The Sharper Image 3 - The Contrast in Balance

This photoblog displays some asymmetric architectures, that still transmit a pleasing, beautiful, and relaxing sentiment. Perhaps evidence of an unusual, irregular form of chaotic and asymmetrical balance. An indication of reaching a goal using opposites. Expressing an emotion or idea through contrasting definitions.

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" I feel drawn to opposites. Perhaps I am extreme, or that which results from averaged extremes. Either way, something that is considered in the middle without being standard. "

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Symmetry

Everything in life has its counterpart, and sometimes the world seems to consist more of antonyms rather than synonyms. Life's game is always 'spot the difference' and never find the similarities. Differences stand out, polarity stands out, but if that's the norm why do we try so hard to be the same? Why is symmetry the goal and that which is considered aesthetic?

Q-Park Europarking - Asymmetrical Balance

Symmetrical personalities In modern times, we are increasingly judged on our character, personality, and mentality. It is therefore very interesting to know whether symmetry is also strived for within personalities. How would symmetrical personalities look like? There is obviously no physical aspect of the human psyche on which we can base this answer. Nothing visual or tangible..... yes, tricky business. Perhaps being able to split something producing exact copies is an aspect of symmetry that has been over-emphasized. When it comes to symmetry, everyone thinks of something having equal parts and properties: Having a mirror image of itself. But maybe that's too simple, maybe it's other aspects of symmetry that make our primal instincts tickle. Balance in symmetry A big aspect of symmetry is balance. With balance, you achieve tranquility, stability, and predictability. Features that people tend to like. Perhaps it is the minimizing, simplifying effect that balance brings in symmetry, which is what we are looking for. The appeal of symmetry is perhaps the feeling of being at home. These are all properties that are ignored when we reduce the definition of symmetry to something that is the same on one side as the other.

Chaotic Balance

More roads to balance Once it is realized that balance is not only symmetry, one can start theorizing about the origin of balance and how to achieve it. Symmetry may be the oldest visualized form of balance, but it doesn't have to be the only one. Back to symmetrical personalities. If the idea is correct that balance, rather than symmetry, is the success of attractiveness and desirability, then it can be approached in a whole new, refreshing and logical way. Balance can be obtained in many ways and consists not only of similarities but perhaps also of differences. And then being different suddenly becomes a lot less odd than one initially thought. Look at it this way: The mean or balance of the symmetrical sum 5 + 5 is 5, but so is the mean of the asymmetrical sum 7 + 3.

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" If centers and balances are what we are drawn to, it doesn't matter how one achieves it. "

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