Leonard R.

Bacich
Professor of Design
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Foundation 3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
1 Three Rectilinear Elements . . . . . . . . . . .4
2 Three Curvilinear Elements . . . . . . . . . . .6
3 Complex Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
4 Puppet: Marionette, Hand Held,
or Stick Manipulated . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
5 Character of Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
6 Character of Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
7 Character of Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
8 Space Study Incorporating Line,
Plane and Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Sophomore 3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Construction Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Convexity Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Junior 3D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Negative Cube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Convexity/Concavity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Musical Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Letter Cube and Extrusion. . . . . . . . . . . .46
Pouring Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

i
ii
Abstract Visual Relationships

The Industrial Design curriculum of Pratt Institute is unique in its emphasis on teaching 3D visual
abstraction. This core experience has been integral to our program since the department was
formally established. Rowena Reed Kostellow was instrumental in formulating the problems that
structure this approach. They span the entire four year education of our students.

The following is an outline of the curriculum I teach. It has evolved over the years, and the examples
shown are the results of this endeavor.

First Year
1 Three Rectilinear Elements
2 Three Curvilinear Elements
3 Complex Organization of Rectilinear and Curvilinear Forms
4 Puppet: Marionette, Hand Held, or Stick Manipulated
5 Character of Line
6 Character of Plane
7 Character of Volume
8 Space Study Incorporating Line, Plane and Volume

Second Year
Organization of Multiple Forms: Construction Problem
Organic Form: Convexity Problem

Third Year
Negative Cube
Product Design: Musical Instrument
Convexity/Concavity (Optional)

1
2
Foundation 3D

The WHAT and HOW issues of three dimensional design are explainable and teachable. The WHY
results from each individual’s confident creative enthusiasm to self-express him or herself in three
dimensions.

The content of this course focuses on an investigation of a 3D vocabulary that is abstract in it’s
offering and the bulk of its problem solving. The issues are basic to any understanding of three
dimensional visual phenomena. They are as “universal” and non-verbal or culture specific as
possible. They are about the forms and space of our experience.

This class is not a concentrated one year art program. The content is predicated upon a belief that
some of the students will continue to explore these issues on a more advanced level. Others will find
that the abstract content has application to those disciplines not manifestly three dimensional. In
any case, the work is offered as a piece of education and not an end in itself. It is a complement to
the other course work being offered. All work is part of a vocabulary of creative dialogue—between
me and the students—but most importantly, between the students themselves.

3
FOUNDATION 3D

1 Three Rectilinear Elements

This problem is an introductory exploration of some elementary 3D

issues.

Differences: Character Size

Line Dominant
Plane Sub-dominant
Mass Subordinate

Axial or Directional Form: Rectangle - specific directional axis

Neutral Form: Square - non specific directional axis
Composition: Symmetrical balance
Asymmetrical balance
Right angle relationships
Joining: Cradling
Piercing
Notching
Axial Movement: locating three directions in space with
three axes of forms;
Directing eye to move through the
main part of all three forms.
Materials: Clay, chipboard, wood
Plaster
Styrene plastic

Two point perspective drawing of project, with color application on

three different surfaces of each of the three elements.

4
5
FOUNDATION 3D

2 Three Curvilinear Elements

This problem continues the issues introduced in problem 1—

emphasis is on asymmetric dynamic balance (no right angle
relationships):

Line
Plane
Mass

Dominant
Sub-dominant
Subordinate

Sphere
Cylinder
Cone
Egg

Asymmetrical balance

Dramatic contrasts

Physically joined

Axial continuity between all three elements – defining a group by

movement

Materials: Clay, chipboard, wood, plaster, plastic

Flip book (50 index cards) based on design

6
7
FOUNDATION 3D

3 Complex Organization

Ties together information explored iin problems 1 and 2.

Working with five or seven mixed (rectilinear and curvilinear)

elements, develop a design that has character and personality.
The sum of the elements should be visually interesting.

The composition should contain two groups (mixed pieces) of

odd numbers, mutually dependent upon each other to achieve
total balance. Apart, each would be incomplete. Design should
be vertical or horizontal overall. Not neutral.

Dominant form of total in one group – sub-dominant in the

other group. Each should be different from the other (rectilinear/
curvilinear and line/plane, plane/volume, or plane/line). Variety
and contrast should be evident in the subordinate elements.

Visual tension across space should be demonstrated.

Materials: Clay, chipboard, wood, plastic.

18 x 24 mosaic collage to be presented with final design.

8
9
FOUNDATION 3D

4 Puppet: Marionette, Hand Held, or Stick Manipulated

10
11
FOUNDATION 3D

5 Character of Line

Materials: 24 gauge copper wire

spring steel wire rods

Pure Abstraction:
Five different lines (three curves, two straight)
- Lines different in character and proportion
- Dynamic gesture
- Asymmetric balance
- Tension across space between accents of curves

Caricature – self portrait

Animal or bird abstraction

Mobile balance – incorporating non-linear elements

Reference: The Dot and the Line – Norton Juster

Video: Interview with Al Hirshfield

12
13
FOUNDATION 3D

6 Character of Plane

Explore planes in Space

Bending and folding flat planes - shaping
edges to follow bends and folds.
Curving planes - shaping edges to
compliment axial movement of plane.
Accenting curved surfaces - by
curvature and edge definition.

Window pane design: Abstract planar

construction interacting with natural
light.

Light Design: Interaction between

artificial light source and abstract planes.

