Summary Paper 2

Principles of Architectural Design and Composition

Author/s: Neil Andre M. Borgador
Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila, Philippines
naborgador@gmail.com

Abstract: Appreciation is an integral criterion for architecture. For a structure to be appreciated, Architectural techniques should be
anchored to the absolute truths of nature. Principles of composition and principles of design are the popular and significant
techniques with regards to appreciation. This paper encompasses the absolute concepts of nature as an origin of influence to
the architecture’s principles of design and relationship of elements on a structure’s visual appearance from the implied
principle of composition .

INTRODUCTION
Principles of design and principles of composition are both important aspects of visualising a structure. The
two are often interchanged by most of the clients because they both influence visual appreciation inferring
that the two terms are alike. Principles of design refers to the use of proven truths for founding the form,
placing of elements and solids, and articulating spaces inside and outside of the structure. There are seven
principles of design namely the proportion, scale, hierarchy, rhythm, and the three interrelated
principles(axis, symmetry, and balance). Principles of design affect the circulation and movement of an
individual through manipulating spaces. Principles of composition are just merely concerned with the
relationship of elements in the overall visual impact of the building and mostly used for the exteriors of the
building. The six principles of architectural composition are unity, dominance, harmony, vitality, emphasis,
and fluidity. Enlightening these concepts to the clients would enhance their visual appreciation of a building
and may accept and understand the variety of principles that an architect applies in their building.

Principles of Architectural Design

This section covers the natural truths and proven theories, sequence, and equations that guides an architect
in construction of a building. The following principles included in this section are proportion, scale, rhythm,
and the three interrelated principles of architectural designs.

1. Proportion

The outstanding principle of architectural design that humans consider is proportion. It is one of the natural
truths because proportion is the product of human’s logic reasoning. It also encapsulates the other principles
such as rhythm and scale. Rhythm and scale are not classified under the section of proportion to give more
emphasis and description on the principles. The relationship between different things or parts in terms of
comparative size, number, or degree is known as proportion.. The highlighted concepts of proportion in this
paper are structural and manufactured proportion, and renaissance theories.

1.1.1. Structural Proportion

Structural proportion should always be present in the building, otherwise the building would collapse. This
principle is observed when establishing the foundations of the structures. The normal structural proportion
is the horizontal and vertical placement beams, or the vertical placement of columns.
1.1.2 Manufactured Proportion
Nowadays, construction materials are manufactured. Manufactured construction materials set dimensional
limits on the form of the structure. The frequently utilised manufactured construction material by majority
of the structures in the Philippines are hollow blocks and windows.

1.1.3 Renaissance Theories

Most of the world’s greatest structures were built in the renaissance period. This proves that the formulated
renaissance theories are applicable principles for constructing a building. One of the theories is derived
from the musical consonances which claimed that the harmony of the world is defined by the seven
numbers (1,2,3,4,8,9, and 27) which sprouted Andrea Palladio’s I Quattro libri dell’ architettura Theory
and Alberti’s architectural theory. Another example is the proven sequence of the lengths and widths of the
rooms; the dimensions of the room should according to the 16:24:36 geometric sequence. Diameters of the
columns are descending in order from the ground up to the ceiling which was also derived from the
geometric sequence.
2. Scale

The primitive scale was the anthropometric scale. Humans use skin folds or parts of the body as a basis for
dimensioning an object. It is also known as body dimensioning. Modular theory of Le Corbusier was
derived from anthropometry but the specialised dimensions are from the human standing position until the
crouch position. Golden ratios of the rectangles are also used to create the dimensions of the cube, cuboid,
or a rectangular space. The golden selections of a rectangle are ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 1:1.618. The ken and
shaku measurements of Japan have a method incorporating all the golden selections of the rectangle.
Filipino architects should also utilise the Philippines' very own anthropometric unit of measurements which
are Dipa, bisig, dangkal, talampakan, sandamak, and piranggot to have an own aesthetic module.

3. Rhythm
The Fibonacci sequence was formulated from the natural truths in the world. The sequence can be
distinguished in every living thing in the world. The golden ratio 1.618 was adopted from the fibonacci
sequence.

