Architecture GATE Solution GATE 2016

Principles of visual composition

1. Important factor to be considered in Urban Design – Arrangement of spaces

Good composition
Orderly and pleasing
Pleasure follows order
2. principles of composition –
Unity –
Oneness and brings harmony with the surroundings.
Similar forms give coherence to the parts and integrity to the whole.
An urban form so planned and created will create a single picture of unity.
Dissimilar forms, texture, color lack unity.
Segregation –
Composition should form an independent unit by separating from others by
enclosing masses.
It can be made up neutral forms, average textures or subdued colors of
building masses.
Coherence –
Complicated compositions lack coherence.
Too many sorts of buildings, elements, and accessories result in lack of
coherence.
Balance –
Symmetrical balance – Balance means equality and it can be easily
obtained by symmetrical type of plants or features on either side of
the central axis of composition. Balance should be dynamic, vital
hence it should be rhythmic.
https://www.facebook.com/Architecture-GATE-Solution-818266061628451/?ref=hl ar. Deepak singh
IIT Roorkee
1
Architecture GATE Solution GATE 2016

Asymmetrical or Occult balance – Too unequal masses on either side of

the central axis form asymmetrical balance. Meticulously arranged
occult balance adds softness and freedom to the composition.
Scale –
The building or group of buildings must be in scale with its surroundings.
The parts of the composition in relation to each other should exhibit their
true size.
Rhythm and reputation –
It is a devise to give continuity to the design.
It develops rhythmic sequence producing a coherent effect.
Use distinctive elements for a rhythmic arrangement (columns, openings
like windows), to hold together and carry the eye from part to the other.
Color –
Select paints for long color effects.
A feeling of coherence in design is achieved by color as well or by simple
repetition of the same color at regular intervals.
Texture –
It is the surface quality which give a textile sensation when touched, such
as soft cum hard, smooth, rough etc.,
Sandstone – course.
Marble – translucent and soft
Light and Shade –
Occasional Shades cast by large openings produce a pictorial effect.
Columns and arcades throw shadows in the morning and evening producing
a constant change of light and shade.
Quality of color also changes according to the intensity of light.
https://www.facebook.com/Architecture-GATE-Solution-818266061628451/?ref=hl ar. Deepak singh
IIT Roorkee
2
Architecture GATE Solution GATE 2016

3. Visual aspect of plan arrangement –

View: is a scene observed from a given place.
Vista: is a confined view to a dominant feature. Each vista has a
viewing station. A well conceived vista has the balance and
rhythm.
Axis: is a linear element connecting two or more elements such
as a drive, a street or a park way. It is directional, orderly,
dominating.

4. Color theory –
Primary hues - RED, YELLOW, BLUE
Complementary colors: Red and Green
Harmonizing colors – hues adjacent on the color wheel.
Hue – (first dimension), by definition it is pure color, containing no white,
black or grey.
Value – (2” dimension), it is the degree of colors luminosity
Yellow - the lightest color of spectrum wheel- higher value
Violet – the lowest value.
Intensity – (3” dimension), give some measure of quality of relative
colorfulness or grey ness. Also known as chroma, purity or saturation. As
spectral hues become greyer they are called as tones. Red is the most
advancing color.
5. VIBGYOR
cold

https://www.facebook.com/Architecture-GATE-Solution-818266061628451/?ref=hl ar. Deepak singh

IIT Roorkee
3
Architecture GATE Solution GATE 2016

6. Effects of hue
Effect hue contrast
Exciting bright, red, orange high
Stimulating red, orange moderate
Cheering light orange yellow, light grey moderate
Neutralizing grey, white/off white low
Retraining cool grey, light green, light blue low
Relaxing blue, green

https://www.facebook.com/Architecture-GATE-Solution-818266061628451/?ref=hl ar. Deepak singh

IIT Roorkee
4
Architecture GATE Solution GATE 2016

low
Subduing purple moderate
Depressing black low
7. color time size weight volume
Warm overestimated things seem heavier decreases
Cool under estimated things seem lighter increases
8. Use cool colors shorter & for areas where smaller routine or monotonous
tasks are performed.
9. Natural color system – Edward Herings theory
10. Sven Hassel prepared a color atlas.
11. We can’t see an object if beyond a distance of 3500times its size.
12. range of conventional distance – 30’
13. to make out facial expressions – 40’
14. to make recognize a face – 80’
15. Max. Distance for discovering action – 450’ for seeing people – 4000.
16. 450° (1:1) full enclosure
17. 300° (1:2) threshold of enclosure
18. 180° (1:3) minimum enclosure
19. 140° (1:4) loss of enclosure
20. shape is 2-dimensional
21. form is 3-D
22. color – hue or chroma
23. intensity – graying effect
24. value – tint (adding white) (high key)
25. shading (adding black) (low key)
26. tone – range of tints and shades
https://www.facebook.com/Architecture-GATE-Solution-818266061628451/?ref=hl ar. Deepak singh
IIT Roorkee
5
Architecture GATE Solution GATE 2016

27. Various color systems – Munsell, Prang etc.

Sense of place and space, division of space

1. In urban design, there should be skilled deployment of architectural energy

so that the influence of fine buildings radiates outward, articulating the
whole fabric of the city.
2. Architecture is the articulation of space so as to produce in the participator
a definite space experience in relation to previous and anticipated space
experience.
Involvement
Meeting the sky
Meeting the ground
Points in space
Recession places (Patios, entrance gateways etc)
Design in depth (a sense of movement in depth)
Ascent and descent (use of varying levels as the elements)
Convexity and concavity in design
Relationship to man
Designer as participator
Apprehension, representation and realization.
3. The nature of design – simultaneous movement systems.
https://www.facebook.com/Architecture-GATE-Solution-818266061628451/?ref=hl ar. Deepak singh
IIT Roorkee
6
Architecture GATE Solution GATE 2016

4. principles of design
unity – repetition of identical elements
Head of well proportioned human figure = 1/7 oxf total body height.
Proportion – golden mean is a ratio 1:1.618 standard.
Certain proportions are more pleasing than others.
Subliminal effect.

https://www.facebook.com/Architecture-GATE-Solution-818266061628451/?ref=hl ar. Deepak singh

IIT Roorkee
7