21 CONTRAST AS A MANIFESTATION OF DIFFERENCES IN THE PROPERTIES OF SURROUND-SPATIAL FORMS

The use of such a composite tool as a contrast is one of the main ways in the search for an expressive and dynamic architectural form. The difficulties that arise when attempting to build a complete composition using only nuanced differences in form and its elements are mainly due to the fact that the perception of a person quickly and actively captures environmental elements that stand out among others by their size, geometric shape or position in space. That is why the concept of contrast in architectural composition is associated primarily with accentual nodes, dominants, as well as elements that play a special role in the composition.

The principle of contrasting differences can be used in matching the shape with the surrounding space. The degree of interaction of the dominant element of the composition with the environment in which it is included may vary within the limits of the contrast characteristic.

Contrast is often used as a kind of regulator of relations between form elements and determines the place of each of them in the overall hierarchical system. This is due to the fact that the contrasting element in the composition attracts attention to the extent that it is contrasted with its neighboring elements. This pattern makes it possible to ensure orderliness and harmony (proportionality, balance) of a form consisting of a number of elements interconnected by some relations (possibly nuanced or identities). For example, the “endless” metric series of vertical divisions of the main facade of the Admiralty building in St. Petersburg, built by architect A. D. Zakharov, was stopped by contrasting elements - porticos. The author of the construction used the differences of the elements of his composition in form, position in space, contrasting the vertical and horizontal in magnitude (Fig. 82).

Figure 82 - St. Petersburg, Admiralty (main facade), arch. A.D. Zakharov

The position of the contrasting elements in the composition is not arbitrary, but is determined by the need to identify functionally important zones of space, volumes and details, as well as composite culminations.

The arsenal of possibilities of contrasting oppositions is practically inexhaustible. However, you should always remember! About the contrast of the compared elements - too strong a contrast can destroy the form.