Ambrocio, Lara Kaye T.

BSAr 5C

7 PRINCIPLES OF COMPOSITION
CONTRAST = VARIETY
DIMENSION PROPORTION = RELATIONSHIPS
SCALE = SIZE, MAGNITUDE
GRAVITATIONAL
CURBES BALANCE = EQUILIBRIUM
RHYTHM = REPETITION
HEIRARCHY UNITY = HARMONY
CHARACTER = EXPRESSIVENESS

CONTRAST = VARIETY
- Contrast in art and design occurs when two related
elements are different

CONTRAST OF FORM CONTRAST OF LINE

CONTRAST OF SIZE CONTRAST OF TONE

PROPORTION = RELATIONSHIPS
- is the comparative harmonious relationship between two or
more elements in a composition with respect to size, colour,
quantity, degree, setting and ratio.

SCALE = SIZE, MAGNITUDE

- Scale is a fixed proportion used in determining
measurements and dimensions.

TWO TYPES OF SCALE

1. GENERIC SCALE- The size of the building element relative

to other forms in its context.
2. HUMAN SCALE- The size of the building element or space
related to the dimensions and proportion of a human body.

BALANCE = EQUILIBRIUM
- It is the foundation upon which arrangement, harmony and
adjustment of weights, tones, values, etc. are developed.

THREE (3) TYPES OF BALANCE

1. Symmetrical Balance – Monumental

a. Centralized- is the easiest and simplest kind of balance in
precisely the same manner on the other side of a central
axis.
 b. Formal- balance in view/ general grouping is similar but
dissimilar in plan or details.

c. Radial- is characterized by an arrangement where all the

parts radiate from a center like the spokes in a wheel.

2. Unsymmetrical Balance – (Informal)

- It attempts to satisfy the eye without any effort to place
equal masses at similar distances from the center of the
composition.
3. Gravitational Balance
– picturesque of surroundings

RHYTHM = REPETITION
- Refers to the regular or harmonious recurrence of lines,
shape, forms or colors.

2 TYPES OF RHYTYM

1. Unaccented Rhythm- if equally spaced windows are

introduced on unbroken wall, the regular repetition is present
2. Accented Rhythm- if the openings is arrange in such
manner that some are MORE IMPORTANT than others, the eye
grasp the importance of this relationship and pauses longer in
contemplating LARGER element.

UNITY = HARMONY
- Suggests “HARMONY”
- all unrelated elements are brought into proper relation to each
other usually found in REPETITION there must be a “LEADER”
or an ACCENT must be introduced.
CHARACTER = EXPRESSIVENESS

3 TYPES OF CHARACTER
1. Function- The most important kind of character in
architecture is that which results from the purpose of the
building or the reason for its erection.Association - influence of
tradition.

Example: MUSEUM, MONUMENT

2. Association- This comes from the influence of ideas and

impressions related to or growing out of past experiences.

3. Personality - Personal character in architecture bears a

certain relation to the same attribute in the life of an individual.