After emerging sporadically over many centuries and in disparate cultures, Diagonality surged onto the world stage at the very end of the 19th century and became what may eventually be regarded as the signature geometry of 20th century art and architecture. Once the basic concept is understood, the word Diagonality is comfortably embraced as an on-the-mark, turn-to expression to refer to a design motif that is both pervasive and significant.

Countless examples of Diagonality can be discovered around the world in art museums and on street corners once the idea takes hold in the mind and the eye is cued to see. As the German poet, philosopher and scientist Goethe (1749-1832), once observed, “We see what we know.” Based on my understanding of perception and the many conversations with friends and design professionals I’ve had over the years, the obverse is also true: we are blind to things/concepts that have not yet taken residence in the mind. Whether one has learned to see the phenomenon of diagonality in all it’s manifestations, those who have actually employed the diagonal motif, consciously or unconsciously, know it offers a productive and liberating approach to problem solving in form, pattern, and structure.