Patterns of Gradation

The range of gradation is marked by a starting situation and a terminating situation. In some cases, where the path of gradation is not straightforward but roundabout, intermediate situations should be taken into account. The number of steps between the starting and the terminating situations determines both the speed and the breadth of the range of gradation.

The direction of movement refers to the orientations of the starting and the terminating situations and their interrelationship. The unit forms of the starting situation can all be lined up in a row and proceed lengthwise, breadthwise, or both, with regular steps towards the terminating situation. Diagonal or other ways of progression are also possible.

Some typical movement patterns in gradation are:

Parallel Movement. This is the simplest. Unit forms are transformed gradually in parallel steps. In parallel movement, the climax is usually a straight line.

Concentric Movement This means that the unit forms are transformed in concentric layers. If the starting situation is at a corner of the design, then the pattern is only partially concentric. In concentric movement, the climax may be a point, a square or a cross.

Zigzag Movement. This means that the unit forms of the same step are arranged in a zigzag manner and are transformed at equal speed.

. . . . small standardized gradation patterns may be repeated and arranged to form a bigger pattern of gradation.

. . . . gradation can proceed from the starting situation to the terminating situation and then back to the starting situation with the reversal of the steps . . . . repeated and repeated if necessary, with smooth transitions . . . . 123451234512345