Arranging Things: A Rhetoric of Object Placement

by Leonard Koren, Nathalie du Pasquier (Illustrator)

"Seldom does one stumble across a writer bold enough to write a manuscript of theory on aesthetic beauty. But not only does Leonard Koren manage to handle this awkward subject matter with relative ease, he manages to fit his pragmatic approach to design into just 126 pages." -- J Select "It sounds heavy, but the writing style is easy to follow. If you want to see where an original thinker can go with aesthetics and design, pick up this inspirational book." -- Country Almanac Just as his classic bestseller Wabi-Sabi explored the quintessential Japanese aesthetic, Leonard Koren’s new book uncovers the underlying principles that govern how Western designers arrange things in three-dimensional compositions. Inspired by Greek and Roman notions of rhetoric—the ancient art of argument and delivery—Koren elucidates the elements of arranging rhetoric that all designers instinctively use in everything from floral compositions to interior decorating. Those who master Koren’s rhetoric of object placement will have the ability to persuade, uplift, and confound their audience. Not a how-to but a manifesto of theory and insight, this book will change the way you see, and arrange, your world. Leonard Koren is author of Wabi-Sabi and lives in San Francisco and Tokyo. Nathalie du Pasquier is a Milan-based painter and textile designer for the Memphis movement.

Genres: Art, Design, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Reference, Coffee Table Books

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[jw468 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d say this book is essentially built around a statement made on page 50:

“Making and seeing are intimately connected, so the more you can ‘see,’ the more you can ‘make.’”

The goal of this book isn't to teach the reader how to arrange objects in a certain way; rather, its point is to suggest a framework which can be used to “read” arrangements. The hope is that if one can better “read” arrangements, one can better make them.

[Lucie de Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

A frame for reading and interpreting object arrangements. What a treat for analytical mind.

[Sesamelife · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of my final year project (FYP) at the end of studies, from not knowing text typesetting to curiously searching for relevant books in the library, searching for online materials, and constantly trying and exploring in it. Gradually, I found the charm and power of text typesetting.

The placement of objects similar to this also has a similar concept. As long as the object is more three-dimensional, it can attract a person’s attention and the initiative of contact with the object.

Quote an example here.

I once worked as a clerk in a store, which was responsible for maintaining the daily operation of the store, and the store sold different types of ceramics, lacquerware, postcards and a small number of books. One day, I was thinking about how to sell books, that is, not to sell one, and I also wanted guests to be interested in reading books.

Then I began to study every corner of the store, trying to adjust the placement of the object, and also changing the display of the book from the ordinary stacking method to the stair-type rotary stacking method. Adjusting the position every day is just a slight adjustment, which can always bring a sense of freshness to the guests. Even if guests come to the store yesterday and today, They will indeed be attracted by the eyes because of the different placement, touching books and reading, so as to achieve my purpose of changing the way of placement - presenting the visual effect with objects, attracting many people to go to books, flip books or buy books, which is also a way of communication between objects and people.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collaborative work between artist (Pasquier) and author (Koren) that puts visual and written description side by side. Filled with little gems and overall an enjoyable read. Koren explores the subtle differences in how we arrange things, taking nothing for granted. Also- a useful source for considering discrepancies between visual and written language. Though, this book can be difficult to track down in print. Read this after seeing a Nathalie du Pasquier exhibition at the ICA in Philadelphia.

[Allie Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This helped demystify some questions I’ve had about arranging things in my own work. Pedagogically useful for anyone starting out in still life.
I like the breakdown of each painting/composition from the author to the artist.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting conversation on the composition of visual storytelling. def recommend if you're looking to get better at critique through observation.

[Rex Wu · Rating 3 out of 5]

把擺放的方式比喻為修辭，我們有了全新的方式去分析

[LemontreeLime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will have to read this one several times. Its short and to the point but the concepts it covers are very cerebral. Essentially a primer on how to think about describing what you see. This would be, and is an excellent help for anyone who has to bear the brunt of the pain of doing art critiques in college. When you are being graded on saying something about your classmate's art, and you cant think of anything, this book talks about how you can simply describe what you see... in 8$ words... and make it sound cool.

[Mcftdhorapusswrtrvocm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing illustrations, and really insightful information. My drawing teacher recommended me this while I was working on drawings dealing with empty objects in space. This is definitely a book to keep around and refer back to often.

[JayeL]

July 2015: not available on audio at Mechanics' Institute

[Maureen Milton · Rating 3 out of 5]

While narrowly focussed on creating a language for the arrangement of objects, this lovely slim volume is not as successful as the sublime "Undesigning the Bath," perhaps because it is too dry? Ha!