Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Alignments, Masses, and Voids
Dividing space creates structure, which unifies dispar-
ate elements in a composition. Several lines of type together create a different kind of
structural relationship to the format than a single line of type; the grouping relates to the
single line but visually contrasts with it. This mass of texture further defines the space
around it into channels that correspond to its height and depth and between itself and
the format in all directions. Separating elements within a group maintains a sense of
the mass; it also introduces a greater complexity of structure by further subdividing the
space. Visual structure must evolve out of the verbal structure of language. The verbal
sense helps define what material within it might be mass or line. A continuous sequence
of thoughts likely will be clarified if they cluster together; a distinct thought might be-
nefit from being separated from the others. Both kinds of type elements are positive
forms: the figures within the composition. They are in contrast with each other, as well
as to the spaces, or voids, around them. The relationship of the typographic mass to
the voids within the format is essential to defining typographic space in composition,
just as it is in defining the rhythm of letter spacing and the space within a paragraph.
Regular intervals between masses and voids—unlike in letter spacing, word spacing,
and leading—are undesirable because regularity implies sameness, and not all the type
elements are the same: they mean different things. Smaller spaces between masses of
text help improve the understanding that they are related, while greater spaces between
or within typographic masses indicate that the masses are different in meaning. On a
visual level, the designer creates contrast and rhythm within the composition by chan-
ging the proportional relationships between solids and voids. As type elements divide
space in proximity, their points of alignment become important. Aligning elements aug-
ments the sense of a relationship between them. Further, alignments between elements
help create directional movement through the elements in the format.