Hat: Plane as fashion.

Architectonic: Design a wall structure

with different planar elements.

Self Structure: 11 x 14 bristol board –

3 scores, 2 cuts – self standing structure
(with the addition of text a self promotion
piece)

Materials: Chipboard, bristol board,

glue, tape.

14
15
FOUNDATION 3D

6 Character of Plane
Light Design

16
17
FOUNDATION 3D

6 Character of Plane
Hat

18
19
FOUNDATION 3D

7 Character of Volume

Explore the relationship between axis, surfaces and

outline of form.

Two plaster rectangles – two plaster cylinders.

1. Shift axis of rectangle by adjusting top and

bottom surfaces. Adjust other surfaces to
complete form;

2. Curve axis of rectangle by shaping long

surfaces. Adjust ends to complete form;

3. Bend axis of cylinder;

4. Design a volume using the last cylinder.

Four 18 x 24 graphics - one each of the form exercises,

employing a different style and medium of expression.

20
21
FOUNDATION 3D

7 Character of Volume
Volume Fragment

22
23
FOUNDATION 3D

8 Space Study Incorporating Line, Plane and Volume

Compose a 24” deep x 36” wide x 16” high space incorporating line, plane and volume.
(In 2002, twelve students dsigned a memorial for the WTC.)

24
25
26
Sophomore 3D

Three dimensional design is a required year of study in the sophomore curriculum of the Industrial
Design Department. It is based upon a previous year of 3D studies that explore some basic
fundamental principals. Two semester-long projects are required. Both involve an initial sketching
phase, an analysis phase, and a final presentation.

Construction Problem

This problem explores the world of assembled elements that man designs and makes. The bicycle,
vacuum cleaner, food blender, coffee maker are but a few of the objects in our daily life that are
made up of multiple pieces and parts. The construction problem is an introduction to this world.
It is approached through the study of abstract visual relationships that combine elements that are
different in character and size. The aim of the problem is to design an object whose sum is more
important than the pieces that visually define it - and yet completely dependent upon each element
to create that sum. Visual harmony is the goal.

Convexity Problem

Visual volume, or mass, is defined by the relationship of the surfaces that contain it. This problem
explores the nature of organic form. The relationship between axial gesture, surface tensions across
space, and resulting silhouette is investigated.

Four exploratory problems initiate the process of investigation. These are small clay and plaster
studies that demonstrate how a volume can be adjusted in position and in character by manipulating
the surfaces. Two rectangles and two cylinders are used.

Sketching three dimensionally emphasizes establishing forms of character and personality.

Selecting a form of visual interest then permits an exploration of what defines the character of that
form - through an investigation of variations and permutations. Empathic drawing is an essential
corollary. Axes and surface studies follow. Enlarging the form in clay is a prelude to reducing down
from a pre-cast plaster form the final design.

27
SOPHOMORE 3D

Construction Problem

An important part of the world of Industrial Design is

about products and objects that are made of multiple
elements. This problem, employing visual abstraction as
the alphabet, attempts to lay the groundwork for such
practical problems as may surface later.

Method:

Sketching: Critical to the process is the development

of visual ideas. Using found objects, students are
encouraged to create compositions that show variety
and contrast – line, plane, volumes with size differences
that signify a hierarchy of strength and importance.
These sketches should read as sum statements.
Emphasis is on the total, rather than the parts.

Analysis: Empathic drawings, variation and permutation

studies, axis analysis, grouping configurations, surface
studies (all based upon strengthening and improving the
original idea) are explored.

Semi Final: A preliminary model of the completed design

is made in sketch materials. This model establishes final
scale, connections, mechanical articulations, and overall
gesture and composition.

Final Model: A finished design is constructed, using

materials appropriate to the design.

A mosaic collage is presented with the final design.

* This problem builds upon experiences explored in the first year.

Introductory and preliminary problems are covered in the first weeks
of the semester to cover material new to some of the students.

28
29
SOPHOMORE 3D

Convexity Problem
Clay Studies

30
31
SOPHOMORE 3D

Convexity Problem

32
33
SOPHOMORE 3D

Convexity Problem
(cont’d)

34
35
SOPHOMORE 3D

Convexity Problem
Color Experiment

36
37
38
Junior 3D

All that has occurred previously is employed in the problems posed in this class.

Negative Cube

The negative cube is an 8 x 8 block of plaster with hollow movements carved through it.

The sensitivity of the space is the result of the treatment of the surfaces that define the hollows.
Surfaces are continuously curving, with no hard edges internally (except those created when
intersections of tunnels occur). It is an in-class project, worked on once a week for the whole
semester.

A six foot square graphic based on the essence of the cube experience is part of the final
presentation.

Outside Assignment: in addition to the cube, a project is assigned that explores some issue
related to concavity or negative space. Some typical assignments are:

Musical instrument (product)

Letter Cube and Extrusion (packaging)
Pouring forms (pitchers or pots)
Bathroom forms.

39
JUNIOR 3D

Negative Cube

40
41
JUNIOR 3D

Convexity/Concavity

A unified organic volume showing the interplay

between expansion and contraction.

Method:
Small clay sketches
Variations based on selected sketch
Empathic drawings
Axis and surface studies
Carving from pre-cast plaster block

42
43
JUNIOR 3D

Musical Instrument

44
45
JUNIOR 3D

Letter Cube and Extrusion

Pouring Forms

46
47