Have you ever looked at a room and felt that something was off? That despite all the beautiful pieces of furniture and decor, there was something missing. If you've ever experienced this feeling, you may be able to attribute it to a lack of symmetry. Symmetry, in design, is the use of balance and harmony to create a sense of order and visual appeal. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of symmetry, their uses in design, and how asymmetry can be just as powerful.
What is Symmetry in Design?
At its most basic definition, symmetry is a whole with two parts in which the parts are mirror images of each other. However, symmetry can also refer to the use of patterns and repetition to create balance and harmony in a design. There are three types of symmetry in design: mirror symmetry, rotation symmetry, and translation symmetry.
Mirror Symmetry: This is the most common form of symmetry and is used when each side is a mirror image of the other. Mirror symmetry can be both vertical and horizontal and is often used in bedrooms, where identical bedside tables and lamps are placed on each side of the bed.
Rotation Symmetry: This is a pattern that remains unchanged when rotated around its midpoint, such as a star or the repeated pattern on a circular rug. Designers often strive for "radial balance" when using circular furnishings in their design, based on a central point or axis.
Translation Symmetry: This occurs when the same figure or pattern is repeated at a set distance. Examples of translation symmetry can be found in avenues of trees, the borders on the wallpaper, chessboard floors, or tiled walls.
Why Use Symmetry in Design?
Symmetrical compositions are helpful for bringing order into irregular designs or for adding a touch of grandeur and elegance. Pairs of lamps, pillows, candlesticks, chairs, and lamps in the window are common features of more conservative and elegant interior design, but they can also be used to bring calm to a very eclectic design that has an abundance of detail and stimuli. A round table often goes best with a round light, probably because of rotational symmetry around a central axis that results in a composition that looks the same from every angle.
Asymmetry, Wabi Sabi, and Fukinsei
While symmetry is often used in Western design to achieve visual balance, many Asian cultures do the opposite. In Japan, for example, the balance of the composition is controlled by means of asymmetry and irregularity. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic and interior design concept that sees beauty in what is simple and unaffected, paying tribute to imperfection and encouraging us to wonder at the whole cycle, from growth to decay. Fukinsei, one of the seven basic principles of Zen, is another example of asymmetry or irregularity in design. Making conscious use of imperfection in combination with straight lines and perfect surfaces can be an effective approach when planning the interior design of a newly built residence that feels a little too polished. Introducing imperfection by bringing in naturally irregular elements, organic shapes, or asymmetrical patterns can produce a very different feeling than the furniture you don't dare sit on or use for fear of wear and tear.
In conclusion, symmetry in design is a powerful tool that can be used to bring balance and order to any space. However, asymmetry can be just as effective and is often used in cultures that value imperfection and irregularity. Whether you're designing a new space or refreshing an existing one, understanding the basics of symmetry and its different forms can help you create a beautiful and harmonious design.