Design principles
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Design principles are the fundamental ideas and elements that can be applied to achieve successful design.
The elements that together comprise a design include:
- Line: A marker between two points.
- Shape: Geometric (i.e. squares and circles), or organic (i.e. free-formed or natural shapes).
- Direction: Horizontal, vertical or oblique.
- Size: Dimensions in relation to another element.
- Texture: Surface quality, i.e. rough, smooth, and so on.
- Colour: Hue, value (lightness or darkness), intensity (brightness or dullness).
The application of design principles to these elements will generate the design.
Common design principles include:
[edit] Balance
Balance provides stability and structure to a design by placing the elements in such a way that the visual weight, in terms of objects, colours, textures and space, is distributed, i.e. symmetry. For example, a large shape positioned close to the centre can be balanced by a small shape close to the edge.
[edit] Unity
This establishes an agreement between elements so that no individual element is viewed as more important than the design as a whole. Proximity is achieved, not necessarily by placing the elements together, but by connecting them visually:
- Repetition: Strengthens a design by tying together individual elements to create association and consistency.
- Rhythm: This is a feeling of ‘organised movement’ created when one or more elements are used repeatedly. Variety is essential to keeping rhythm interesting.
- Continuation: The sensation of a line or pattern extending.
- Perspective: The sense of distance between elements.
- Proportion: The sense of unity achieved when elements, or parts of elements, relate to each other in terms of size, amount or number.
[edit] Movement
This is the visual flow or path taken by the observer’s eye. It can be directed to focal areas by means of placement of dark and light areas, and positioning. Movement can be directed by the use of lines, edges, shapes and colours.
[edit] Emphasis/contrast
This is the part of the design that catches attention, usually achieved by contrasting areas in terms of size, colour, direction, form, density, texture, shape, and so on.
[edit] Space
This refers to the placing of elements such that there is space around or within them.
[edit] Alignment
Alignment enables order and organisation, which creates a visual connection between the elements.
For information about the application of design within the construction industry, see Design methodology.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Aesthetics and architecture.
- Aesthetics and performance.
- Architectonics.
- Building design.
- Concept architectural design.
- Concept drawing.
- Context.
- Contextualism.
- Design.
- Design intent.
- Design management for construction projects.
- Design methodology.
- Design programme.
- Design review.
- Empirical design.
- Form follows function.
- Genius loci.
- Manual drafting techniques.
- Patents.
- Perspective.
- Principles of conservation.
- Scale.
- Truth to materials.
- Types of drawings for building design.
- What is design?
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..