Chapter 8 Elements and Principles of Interior Design 225 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Space planning involves moving forms, such as walls and partitions, within a space. When using forms in interiors, ■ consider the height and width of forms in a space. For example, high-backed chairs visually divide a space. ■ incorporate design details. Forms give a space identity, character, charm, and integrity. ■ realize that forms indicate cultural differences. The details of a Chinese-inspired chair are different from an English Queen Anne chair. ■ understand that forms change the mood and visual interest of any space. Space Space is boundless until boundaries shape it. Using positive and negative space is important in the develop- ment of any composition, Figure 8-12. Positive space is the actual object or image, and negative space is the area around and between the object and image. In the built environment, a physical space is an area defined by some type of enclosure. Often, interior space is a three-dimensional volume comprised of walls, floors, and ceilings. Physical space is the area in which people live, contemplate, excel, and enjoy life. Interior space is limited and expensive due to building expense and taxes allocated to both commercial and residential buildings. Because of these factors, space should be maximized, well-planned, functional, and beautiful. Designing and manipulating interior space has its challenges. Each space has a different amount of enclosure, a different relationship to adjoining spaces, and a different set of user needs and preferences. People or corporations often hire interior designers for their ability to visualize and manipulate space creatively yet functionally. Space is endless until it has definition. It can be simple and inexpensive to create a space. For instance, in the outdoors a simple blanket on the ground defines space. In contrast, in an interior an area rug on a floor defines space and achieves the same goal. A B ©Ron Pollard, courtesy of RNL Figure 8-11 Interior designers may use several shapes and forms in a space. What shapes and forms can you identify in these images (A and B)? How are the shapes used in these spaces? Jef Thompson/Shutterstock.com Figure 8-12 Effective use of positive and negative space helps create interest in a space. Photo by Brian Gassel Photography Design by Lita Dirks & Co.