4. Hierarchy

Principle of hierarchy is used for the organisation of elements and spaces. This principle overlaps every
other principle especially if the building is sacred or does have symbolisms.
5. Three Interrelated Principles of Architectural Design

Symmetry can’t be determined if humans didn’t use an imaginary axis on a building while balance would
be undefined if the person didn’t recognise the symmetry.

1.5.1. Axis
An imaginary centred line to equally separate the building for symmetry analysation.
1.5.2 Symmetry
Distinguishing the amount of elements on an imaginary division of the building.
1.5.3 Balance
Conclusion of symmetry about the visual analysation of a building.

Circulation Systems
Circulation is about the building’s interaction with people and normally about the people's movement on the
spaces of the building. This section has subconcepts of approach, entrance, configuration of space, path-
space relationships, form of the circulation space.

6. Approach

It is the distant view of the building from the road. This is the first phase of the circulation system due to the
nature of approach contrasts in its termination to an interior. In a nutshell, it is about the exterior spaces of a
building inviting people to its openings and appreciating the view of the building.

1.6.1. Frontal Approach

This is the most common approach because it is the clearest among the types of approach. It has an axial
path. It directs the focus of an individual to the opening and implying to explore the interior spaces of the
building
1.6.2 Oblique Approach
Oblique approach suggests people to appreciate the view of the building for more time by redirecting paths
1 or more times. It is also approached at an extreme angle enhancing the perspective of an individual
towards the building.

1.6.3 Spiral Approach

Spiral approach is designed to explore different views of the house, It gives emphasis to the exterior spaces
and external 3d forms of the building. The entrance may not be visible until the point of arrival.

7. Entrance
Entrance is the partition between the interior and exterior spaces of a building. It allows individuals to know
the functions of the building through its interior spaces. Entrances can be determined if there is and implied
plane, change in level, and wall opening.

1.7.1. Flush Entrance

Maintains the continuity of the wall by opening the portion of the surface on the geometric form. Mostly
used for parks, and historical structures.

1.7.2 Projected Entrance

Projected entrance is created through additive transformation of forms. It is mostly used for providing an
overhead shelter above an individual. This entrance is highly recommended in the Philippines because the
country is susceptible to rains or tropical cyclones. It keeps the covered public space underneath dry when it
is raining.

1.7.3 Recessed Entrance

Recessed entrance is created through subtractive transformation of forms. It also provides shelter using a
portion of interior space. This kind of entrance suggests an individual to have a collection of thoughts
before entering the interior spaces of a building.

8. Configuration of Space

Configuration of space is sequencing exterior spaces to create paths approaching the structure. The several
configurations of space are linear, radial, spiral, grid, network, and composite.
1.8.1. Linear Configuration
Straight, curvilinear, branched or segmented paths. These paths are areaction for a clustered type of spatial
organisation.
1.8.2 Radial Configuration
Linear paths do have a common radial space. All linear paths are terminated at the radial space. These paths
are derivation form the radial type of spatial organisation
1.8.3 Spiral Configuration
Origin terminates the single and continuous path. The most exposed curved path has the largest dimension.
This type of path promotes revolution to reach the origin. This configuration is mostly used for the
lighthouses. It is also beneficial for lowering the slopes, especially for the mountain roads.
1.8.4 Grid Configuration
Sets of parallel and intersecting linear paths that create golden selection rectangular spaces. This type of
configuration imposes equality of spaces and provides more spaces for settlement. This configuration
should be endorsed on congested areas in the Philippines.
1.8.5 Network Configuration
Network is a combination of linear and radial configuration. There are major and minor paths due to the
branching technique. The centre terminates the major paths. The centre space is the powerful space among
other spaces. This type of configuration is a reaction to central organisation and clustered organisation.
1.8.6 Composite Configuration
This configuration is the most flexible one because it can be the combination of two or more different types
of configuration space. Paths don't have a definite ratio but atleast connected to each other. This
configuration might be used as a reaction to linear organisation.

