can proceed from narrow to wide, and then wide to narrow again, or can be arranged in any rhythmical sequence.

b. Change of Direction. The entire set of vertical or horizontal structural lines, or both, in (a) can be tilted in any desired direction.

c. Sliding. The entire row of vertical or horizontal structural subdivisions in (a) or (b) can be made to slide regularly so that one subdivision is not directly next to or above another.

d. Curving, Bending. The entire set of vertical or horizontal structural lines, or both, in (a) , (b), or (c) can be curved or bent gradually or regularly.

e. Reflection. A row of non-right-angled structural subdivisions as in (b) or (d) can be reflected and repeated alternately or regularly.

f. Combining. Structural subdivisions in (a) or (b) can be combined to form bigger or more complex shapes with the effect of gradation.

g. Further Dividing. Structural subdivisions in all gradation structures can be subdivided into smaller or more complex shapes.

h. The Triangular Grid. The triangular grid of a repetition structure can be transformed into a gradation structure by gradually varying the size and shape of the triangles.

i. The Hexagonal Grid. The hexagonal grid of a repetition structure can be transformed into a gradation structure by gradually varying the size and shape of the hexagons.