Scale Balance Contrast Emphasis Movement Unity & Variety Rhythm Order Pattern Sequence

1. Principles of Design
S W E T H A K
R E S E A R C H S C H O L A R
D E P A R T M E N T O F A R C H I T E C T U R E
N I T T R I C H Y
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

2. Principles of
Design
Few principles of design are
1. Scale
2. Balance
3. Contrast
4. Emphasis
5. Movement
6. Unity & Variety
7. Rhythm
8. Order
9. Pattern
10. Sequence
The principles of design are a set of rules that designers can
follow when creating a composition to create visually pleasing
work. The purpose of these rules is to deliver a message in
the most organized and functional way.
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

3. 1. Scale
Refers to size of something relative to
some known standard or recognized
constant.
1. Mechanical scale: calculation of
objects physical size according to
standard system of Measurement
2. Visual Scale: refers to difference
found when one objects compared to
others visually
3. Monumental scale: feeling of
smallness when we compare ourselves
to a exterior or interior space.
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

4. 2. Balance
• Stability of an arrangement, Arrangement
appears secure and stable.
1. Symmetrical Balance: Arrangement of
identical elements corresponding in
size, shape & relative position about a
common axis also called as axial or
bilateral symmetry.
2. Asymmetrical Balance: lack of
correspondence in size, shape or
relative position among the element of
a composition.
3. Radial balance: results from
arrangement of elements about a
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

5. 3.
Contrast
This refers to the differences in values, colors, textures, shapes, and other
elements. The major contrast in the piece should be located at the center of
interest, which helps create the focal point. Too much contrast scattered
throughout the work can destroy unity and make work more difficult to look
at. The reason contrast is used is to create visual excitement by making the
piece more interesting.
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

6. 4. Emphasis
• Existence of dominant &
subordinate elements in the
composition of an interior
setting.
•Can be created by perceptible
contrast in shape, size color
and value.
•Can be centered within the
space of a symmetrical
organization
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

7. 5.
Movement
Visual movement is used by artists to direct viewers through their
work, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed alone
lines, edges, shapes, and colors within the works, but moves the
eye most easily on paths of equal value.
Movement can be
created with rhythm
when using a
variation of an
element repeatedly.
Using curved lines
and diagonal lines
creates more
movement compared
to straight lines. Use
lines to trace the path
to the focal point.
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

8. 6. Unity &
Variety
Unity is a sense of wholeness that you perceive when the elements of a
composition are arranged just right. The composition will feel
balanced, complete, & harmonious, work that is not unified will leave
you feeling uneasy or unsettled by the composition. It relies on both
the objects & their arrangement, as well as the colors used. Variety is
achieved when the elements are combined in various ways to increase
visual interest.
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

9. 7. Rhythm
• Repetition of elements in space & Time.
• Repetition not only creates visual unity but also includes a rhythmic
continuity of movement.
• Graded in size, colour, value to give direction to sequence.
Alternating rhythm uses 2 or more interchangeable patters or designs that are repeated
throughout a piece. In this piece, the same design is used, but the use of different colors
creates an alternating rhythm
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

10. 8. Order
Order refers not simply to geometric regularity, but rather
to a condition in which each part of a whole is properly
disposed with reference to other parts and to its purpose
so as to produce a harmonious arrangement.
Ordering principles that can be utilized to create order in
an architectural composition are axis, symmetry,
hierarchy, rhythm/repetition, datum and transformation.
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

11. 9. Pattern
The basic understanding of pattern is the organization of a surface or structure
that is repeating. Repetition focuses on the same object being repeated; patterns
are made up from different components which are then repeated in the same way
throughout the design. A seamless pattern is one that flows throughout without
flaw in the beginning or end: the entire pattern is a single, coherent unit. This
approach to design becomes especially important when thinking about designs
which incorporate significant amounts of color, texture or depth.
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

12. 10.Sequen
ce
• sequence is a movement from
meaningless to emergence of
meaning, it’s a process of
transformation
• it has logical succession
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY

13. Thank You
4/5/2022
SWETHA K , RESEARCH SCHOLAR, NIT TRICHY