The Function of Open Space in Architecture Versus the Function of White Space in Graphic Design

Abstract

Abstract Open, white, or empty are all terms related to space. In architecture, as in graphic design, where 3D stands against 2D. City, house, or room versus layout of a page or poster. Is there a connection? The aim of this paper is to explore the examples from historical to contemporary works, research various functions of open space in architecture, focused on living, indoor and outdoor public areas, and white space in printed graphic design. The functions described and examined here are mainly contrast, economics, luxury and comfort, aesthetics and balance, social but also the functionality often connected to use or spirituality. These functions indicate why architects and designers started to search for freedom of structure and project the open and white space into their constructions and layouts. In many cases, the context plays a key role and hence is also explored and discussed in detail. An important part of this work is to make the comparison between open and white space and their functions and prove on the selected examples whether the space we live in is comparable to the layout and composition in graphic design.