PRINCIPLE OF

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
DAAT 1043

Chapter 7:

Ordering Principles

SUBTOPICS>>

1. SCALE & PROPORTION

While SCALE indicate to the size of
something to a reference standard or to
the size of something else, PROPORTION
refers to the proper or harmonious
relation of one part to another
size, colour, quantity, degree, setting, ratio.
This refers to the correct sizing and
distribution of an element or object which
creates good proportion.
Good proportion adds harmony, symmetry
or balance among the parts of a design.

2. AXIS
A line established by two points in
space
Forms and spaces can be arranged in
a symmetrical or balanced manner.
An axis has the qualities of length and
direction, encourages movement and
promotes view along its path.
Terminating elements of an axis:

a. point in space

Points in space established by

vertical, linear elements or
centralized building forms.

2. AXIS
b. well defined place
Well-defined spaces, generally
centralized or regular in form .

Piazza Vatican City, Rome,

Italy by Bernini

c. gateways that open outward

Gateways that open outward
toward a view or vista beyond.

Itsukushima Temple
Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan

3. SYMMETRY
The balanced distribution and arrangement of equal forms and spaces
on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane, or a centre or axis.
Two fundamental types of symmetry:

a. Bilateral symmetry

b. Radial symmetry

3. SYMMETRY
a. Bilateral symmetry

The Parthenon

Petronas Twin Tower, Malaysia

3. SYMMETRY
b. Radial symmetry

Swiss Ray Tower, London

4. BALANCE
Balance is what gives a design stability and equilibrium. It distributes
visual weight throughout space making the design seem fluid rather
than heavy.
Two types of balance:

a. symmetrical balance

b. asymmetrical balance

5. FOCAL POINT

Focal point creates emphasis.

A focal point is an area where the eye tends to centre.
It is the focus of the viewer's attention.
Created by making one area of element of the building dominant

6. CONTRAST
Opposition of dissimilar elements to exaggerate each elements
properties
produce more dynamic expressiveness.
Occurs when two related elements are different.
The greater the difference the greater the contrast.
Most designs require a certain amount of contrast.
Too much similarity of the components in any design becomes
monotonous.

7. HIERARCHY
A system of elements ranked, classified, and organised one above
another according to its significance.
The principle of hierarchy suggests that in most, if not all architectural
compositions, real differences exist among their forms and spaces.

a. hierarchy by size

Permanent Mission of India

to the UN. New York.
-Charles Correa

7. HIERARCHY
b. hierarchy by shape

c. hierarchy by placement

8. REPETITION
The act or process of repeating formal elements or motifs in a design.
The simplest form of repetition is a linear pattern of redundant elements.
Elements need not be perfectly identical, however, to be grouped in a
manner.

a. repetition by size

b. repetition by shape

c. repetition by detail

9. RHYTHM
Rhythm refers to any movement
characterized by a patterned
repetition of formal elements or
motifs in the same or modified form.
Rhythm is the result of repetition
which leads the eye from one area
to another in direct, flowing
movement.
3 ways to produce rhythm:
Through the repetition
of shapes

Through a Progression
of sizes

Through continuous line

movement

10. CONTINUITY
Treat different elements in the same manner
Continuity helps to create "family resemblances" between different
forms.
This helps to tie them together by creating an uninterrupted
connection or union.
It is the state or quality of being continuous as a line, edge or
direction.

11. DATUM
A datum refers to a line, plane, or
volume of reference to which other
elements in a composition can
relate.
It organizes a random pattern of
elements through its regularity,
continuity and constant presence.
Types of datum:

a. datum by line

Devore House, Pennsylvania

Architect: Louis Khan

11. DATUM
b. datum by plane

c. datum by volume

11. DATUM

German Pavilion, Montrel World Exposition

Architect: Rolf Gutbrod and Frei Otto

12. HARMONY
Harmony is an arrangement between the shapes that stresses the
similarities of all parts.
In other words, the shape of one part should "fit" the shape of the
adjoining elements.
Shapes should "fit" properly in their positions and spaces.

13. UNITY
Unity is the symbol of a good design.
It's the final result in a composition when all the design elements
work harmoniously together giving the viewer a satisfying sense
of belonging and relationship.
Unity within a well composed design accomplishes two things:
Unity creates a sense of order
Unity also gives elements the appearance of completeness, that
they belong together

In class exercise, define the meaning of:

End of Chapter 9:

Ordering Principles

Next Class:
Submission of Assignment 2 (20%)
(24th November 2015)

Good Luck & Thank you.