Notan, is of Japanese origin and is defined as the harmonization of dark and light. Western ideology focuses on the actual design, in comparison to the background or unused space. The Japanese aim for a more balanced view of the world and of design as demonstrated through the Yin and Yang symbol. Balance equates to equality in the visual field where opposites in a composition create harmony and stability.
Creating harmony in the eyes’ view is important. When all components are in agreement, a design is considered unified. Emphasis is taken away from an individual component to give importance to the collective. Furthermore, a good balance between unity and variety must be established to avoid both a chaotic and dry composition. Repetition, Rhythm, Variation, and Contrast help achieve unity and interest.
There is a poem attributed to Lao Tse, in China about the Notan principle:
“We assemble 30 spokes together to construct a wheel;
But it is on the nothingness of space that the usefulness of the wheel depends;
We make a vessel out of clay;
But it is on the nothingness of space that the usefulness of the vessel depends;
We puncture doors and windows to construct a home
And it is on this nothingness of space that the usefulness of the house depends
Thus, as we gain from what is, we should recognize the function of things that are not”
Information courtesy of New York School of Interior Design “Visual Concepts” Class lecture