PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Architectural Design -1

Ar. Neetu Kapoor

The first way to think about a principle is that a principle is something that can be repeatedly and dependably done with elements to produce some sort of visual

effect in a composition.   

Another way to think about a principle is that it is a way to express a value judgment about a composition. 

  When we say a painting has UNITY and DEPTH we are making a value

judgments.  Too much unity without variety is boring and too much variation without unity is chaotic.  Unity and depth are examples of visual effects produced

by the first definition of principle. 

PRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

DesignDesign is the organized arrangement of one or more elements and principles (eg. line color or texture) for a purpose. Awareness of the elements and principles in

design is the first step in creating successful visual compositions. These principles, which may overlap, are used in all visual design fields, including graphic design,

industrial design, architecture and fine art.

The principles govern the relationships of the elements used and organize the composition as a whole. Successful

design incorporates the use of the principles and elements to serve the designer's purpose and visual goals. There are no rules for their use. The designer's purpose and

intent drives the decisions made to achieve appropriate scale and proportion, as well as the degree of harmony between the elements. Design principles are a technical and artificial method to attempt to produce architectural

and interior design beauty.

PRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

Examples

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGNThe principles of design are the recipe for a good work of art.  The principles combine the elements to create an aesthetic placement of things that will produce a good design.

PRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

BALANCEIt is a feeling of visual equality in shape, form, value, color, etc.  Balance can be symmetrical or evenly balanced or asymmetrical and un-evenly balanced.  Objects, values, colors, textures, shapes, forms, etc., can be used in creating a balance in a composition.

PRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

BalancePRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

BalancePRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

BalancePRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

It is a movement in which some elements recur regularly.  Like a dance it will have a flow of objects that will seem to be like the beat of

music.

PRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

RhythmPRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

Proportion involves the relationship of size between objects. Proportion is also relative sizes of surface areas of different colors in a room. The proportion of color areas such as on a wall of a living room may be chosen to be visually pleasing. Proportion also depends on functionality of object. For

example, for the best proportion between a room and furniture, the sizes of furniture depends on the size of the room. In interior design, proportions like the floor to ceiling height of 8.3 to 9 feet tall may

be used to obtain good visual appeal, functionality and grandeur in home design.

PRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

Observe a group of people in a room. You can often learn a lot about who is listening intently to another person, which are strangers, or who is ignoring who by how close together they sit or stand. In design, proximity or closeness creates a bond between people and between elements on a page. How close together or

far apart elements are placed suggests a relationship (or lack of) between otherwise disparate parts. Unity is also achieved by using a third element to

connect distant parts.

PRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

UnityPRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

Is an area that first attracts attention in a composition. This area is more important when compared to the other objects or elements in a composition.  This can be by contrast of values,

more colors, and placement in the format.

PRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

EmphasisPRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

EmphasisPRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

Element –Principle Chart

Line Direction Color Tone TextureShape Size

Harmony

Unity

Balance

Rhythm

Dominance

Contrast

PRINCIPLES OF

DESIGN

CompositionAn orderly arrangement of elements using the principles of design. The

principles of design help you to carefully plan and organize the elements of art so that you will hold interest and command attention.  This is

sometimes referred to as visual impact.  

In any work of art there is a thought process for the arrangement and use of the elements of design.  The artist who works with the principles of good composition will create a more interesting piece of art it will be

arranged to show a pleasing rhythm and movement.  The center of interest will be strong and the viewers will not look away, instead, they

will be drawn into the work.  A good knowledge of composition is essential in producing good artwork.  Some artists today like to bend or ignore these rules and therefore are experimenting with different forms

of expression.  We think that composition is very important. The following will assist you in understanding the basics of a good

composition: 

Composition

Composition

Composition

Thank you

Ar. Neetu KapoorLecturer,

Deptt. Of Architecture