Principles of Design and Proportion

Study Notes

Design is the creation and organization of formal elements in a work of art.
Design principles are fundamental visual perception concepts to structure and compose aesthetically.

Proportion is the proper harmonious relation of one part to another or to the whole.
Scale is the size of something compared to a reference standard or to the size of something else.
There are two types of scale: visual and human.
Visual Scale refers to how small or large something appears in relation to its normal size or to the size of other things in its context.
Human Scale in architecture is based on the dimensions and proportions of the human body.

There are four types of proportion: natural, structural, manufactured, and historical.
Natural Material Proportion uses the rational proportion of materials according to their specific structural tasks.
Structural Proportion bases the proportion of materials on the process through which they are manufactured.
Manufactured Proportion refers to the “desirable” proportions developed in the course of history.
Historical Proportions use the size and proportion of materials according to their specific structural tasks.

Contrast is opposition or juxtaposition of dissimilar elements in a work of art to intensify each element’s properties and produce a more dynamic expressiveness.
Contrast creates visual variety, excitement, and interest to the building and can be achieved by using different sizes, materials, textures, colors, and manipulation of light, shade, and shadow of masses.

Balance is a state of equilibrium between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements.
Balance also describes the pleasing or harmonious arrangement or proportion of parts or elements in a design or composition.
One way to achieve balance is by manipulating the elements along an axis.