Formal Aspects

A moving line, moving in a direction other than its own intrinsic direction gives rise to a plane. Planes have 2 dimensions - length and breadth. These are predominant compared to their thickness. Lines that are close to each other with a common directional relationship are perceived as a plane.


A planar form is bound by lines which constitute the edges of the plane. The characteristics of these lines and their interrelationships determine the shape of the planar form.
Planar forms can have a variety of shapes - geometric, organic, rectilinear, irregular or accidental.


Conceptually, planes are also perceived at places where there is a considerable change in direction of the surface of volumes, when volumes are cut and when volumes intersect or meet.


A surface of a plane may be flat, curved or twisted.


Planes in a visual field that are segregated or with different orientations from each other are perceived as different planes.


Group of planes that are close to each other with a 2-dimensional relationship are perceived as a volume.


Planar forms can be represented by means of points, lines or by means of outlines.


Closed or almost closed plane is perceived as a volume.

Semantic Aspects

Planes are 2-dimensional in nature and denote surfaces. An example of this is an area on a map representing a territory.


The planar structure of the plane can be used to wrap or envelop a surface.


When there are two planes, there is a suggestion of direction and specific interaction between them. Freely used planes create a variety of energies and tensions.

Practical Aspects

The property of the plane to be able to denote a surface makes it useful in representing the body of 3-dimensional objects.