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
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.