Introduction

Have you ever noticed how buildings of similar size and

shape can have completely different visual effects?
Architects, like artists, must understand the elements and
principles of design and how they affect the visual impact
of the building on a viewer. Whether it is the intent of the
architect to create a feeling of strength and stability or to
create an unusual form that will elicit a double-take from
the public, the elements and principles of design can be
used to manipulate the intellectual and emotional
reactions of the people who see and use the building.

Equipment
Principles and Elements of Design Applied to
Architecture presentation notes

Procedure
In this activity you will identify design elements and principles as they pertain to
images of structures.

For each of the following, choose one element of design and one principle of design
that you feel is most prominent in the image and then justify your choice.

Word Bank
Balance Form Rhythm Texture

Color Line Shape Unity

Emphasis Proportion/Scale Space Value

1. Principle of Design

Emphasis

Justification:
The columns and arches stick out from
the background more and draws
attention to them rather than the
background.

Element of Design

Form

Justification:
 The columns and arches have a more
3-D form than the its background.

2. Principle of Design

______Formal
Balance_____________

Justification:
The elements in the design are
identical in relation to a center axis.
The bottom of the building is for
support and stability.

Element of Design

_____Lines______________

Justification:
The columns going all the way in
this structure demonstrates its
stability.
3. Principle of Design

_____Proprtion and
Scale______________

Justification:

There is a comparative relationship

to the different sizes of the buildings.

Element of Design

______Color______________

Justification:

The white building is made to stand

out more from the red building.

4. Principle of Design

______Movement____________
_

Justification:

The building has a certain flow to it.

Element of Design
City Hall and London Bridge
______Texture______________

Justification:
The surface looks and of something
smooth. it reflects more light and
therefore is more of and intense
look.

5. Principle of Design

______Balance_____________

Justification:

The strucutre shows horizontal

balance because both sides of the
structure are equal.

Element of Design:

______Color______________

Justification:
The painting has a sense of
coolness, because of the blues and
the greens.Also a touch of warm
colors.
6. Principle of Design

______Rhythm_____________

Justification:

Repeated use of the triangular

shape.

Element of Design

_______Shape and
Form_____________

Justification:
Once again the shape is repeated,
with the triangular glass.

7. Principle of Design

_____Unity______________

Justification:
The building structure has a
repeated use of lines,texture shape
and size.

Element of Design

_____Space_______________

Justification:
The different sizes of the buildings
brings a great sense of more room to
it. the Interior might be huge.

8. Principle of Design

__Rhythm______________

Justification:
the structure has a sense of rhythm
because the arch pattern is repeated
throughout the entire structure.

Roman aqueduct

Element of Design

________Lines____________

Justification:

The horizontal Roman aqueduct

represents calm, peace, and
relaxation.

9. Principle of Design

____Emphasis______________
_

Justification:

The gold and white makes the

building more attractive. .
Element of Design

______Color______________
Justification: The gold onto the
white really helps the structure
stand out.

10. Principle of Design

______Contrast_____________

Justification:
The colors and proportion of each
building are what makes them stand
out the most. Verybpretty.

Element of Design

_______Color_____________

Justification:
The beautiful colors of each building
help the building stand out more.
even the color contrast between the
actual building and the windows.
Beautiful Brings a sense of warmth
to the home..

Conclusion
 1. In what way do certain elements or principles identify the time period in which a
structure was created?

The certain elements and principles identify the time period because we have more
advancements in architecture then there was back then, now we have materials that we
can use no matter the climate or area. But back then the building material of a home
depended on what material was available..

2. What factors might account for an incorrect identification?

When people make a revival of a time period, it may be very easy to mistake it for the
revival and not the real thing.

3. Describe an example of a way that design principles and elements could impact
the function of a building.
The principle and elements can determine what a building is determined for. So the way
the building is colored, built, formed, and the materials it is composed of all take a huge
account to it.