Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Architecture and Fine Arts

Pureza Street Sta. Mesa Manila

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Theory of Architecture I
Ar. Ted Villamor Inocensio

Palaje, Rey E.
BS Architecture 2-1
September 05, 2017
Principles of Design
The basic principles of design are the guidelines for using the elements of design to create
aesthetic functional buildings. The basic principles of design are balance rhythm, emphasis
proportion, variety, unity, repetition, opposition, subordination and transition.

BALANCE
Balance is the achievement of equilibrium in the design. Buildings are formally balanced if
there is a symmetrical. They are informally balanced if there is a variety, yet a harmonious
relationship in the distribution of space, form, line, color, light and shade.

RHYTHM
When lines, planes and surface treatment are repeated in a regular sequence ( order or
arrangement ), a sense of rhythm is is achieved. Rhythm is used to create motion and carry the
viewer's eyes to various parts of the space. This may be accomplished by the repetition of lines,
colors, and patterns.

EMPHASIS
The principle of emphasis ( domination ) is used by the designer to draw attention to an
area or subject. Emphasis is achieved through the used of color, form, texture, or line.

PROPORTION
The proportional dimensions ( scale ) of building are important. The early Greeks found that the
rectangular proportions in the ratio of 2 to 3, 3 to 5, and 5 to 8 were more pleasing than others. For
example a room or a rug with dimensions of 9' x 15' or 10' x 16' will have proportion 3 to 5 and 5 to 8.
The scale between interior space, furniture, and accessories should be harmonious. Bulky components in
small rooms should be avoided. Small components in large rooms should be avoided. Small components
in large rooms should not be used.

UNITY
Unity is the expression of the sense of wholeness in the design. Every structure should appear
complete. No parts should appear as appendages or afterthoughts. Designers achieve unity through the
use of consistent line and color, even though the building is composed of many different parts. Unity, or
harmony, as the name implies, is the joining together of the basic elements of good design to form one
harmonious, unified whole. Unity ( or harmony ) is achieved though the utilization of any or all of the
elements of design, for there is potential for unity within each.

VARIETY
 Without variety, any area xan become dull and tiresome to the eye of the observer.Too much
rhythm, too much repetition, too much unity ruin a sense of variety or contrast. Likewise, too little of any
of the elements of design will also result in lack of variety. Light, shadow, and color are used extensively
to achieve variety.

REPETITION
Unity is often achieved through repetition. Vertical lines, spaces and to textures are repeated
throughout the design to tie the structure together aesthetically and to achieved unity.

OPPOSITION
Opposites in design add interest. Opposition involves contrasting elements such as short ang long,
tick and thin, straight and curved, black and white. Opposite forms, color, and lines in a design, when
used effectively with the other principles of design, achieve balance, emphasis, and variety.

SUBORDINATION
When emphasis is achieved through some designe feature, other features naturally become
subordinate, lesser in emphasis or importance. Subordination can be related in design to lines, shape or
color.

TRANSITION
The change from one color to another, from a curved to straight line, If done while maintaining the
unity of the design. Is known as transition. transition may involve the intersection of molding from one
wail to another in the same room, or may apply to a change from one floor surface to another in
adjoining rooms. the designer's task in achieving successful transition in all aspectd of the design
contributes to the harmony of different elements of design without sacrificing unity. And thus using the
elements of design ( line, form, material, color, light, space, texture ) and applying the principles of
design ( balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion, opposition, repetition, unity, variety, subordination,
transition ), combined with innovative engineering, the modern designer creates aesthetically pleasing
environments which enhance contemporary lifestyles and provide functional convenience.

source: Architecture: Drafting and Design - Hepler-Wallach-Hepler

Principles of Design
 A fundamental and comprehensive concept of visual perception for structuring an aesthetic
composition.
BALANCE
the pleasing or harmonious arrangement or proportion of parts or elements in a design or
composition.

RHYTHM
Movement characterized by apatterned repetition or alternation of formal elements or
motifs in the same or modified form.

EMPHASIS
Stress or prominence given to an element of a composition by means of contrast, anomaly
or counterpoint.

PROPORTION
The comparative proper or harmonious relation of one part to another or to the whole with
respect to magnitude quantity or degree.

UNITY
The state or quality of being combined into one as the ordering of element in an artistic
work that constitutes a harmonious whole or promotes a singleness of effect.

VARIETY
The state or quality of having varied or diverse forms, types or characteristics.

REPETITION
The act or process of repeating formal elements or motifs in a design.

OPPOSITION
The state or position of being placed opposite anotheror of lying in corresponding positions
intervening space or object.

TRANSITION
Movement passage or change from one form state or place to another.

source: A Visual Dictionary of Architecture - Francis D. K. Ching