Circular and curved shapes have emerged as powerful tools in creating engaging and immersive experiences in event planning. These shapes, inspired by natural forms and human psychology, offer a unique opportunity to add style, creativity, and a sense of community to your event.
Whether you're planning a conference, a trade show, or a series of events, incorporating curvilinear design elements into your plans can significantly enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your space.
In this article, we’re shining a light on curvilinear designs while also exploring the psychology behind our attraction to circles and curves. We’ll take inspiration from how this shape was utilized in this year's award shows, and provide practical tips on incorporating these elements into your event or trade show.
The Psychological Impact of Round Shapes
To truly understand the allure of curvilinear design in event planning, it's essential to appreciate the psychological responses they elicit. According to the "Humans Prefer Curved Visual Objects" research report from the Martinos Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, people generally perceive round shapes as more pleasant and comforting than sharp or angular shapes.
This preference for smooth curvilinear shapes over sharp-edged corners can have profound implications for event planning. When attendees are in a space filled with round tables and soft contours, they are likely to perceive the environment as more balanced, welcoming, and less cluttered.
Moreover, round shapes have been found to evoke a sense of community and inclusiveness. This is particularly impactful in social settings, where creating a sense of unity and togetherness can greatly enhance the overall event experience.
Of note, these psychological reactions to curvilinear shapes can be experienced across all age groups. However, research suggests that younger adults may be more affected in terms of approach behavior and perceived safety. Understanding these subtle nuances can enable event planners to design spaces that effectively cater to their specific audience demographics.
With this understanding of the psychological impact of round shapes, we can now explore how these principles have been implemented in real-world scenarios, particularly in this year's award shows.
Taking Inspiration From Award Shows
This year’s award season offers some excellent examples of how circular and curved shapes have been used to create unique and impactful event designs.
BizBash chronicled how various sponsors utilized round shapes in different event experiences, to both engage attendees and create dramatic visual effects. For instance, The Grammy House at the Recording Academy incorporated curvilinear elements to highlight a natural garden space. As BizBash explains, "Guests could stroll through a lush green setting full of real living plants, trees, and ivy. A circular tunnel, evoking sponsor Mastercard's logo, was used as a transition moment and to frame an oversize gramophone [a representation of the Grammy Awards trophy], whose gold exterior had been swapped for living moss."
The Oscars Greenroom Design took a different approach, drawing inspiration from nature while also highlighting the geometry of round shapes. "The official Oscars greenroom, presented by Rolex, focused on the vegetal world, using images of fans and watch bezels as inspiration," reports BizBash.
Curved shapes also made a striking appearance at Universal Music Group's Grammys After-Party. Here, the design leaned into a funkier, more freeform style. "The party leaned into curved shapes, adding wavy red stripes to a bold black bar, thereby enhancing the thematic consistency and visual intrigue," BizBash notes.
These examples underscore the versatility of curvilinear designs in event planning, demonstrating how they can contribute to a wide range of aesthetics, from the natural and elegant to the bold and funky.
As we move on to discuss practical tips for incorporating these elements into an event plan or trade show, keep these examples in mind as inspiration for your own designs.
Material Choices and Strategic Design for Curved Spaces
Effective utilization of these shapes requires strategic planning and careful material selection. The right choices will not only maximize the aesthetic impact of curved shapes but also enhance the functional dynamics of your event space, making it more welcoming and engaging.
Certain materials naturally lend themselves to curves, making them ideal for creating everything from grand, sweeping entrances to intimate, curved seating arrangements. Round wooden pieces, such as the Jacob Wood Table, seamlessly fit into both retro and modern contexts. Curved glass elements, like the Mesa Cocktail Table, exude elegance and style, while custom-cut metal pieces like the Midtown Bar suggest sophistication.
Beyond their visual appeal, curved furniture also enhances the visual theme and facilitates better interaction and flow in social settings. Soft seating options like the Endless Low Back Sofa, the Monroe Sofa and Monroe Chair, and curved ottomans like the Marche Swivel Ottoman are not only aesthetically pleasing but also physically comfortable, promoting a relaxed atmosphere.
Strategically designing with curvilinear shapes can also guide guest movement and create focal points in your space. For instance, curved pathways can gently lead attendees from one area or activity to the next, facilitating a smooth flow of traffic. Rounded stage designs and semicircular backdrops can grab the viewer’s attention and encourage exploration.
Technological elements also play a vital role in spaces that utilize curves and circular shapes. LED installations can accentuate curves and provide endless options for customization and branding. Drapery and lighting can be used to emphasize shifts in color and intensity, aligning with event themes and mood changes. You can even utilize projection mapping along a curved wall to create a dynamic and striking video display for presentations, branding, or entertainment.
Embracing Curves and Circles With CORT Events
Having explored the infinite possibilities and benefits of designing with curves and circles, we've gained insights into the psychology of round shapes and how they evoke comfort and community in social settings. We've also delved into how the right materials and technological options can enhance the impact of curvilinear shapes and lines.
Now, equipped with this knowledge, it's time to incorporate the style and appeal of curves and circles into your next event or space design. This task becomes a breeze when you collaborate with us at CORT Events. We specialize in bringing the latest design trends to our clients' events. With an extensive catalog of on-trend event furniture rental and a commitment to personalized service, we are dedicated to making your event not just another gathering, but a memorable journey and an engaging experience for everyone involved.
So, how might you incorporate curvilinear designs into your next event to enhance aesthetics and functionality? Let us help you elevate your event space to the next level. With our expertise and your vision, we can create an unforgettable event that truly embodies the power and allure of curvilinear design. Interested in learning more about how curvilinear design can transform your next event? Reach out to our team at CORT Events today.
