activity 1.1.2 design principles and elements -...

Activity 1.1.2 Design Principles and Elements

IntroductionHave you ever noticed how buildings of similar size and shape can have completely different visual effects? Architects, like artists, must understand the elements and principles of design and how they affect the visual impact of the building on a viewer. Whether it is the intent of the architect to create a feeling of strength and stability or to create an unusual form that will elicit a double-take from the public, the elements and principles of design can be used to manipulate the intellectual and emotional reactions of the people who see and use the building.

Equipment Principles and Elements of Design Applied to

Architecture presentation notes

ProcedureIn this activity you will identify design elements and principles as they pertain to images of structures.

For each of the following, choose one element of design and one principle of design that you feel is most prominent in the image and then justify your choice.

Word BankBalance Form Rhythm TextureColor Line Shape UnityEmphasis Proportion/Scale Space Value

Project Lead The Way, Inc.Copyright 2010

CEA – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Activity 1.1.2 – Design Principles and Elements –

1. Principle of Design

Rhythm, Unity_____

Justification: The beams and openings stay consistent throughout the building

Element of Design

Space, Color ______

Justification: It contains defined open spaces in between the columns, and the feeling of unity comes from the consistent color scheme


Balance, Emphasis, Unity_____

Justification: The building is symmetrical, and no one side “feels” heavier, and there is a clear emphasis on the giant dome on top. The building also uses the same color/material to make it seem unified

Element of Design

Color, Form____________

Justification: The consistent color bolsters the feeling of formal balance along the building and the dome form is emphasized by the rectangular shape of the rest of the building




Emphasis, Contrast___________

Justification: The tall white tower stands out against the shorter, wider, red brick building

Element of Design

Color___________

Justification: The color helps the emphasis of the white tower, versus the red building


Movement, Gradated Rhythm___

Justification: The way the building demonstrates movement, specifically up towards the top of the building by making the lines evenly spaced, but decreasing in size

Element of Design

Line, Form_____________

Justification: Curved lines create the feeling of movement

City Hall and London Bridge



©Istockphoto.com

mentioned above, and the form helps the rhythmic feel


Balance, Emphasis_________

Justification: The sameness of the amount of people on either side of the center, and the shape’s symmetrical value gives it a sense of symmetrical/formal balance., while also emphasizing the woman in the middle

Element of Design

Color_________

Justification: There are very vibrant colors present in this mural, and they are mirrored on either side, further emphasizing the symmetry of the building.




Regular Rhythm___________

Justification: The floors/balconies are arranged in a consistent fashion

Element of Design

Line, Value____________

Justification: There are a lot of horizontal lines, and it shows relaxation. The blue comes in different tones for the value


Unity_________

Justification: The entire building is made up of 2 different colors, giving every part of the building the same feeling, and demonstrating that it’s all part of the same construct

Element of Design

Form, Color____________

Justification: There are a lot of cones and pyramid shapes used on the roof of the structure, and the entire building uses the same 2 colors



©Istockphoto.com

©Istockphoto.com


Regular Rhythm__________

Justification: The evenly spaced arches show regular repetition

Element of Design

Space__________

Justification: The arches are all evenly sized, allowing the negative space to bolster the repetitive nature of the construct

Roman aqueduct


Balance, Unity_______

Justification: It is symmetrical, and the same colors, materials, and shapes are used throughout the building

Element of Design

Color_____________

Justification: The building uses a consistent color palette to help the sense of balance and unity



Microsoft Office clipart


Contrast, Rhythm________

Justification: The blue and red are almost on opposite sides of the color wheel, so they provide contrast. The general sameness of the house designs create the sense of repetition

Element of Design

Color, Shape_____________

Justification: As previously mentioned, the red and blue colors create the contrast in the first building, while the fact that all the houses have the same shape help the sense of repetition

Conclusion1. In what way do certain elements or principles identify the time period in which a

structure was created?

Different time periods used different principles and elements more frequently in their various designs

2. What factors might account for an incorrect identification?

Some principles/element have similar properties, so there may be confusion as to the actual principle/element being used

3. Describe an example of a way that design principles and elements could impact the function of a building.



The way the principles and elements are implemented, change the mood and feel of the building. This is why a professional building such as the White House uses mostly white, with rectangular shapes and regular rhythm, while a building like the Google HQ uses lots of vibrant colors and irregular shapes to make a creative mood



activity 1.1.2 design principles and elements -...

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