Two Story Coffee Shop

This is my critique of Two Story Coffee Shop.
I believe the space to be very successful for a college age student going to study or socialize.
The space has a nice flow and all the amenities needed to drink coffee and do school work.
The one design flaw I found was the single level lighting over the main study area... this is a simply fix - simply put small lamps on a few of the tables.

PRINCIPLES.

SYMMETRICAL

these photos represent a variety of ways symmetry can be seen. if you were to divide any of the images in half, they would be the same on both sides.

ASYMMETRICAL

these images by definition represent asymmetry. the designs are not the same if cut down the middle, yet they still mange to be balance.

RADIAL

these images are symmetrical to the focal point in the middle of the circle. if you cut any of these images  in half at any angle they would all be symmetrical. 

EMPHASIS

these images show objects that catch your attention in a room. they either grab your attention because of color or shock. the dear head is quick shocking, as well as the moose antlers.

REPETITION AND RHYTHM

these images show repetition. the pattern of the tapestry repeats and brings out a definite rhythm. the stone path repeated with the stones and sets out a leading rhythm.

MOVEMENT

these images show fabrics and papers and jars that are hung in a manner that suggest movement. they look like they are either in motion or could be easily put into motion.

PROPORTION AND SCALE

the flower holder on the wall is rather large in scale compared to the flowers inside it. the tree is very large compared to the trees behind it. the share is proportional to the body that will sit in it. the animals are not proportional to the actual size of an animal.

UNITY AND HARMONY

the bonfire and stump seats signify unity and harmony because they clearly belong together and suggest an activity. the elephant painting has vertical and diagonal lines that bring the picture together as a whole. the hanging prints are all in the same color scene and blend harmoniously with the rest of the space.

VARIETY

these photos show a wide range of design principles. there is symmetry and balance in the building arches. there is repetition and unity with the matching colors and styles of the barn and house. there is repetition and and harmony in the path way.

spaces. textures.

 actual space.

These spaces are clearly defined by either walls or social traditions. The walls define the spaces of the living room and bathroom. And the social norm of eating at a dinner table makes the table an actual space.

implied space.

the spaces are not defined by actual walls, yet are still spaces non the less. The two sitting arrangements don't have walls enclosing them, yet they are clearly their own spaces. The parking spots are not marked by signs or posts, but when the cars aren't there, there are clear tire marks and indentions that define that space as their spot. 

actual texture.

these textures have distinct feels that are both visual and tactile.

implied texture.

these textures below are really just patterns. they look as though they would have a tactile texture but really they are just imitations of tactile texture.

Planes Forms and Automacats...(just go with it)

planes.

Below are pictures of planes found around my house. Planes can be found practically anywhere. The seat of the bench, the fireplace cover, the bricks, the door, the windows, and the rectangular prism all are examples of planes.

geometric forms.

The vase and woven bowl both are circular geometric forms and the prism and bench rectangular geometric forms.

abstract forms.

The most common abstract form in my house is a flower. There are abstract flowers on my vases, mugs, and pillows. Then I also have an interesting stacked animal candle holder that represents animal form.

natural form.

The outdoors, people, and animals are all examples of forms found in their natural form. 

abstract forms.

These forms made out of lights and nails are both man made, yet the exact form isn't known by the viewer. The spike ball and foggy mountains are natural forms, but when shown in these ways cannot be known on first glance by the viewer.

static form.

My mantle and kitchen counter both show objects in static forms. They are both very calm and horizontal.

dynamic forms.

The picture of Kirstin shows movement as she pets my cat Rue. The lighted twigs are vertical, lighted, and go in many different directions which give off a very dynamic vibe.

Fundamental Elements

Points

Below are many different ways points can be identified and used. The gable of the barn and the rail of the porch come together in a point. The other four images are objects acting as the focal point. The light switch is a focal point on a plain wall. The lock is a focal point on the door. The knob is a focal point on the cabinet. And the radio is a focal point in my den.

Vertical Lines

The vertical line in the chair draws your eye up from the group. The wood paneling also draws your eye up the room.

Diagonal Lines

Here are several different representations of diagonal lines. The diagonal lines in the Chaco shoes imply a casualness. The barn and fence both have diagonal lines as support.

Horizontal Lines

The horizontal likes in the barn wall have quite a calming effect. The repetitive horizontal lines in the bricks at order and patter to the wall.

Organic Lines

These curves can be seen as organic lines. The handle of the coffee cup moves your eye around the object. The sink faucet moves your eye from the faucet down into the sink. The organic lines in the doormat add a whimsical feel.

Structural Lines

Structural lines can be seen as horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or sometimes other types of lines. Above the three left pictures show diagonal lines as support lines also. The combination of the vertical and horizontal lines in the chair provide support and balance for the chair.

Implied Lines

There are implied lines in the brick photo because when you look from far away there appear to be vertical lines, however they are dashed. The corn stalks imply a line in the void between them. The hanging peas are not continuous vertical lines, thus they are implied. The circular placemat looks as though there are many circles on it, but really it is just a round pattern.

Natural Shapes

As seen above many shapes come from nature. The different flowers show that a bouquet of flowers can make a different shape than one individual flower. The leaves on the muscadine vine create a very nature specific type shape. Also the two watermelon pictures show that different shapes can come from the same fruit in nature.

Geometric Shapes

These pictures show a variety of different geometric shapes. There are circles, rectangles, squares and triangles represented. Each have their own distinct shape and can be seen in a vast array of ways.

Abstract Shapes

The pain glass photo shoes distorted flowers. The bottom left photo is some type of animal skin wallet. Both of these are vaguely recognizable but are distorted in ways where the viewer has to try to figure out what it is. The same goes for the plastic bag and t-shirt. At first glance the viewer can't exactly recognize what it is, but after further inspection they can.

Non-Representational Shapes

These images show a variety of non-representational shapes. These photos are unidentifiable in my opinion and you'd only really know what they were if they each had titles.

Rue

Meet Rue. The most adorable kitten in the world.

The Braid

Let's be real the fad of the braid is sweeping the nation. Ever since Katniss Everdeen has become practically a name brand, the braid has taken over. Walking around campus it would be easy to count at least ten braids a day. Girls think braids are beautiful. And I would agree. There is a certain elegance that is suggested with a braid. It is reminiscent of the Ancient Greeks and royalty. Intricate designs tell of delicate fingers that have been practiced in the act of braiding. That is beautiful. To love something and not only do it for yourself, but do it for a friend too, is beautiful. Braids evoke conversation and good fellowship. I personally cannot braid, but whenever my friends braid my hair we talk. Braids are also multi-functional. That is beautiful. Braids can be worn for a formal party or just for soccer practice. It is an easy way to turn plain hair into something beautiful.