NDID 1102: Principle and element of Interior Design

Sri Lanka National Design Institute (SLNDI)

Study guide, definitions, and notes

Principle of Design – ‘Balance’

Symmetrical balance (Formal balance)

 The two sides are mirror images of each other, which is the easiest type of balance to
achieve.
 Symmetrical balance is used extensively in architecture, and it feels very stable, permanent,
and calm.
 The attention is automatically focused on whatever is placed at the centre of the frame.
 This is a good way to organize a formal scene.
Ex: A wedding or graduation scene.

Asymmetrical balance (informal balance)

 It is more common, more interesting, and more difficult to achieve.
 Balance is achieved by using dissimilar elements with different visual interests.
 These different methods are discussed below.
 Always remember that there is an interaction between these and so balance can be
achieved by a combination of the methods discussed below.

Balance by value.
 The eye is attracted to contrast so a small area of high contrast will balance a larger area of
low contrast.

Balance by colour.
 The eye is more attracted to colour than to a natural image, so a small region of colour,
especially a bright colour, can balance a larger natural or dully adjacent.
 Complementary colours weigh more than adjacent similar colours.

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Balance by shape
 A small, complicated shape can balance a large simple shape.
 Also, a large, uncluttered area can balance a small busy area containing many shapes.
 A large simple area can be enhanced by even bright lighting or by breaking them up with
shadows.
 Thereby making them more complex.

Balance by texture
 Texture and surface are like value, colour, and shape.
 A busy, high contrast texture on a small shape will balance a larger shape with a smooth,
matte surface.
 The attraction of the texture can be enhanced or minimized by appropriate lighting.
Ex: - Bright and hard to enhance or soft and dim.

Balance by position
 A smaller object farther away from the centre will balance a larger object that is closer to the
centre.
 Even if we cannot move an object in a scene. Its visual weight can be affected by the
lighting.

Balance by eye direction.

 Edges, shapes, and groups all imply a visual direction.
 This can be used to balance a heavier side by having the eye direction point to the lighter
side, thus transferring visual importance.
 A linear object, a shadow edge or the edge of light can achieve a strong directional effect.
 Having the same colour on opposite sides of an image can also cause the eye to be led
from.

Balance by physical weight.

 The perceived physical weight of an object contributes to its visual interest, with a heavier
object having more visual interest than a lighter object of the same size.

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