Exercise #3: Balance Images

Balance images are important to understanding why designers choose to make some objects balanced and unbalanced, and for what purpose that balance serves. Symmetry and Asymmetry are the simplest forms of balance images. 

Symmetry 

Symmetry is simply the split down the middle of an object, and if the two halves are identical, then the object has symmetry. Symmetry indicates order and organization, and the simplest representation of this idea are doors. These elevator doors at a metro station are symmetrical for common sensical purposes, and for making an easy divide that riders can walk in and out of. 

Taking it one step further, symmetry extends to organizing people entering and exiting a building. Here, at the Chinatown metro stop, a staircase in the middle of an escalator litterally splits the transport into two parts: up and down. The two escalators on the right (placed there because the "right lane" in America equals "forward") are going up, while the two on the left are coming down. Symmetry here makes life easy for travelers. Let's take a journey around Chinatown to continue our exploration of balance images. 

Outside of the metro, this building represents symmetry based on it's side. The three columns on the side of the building are evenly spaced (another characteristic of symmetry), and next to the first and third column there are two close-togther columns that complete the symmetrical feel. 

The final example of symmetry is this building, with two columns on the front facade being equal design and equal spacing. If you look closely, even the side of the building has windows that are virtually identical. These are strong examples of balancing, with equality in images and design. But sometimes, designers decide to make buildings that are asymmetrical. Why?

Asymmetry 

Take a look at the image above. Unlike the previous four examples, the image has no identical halves, yet still holds balance. Why is this? This object is asymmetrical, meaning the two halves are not identical. This modern art piece outside of the National Archives still has balance, however, because the shape still rests on the ground. 

The Smithsonian Castle also has the properties of an asymmetrical object. Even though it's not the same on both halves, each tower and column have special meanings. Asymmetrical objects are much more artistic, much more cool than symmetrical ones. 

See the tower at the front of the building? It breaks up the facade but still maintains balance in the building. As we return to the metro, look at how this building adds a sort of "corner" feel to the turn in the street. It's asymmetry adds artistic merit to the building. Though we enjoy the organization of symmetry, we like to look at asymmetry more.  

Finally, back at American University, the front of the Katzen Arts Center has asymmetry because the two halves of the building are not identical, basically because the curve in the front half breaks it up. The parking lot below is symmetrical, yet the building itself is asymmetrical because of the curve in the front part of the center. 

Symmetry and Asymmetry are important parts of balance images. I hope these examples have helped to clarify this!