Arranging Things: A Rhetoric of Object Placement by Leonard Koren is a thought-provoking exploration of
how objects are arranged in spaces and the profound impact this process has on our perception of the
world. The book blends elements of design theory, philosophy, and art criticism to examine the
underlying principles and aesthetics of object placement.
Koren, known for his minimalist and thoughtful approach, delves into the idea that arranging objects is
not merely a practical task but a rhetorical act that communicates meaning, emotion, and intention. He
draws on diverse examples from art, architecture, and everyday life to illustrate how placement can
influence harmony, balance, and narrative within a space.
The book's visually driven layout complements its content, featuring striking photographs, sketches, and
diagrams that reinforce its concepts. Through engaging prose, Koren invites readers to think deeply
about the decisions behind object placement, challenging conventional notions of beauty and order.
"Arranging Things" is ideal for designers, artists, and anyone interested in the intersection of
aesthetics and functionality, offering insights that resonate across disciplines and elevate the
practice of arrangement to an art form.
Annotations:
The objects are like nonsense words in a hypothetical English sentence; the words (objects) are gibberish,
yet you can discern the meaning from the grammatical structure (i.e., the arrangement of things).
A “successful” arrangement, that is, an effective arrangement, is one that powerfully engages your attention
and sustains your interest.
An arrangement of things is not just an aesthetic expression; it's a communicational act.
Communication systems, like natural languages, grow and develop through perpetual use and experimentation.
Rhetoric is persuasion through communication. Whether it’s trying to convince others that something is more
true, more virtuous, or more desirable—all communication is rhetoric in action.
Rhetorical principles:
a) Physicality—first impressions and technical aspects of the arrangement
> Hierarchy, Alignment, Sensoriality
b) Abstraction—associations the arrangement conjures up based on your store of general cultural knowledge
and common sense
> Metaphor, Mystification, Narrative
c) Integration—how the various elements of the arrangement work in concert.
> Coherence, Resonance