Final answer:
The designer should look into adjusting the gutter or column spacing to ensure sufficient space between columns for visual harmony and readability, drawing on principles from ancient architecture and design mathematics for guidance.
Step-by-step explanation:
To address the concern about the space between the columns in a publication, the designer should adjust the gutter or the column spacing. The gutter is the space between columns, and increasing this space can prevent the columns from appearing too close to each other. Proper column spacing is essential for both aesthetic balance and readability.
Beth mentions that in ancient Greek architecture, notably the Doric Order, columns were deliberately placed closer together at the edges to maintain visual harmony and structural balance. This principle can be applied in design work to create a sense of completeness and prevent the columns at the edges from seeming 'orphaned' or less substantial, as mentioned by Steven.
The ratio and mathematical proportions such as X = Y x 2 + 1 discussed by Beth illustrate the importance of precise calculations in spacing, whether in architecture or in publication design. To ensure a coherent reading experience, like the effective use of margin space for notes and supplementary information in a book, the designer should consider these principles when adjusting column spacing.
Ultimately, adjustments to the gutter will result in an improved layout that respects the content's proportions and the overall design integrity.