Introduction to the Elements of Design

DEFINITION
• The elements are components or parts which
can be isolated and defined in any visual
design or work of art. They are the structure
of the work, and can carry a wide variety of
messages.
Elements of design
 Element of Design: Point

• The point is the first and simplest element of visual design.

• A point marks a position in space.
• It has no mass at all
• Even if there is only one point, one mark on a blank page there
is something built into the brain that wills meaning for it, and
seeks some kind of relationship or order

• If there are two points, immediately the eye will make a

connection and "see" a line. If there are three points, it is
unavoidable to interpret them as a triangle; the mind supplies
the connections.
• This compulsion to connect parts is described as grouping
• The point serves as the focus of a visual,
highlighting or drawing attention to important information.

• Several points in combination may

represent a more complicated
object or idea

• A series of points can

attract attention, especially as they move closer together.
 Epidauros, Greece

Baptistery at Pisa, Italy

Cenotaph for Sir

Issac Newton
Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome, C. 1544, Michelangelo.
 Element of Design: Line

• A line is an infinite series of points.

• a line has length, but no breadth. A line is the connection between two
points, or it is the path of a moving point.
• line consist of only one dimension, length.
• In the real world of creating art though a one dimensional line would not
be practical. A more usable definition might be that line is the path of a
dot, point etc. through space and that is always has more length than
thickness. Lines are not all the same, especially in art.
They can be straight or curved,
continuous or broken. When a line
reaches a certain thickness, it
becomes a plane.
 Element of Design: Shape

• A plane is a flat surface extending in height and width. A plane

is the path of a moving line; it is a line with breadth

• Shape is a two dimensional area confined by a actual line or

implied line (an edge for example). In drawing shapes are
created when the ends of lines are joined to enclose areas.

Types of Shapes
• There are two general categories that are use to describe
shapes. Geometric and Free-Form or Organic Shapes
TEXTURE
Texture is a surface’s tactile quality - Smooth, Rough, Soft

Texture is the apparent look or feel of the surface

TEXTURE AS ELEMENT OF DESIGN
TEXTURE AS ELEMENT OF DESIGN IN ARCHITECTURE
An architect creates texture in building by certain choices
of materials. Heavy, jagged stone may be used in a
building to give it a rough texture, whereas delicate,
carved woods can give a structure a light

Texture can also be suggested by the rich layering of

shapes and forms on a building. - Patterns

Texture - defines aesthetic of the building.

Variations on the degree of texture will create effects

The transition from smooth to rough textures provides a

response
Smooth texture creates a cool, clean pristine
appearance

Rough textures create a warm natural

appearance

Use of texture in design must be carefully

Rough textures may provide a crude, unfinished

appearance
PLANE
VOLUME
COLOUR
 Provides a wide array of potential affects

 Provide emphasis to the character of a building

 Highlight

 The use of colour must be appropriate to the intended

function and aesthetic of the design
St. Basil church
Moscow, Russia.
Jodhpur – Blue City
JAIPUR PINK CITY
PATTERN