Regularity

Patterns are deeply tied to a process of repetition. This notion is most clearly demonstrated in Gombrich’s commentary on “the hierarchical principle” by which units are “grouped to form larger units, which in turn can easily fit together into larger wholes” (8), or a Gestalt. The sum of the pattern then is the result of a process. This relationship between pattern, perceived whole, and process becomes clear in is discussion of paving, and various methods for selecting stones. By extension, visual design involves the process of repeating patterns across space, even if these patterns are not drawn as individual units.

Patterns are deeply tied to a process of repetition. This notion is most clearly demonstrated in Gombrich’s commentary on “the hierarchical principle” by which units are “grouped to form larger units, which in turn can easily fit together into larger wholes” (8), or a Gestalt. The sum of the pattern then is the result of a process. This relationship between pattern, perceived whole, and process becomes clear in is discussion of paving, and various methods for selecting stones. By extension, visual design involves the process of repeating patterns across space, even if these patterns are not drawn as individual units.

The grid provides a base framework that human intuition and invention can operate within and subvert. Within the chaos of nature, regular patterns provided a contrast and promise of order. From early patterns on pottery to geometric mosaics in Roman baths, we've long used grids to enhance our lives through decoration. In Islamic culture, the focus on mathematics and prohibition on representational images led to the most advanced grid systems to date that were used to decorate architecture and religious texts. Grids have also long been used as the basis for architecture and urban planning. For example, its not possible to imagine New York, the one-time city of the future, without the regular grid of upper Manhattan. (Also, it's important to mention that Broadway breaks the grid to form many of the cities best public spaces.) The grid is also the basis for our most intellectual play, from chess to go.

The grid provides a base framework that human intuition and invention can operate within and subvert. Within the chaos of nature, regular patterns provided a contrast and promise of order. From early patterns on pottery to geometric mosaics in Roman baths, we've long used grids to enhance our lives through decoration. In Islamic culture, the focus on mathematics and prohibition on representational images led to the most advanced grid systems to date that were used to decorate architecture and religious texts. Grids have also long been used as the basis for architecture and urban planning. For example, its not possible to imagine New York, the one-time city of the future, without the regular grid of upper Manhattan. (Also, it's important to mention that Broadway breaks the grid to form many of the cities best public spaces.) The grid is also the basis for our most intellectual play, from chess to go.