9. Path-space relationships

Path-space relationships focus on the exterior elements of a building. openings, Person’s line of sight, and
in between exterior spaces are the interest of Path-space relationships. The categories of path-space
relationships are pass by spaces, Pass through spaces, and terminate in a space.

1.9.1 Pass by Spaces

Pass by spaces merge a path with spaces. configuration of path is flexible and maintains the integrity of
each space even the mediating spaces.
1.9.2 Pass Through Spaces

Pass through spaces, it controls individual movements by passing at least two openings. May pass through
axially, obliquely, or along its edge. This is mostly used for tunnels, underpasses, and may even be
footbridges.

1.9.3 Terminate in a Space

Termination of space is used for functional and symbolic spaces. It emphasises the presence of the building.

10. Circulation of Space

Circulation of space focuses on the interior elements of a building. opening of sides, Person’s line of sight,
and in between interior spaces are the interest of circulation of space. Closed on both sides, open on one
side, and open on both sides are the enveloped concepts of circulation of space.

1.10.1 Closed on both sides

Path unions two parallel planes without any openings on the surface. Mostly used for private corridors,
hallways, and public galleria. It allows a person's sight to focus on the exit opening.

1.10.2 Open on one Side

Open on one side provides visual and spatial continuity with the spaces it links. It gives the person a choice
on which of the two opened sides will he/she give focus. This is mostly used for Veranda, balcony, and
may even be on stairs.

1.10.3 Open on both Sides

Collonaded passageways become a physical extension of the space it passes through. The person has
leeway in directing his/her sight. Open on both sides are mostly used for open space on roof decks. This
may give an emotional effect of settlement to an individual.

Principles of Architectural Composition

Underlying principles are concerned towards the structure’s exterior visual composition and visual
appearance which affects the appreciation of people. The following principles are unity, dominance,
harmony, vitality, emphasis, and fluidity.

1.11 Unity
Unity is concerned with how the exterior visual elements of a building relate to one another; this is termed
as visual composition. This is the most generalised principle of architectural composition because it
encompasses the principle of harmony, dominance, vitality, and balance.. Unity gives a symphonic
ambiance. This principle is achieved when exterior elements complement each other in a way they have
common aspects such as texture, colour hue and tone, direction, proportion, solid and void, form or shape;
this is often called self unity. An example of this is roofs, walls, windows and doors providing the aspects
of unity.

1.12 Harmony

Harmony is like a puzzle. Different elements connect to have a sense of wholeness. Harmony can be
described as the pleasing interaction or appropriate orderly combination of the elements in a composition.
Harmony can be of colour, tone, direction, proportion, form, repetition of forms, and texture. A perfect
example of this is a symmetrical or asymmetrical plan of openings and columns. Usage of one colour for
the whole exterior colour of the building might be considered a harmony regardless of the openings and
columns.

1.13 Dominance

Recessed openings and the dominant elements create a pattern on the visual composition of the building.
The element given the most visual weight as the element of primary emphasis. The dominant element
would advance into the foreground in a composition. The sub principles of dominance are emphasis and
vitality.

1.14 Vitality

Vitality creates equality among the partitioned dominant elements and recessed openings. This tends to
reduce dominance and weakens unity. by providing too many contrasting elements that would impair
harmony.

1.15 Emphasis

Emphasis is used to exaggerate dominant elements or recessed opening to remove the

equilibrium. on the exteriors of the buildings. An insistent or vigorous way of attributing
importance or enforcing attention. It can be done through surface articulation, linear
pattern of windows and the likes.
1.16 Fluidity

Different elements that are pleasing to the eye and have a sense of movement to create a
whole are considered as fluidity. Fluidity gives an impression of flowness of the elements
that is smooth and graceful. This principle can be applied together with the other
principles of architectural composition.

2. CONCLUSION

This paper would serves as the guide for individuals who need clarifications about the two principles.
Visual sense dominates the other senses of humas which makes visual perception as a basis for appreciating
a structure. Principles of architectural design and composition should be presented to the clients for them
know the design processes of the building and what principles to incorporate in client’s building. With this,
client’s visual perception towards the building would be more critical in influencing their appreciation.