PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

PROPORTION

Proportion refers to the size relationships that can be found within an object or design

For example, take an Egyptian patterned rug, the proportion of the rug can be: The length compared to the width The size of the border area compared to the

middle design The size of the middle design compared to the

rug as a whole The rug’s area compared to the entire floor area The amount of each colour in the design

PROPORTION

Certain proportions create a more pleasing effect than others Generally people prefer rectangles to squares,

however if the rectangle is too long and narrow it might express a feeling of discomfort

Unequal divisions of space are often preferred Many designers find that dividing a line or form

according to the golden section is more visually appealing than dividing it exactly in half

THE GOLDEN SECTION

The ancient Greeks discovered that if you divide a line somewhere between one-third and one-half the distance from one end, it is more visually appealing

The ratio of the larger segment to the smaller segment will equal the ratio of the whole line to the larger segment

THE GOLDEN RECTANGLE

A rectangle that has sides in ratio of 2 to 3 (short sides are two-thirds the length of the long

sides) This is thought to be the most visually

satisfying rectangle

SCALE

Refers to how the size of an object or space relates to human beings and to other objects or spaces in a design

For example, a wide-screen TV may be better to watch sports, but may be too big for a smaller room

Or, a big room with a loveseat instead of a couch may also be out of scale

Rooms should also be designed for the humans who are going to live in it Mirrors and pictures should be at eye level,

children’s rooms may require smaller furniture

BALANCE

Balance in design occurs when the amount, size, or weight of objects on both sides of a center point is equal, or when unequal objects appear to be equal

There are two main techniques for achieving balance: Symmetrical balance Asymmetrical balance

BALANCE

Symmetrical balance The arrangement of forms on one side of an

imaginary central line is the mirror image of the forms on the opposite side

This type of balance expresses quiet and calm Asymmetrical balance

The arrangement of forms on either side of an imaginary central line are unmatched, but appear to be in balance

This type of balance creates interest

RHYTHM

The principle that suggests connected movement between different parts of a design

Rhythm can be achieved in various ways, including: Repetition Radiation Gradation Opposition Transition

RHYTHM - REPETITION

Rhythm is most often achieve by repetition Repetition can be created through A A A A in

which letter A could represent a window, a pattern in a rug, a bookshelf

Repetition can also be created through A B A B A B with two different elements repeating

Repeating rhythm helps to lead the eye from one point to another through a space

RHYTHM - RADIATION

Radiation occurs when lines radiate (or move outward) from a central point

Chairs arranged around a round table are an example of radiation

RHYTHM - GRADATION

A gradual increasing or decreasing of colour, size or pattern

For example, arranging books from shortest to tallest

This leads the eye from one object to the next, a gradual change of form is usually more pleasing than an abrupt change

RHYTHM - OPPOSITION

When lines come together to form right angles

For example, the square corners of a doorway

RHYTHM - TRANSITION

When lines change direction by flowing in a curve, or when curved lines lead the eye from one object to another

For example, a couch with a back that curves into the arms

EMPHASIS

The center of interest or focal point that first catches a viewer’s eye

For example, a dramatic structural features such as a colourful stained glass window or a winding staircase; or a large bookshelf or framed poster; or a collection of items grouped together

Emphasis can also be used to hide a feature you do not like, for example painting something the same colour as the wall

UNITY AND VARIETY

Unity occurs when all parts of a design are related by one idea

Variety is achieved when different styles and materials are combined, however it is important to still keep some aspect of harmony when using variety in design

Especially when dealing with a smaller space, it is important to have unity, as too much variety can make it feel even smaller