Placement

Angles of Juxtaposition
When objects and separate regions of space confront each other at steep angles (45 degrees to 90 degrees), motion and turbulence are implied. Forces of gravity and weight are suggested or, conversely, an energy which defies gravity by moving things vertically or diagonally away from the horizontal. Vertical and diagonal angles of juxtaposition therefore suggest dynamic tensions of movement and speed. Confrontation at 180Á angles--horizontal juxtaposition--intimates gravitational stability; even though there may be implied movement left and right, equillibrium seems less threatened. Vertical and horizontal angles coming together make for a balance of forces.

Critical Shape of Objects - Mass or Skeletal
Relationship between Shape of Object and Pressure-Force Exerted
When the shape of an object seems to push against its context, mass shapes seem to exert a surface swell in all directions; whereas skeletal shapes are seemingly point-loaded and energy travels in a concentrated, linear fashion. Such pressure dynamics can contribute substantially to the equillbric or turbulent nature of a visual situation. Generally speaking, surface-swell presssure is relatively even and well dispersed, less a threat to stability until expansion reaches bursting point. Point-loading pressure, on the other hand, suggests a powerful concentration of energy at work, moving in a particular direction. Here, thrust must be met by equal thrust if equillibrium is to be achieved.

Critical Shape of Space
Spatial Shape and Energy
When spatial regions are totally enclosed they appear compressed, and thus dynamic in the sense that although energy is constrained it could well burst out. Partially open regions, however, suggest not potential but actual movement, as space flows freely in and out. In contrast, wide-open spaces seem to be dynamically neutral in terms of pressure forces at work. Space which becomes angled and narrowed assumes the energy capabilitiy of the point-thrust--a threat to stability. Mass, or rounded regions, in contrast, appear to exert more generally dispersed and even surface-swell pressure--altogether more benign, less turbulent.