ACC1 TOPIC 10: Principles of Design

The Principles of Design are the ways that artists use the Elements of Art to create a
great composition.

• Balance
• Contrast
• Proportion
• Rhythm
• Unity
• Variety
• Emphasis
• Movement

BALANCE

Refers to the distribution of visual elements within a composition to create stability

and harmony

2 TYPES OF BALANCE:

1. SYMMETRICAL BALANCE- Achieved when elements are arranged

equally on either side of a central axis. It's like a mirror image, where
each side looks the same.
2. ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE- refers to a design or composition where
elements are not arranged symmetrically but still achieve visual
equilibrium. It involves distributing visual weight unevenly across a
composition while maintaining a sense of harmony and stability

CONTRAST

Contrast create visual variety, excitement and interest to the building and can be
achieved by:

• using different sizes;

• different material, texture, and colors; or
• manipulating the light, shade, and shadow of masses

PROPORTION

Visual and structural harmony by ensuring balanced and well-proportioned

relationship between different elements within a design

RHYTHM

• Movement characterized by a patterned repetition or alternation of

formal elements or motifs in the same or a modified form.
• Leads the eye from one point to another, creates motion

UNITY

Refers to the cohesive relationship among the elements within a composition. It's
about how all the elements work together to create a sense of harmony,
completeness, and coherence. Unity ensures that the various parts of a design feel
connected and integrated, rather than disjointed or chaotic

VARIETY

Refers to the use of diversity and contrast to add interest, dynamism, and visual
excitement to a composition. While unity emphasizes cohesion and harmony,
variety introduces elements of difference, creating points of interest and engaging
the viewer's attention.

EMPHASIS

Design emphasis happens by carefully arranging, manipulating, and arranging

objects in order to determine the focal point and to guide the viewer's focus. It does
this by deftly arranging the visual components to provide focal points across the
composition.

Emphasis can be achieved by:

• Contrast
• Massing
• Ornamentation
• Color
• Positioning

MOVEMENT

Is a visual flow through the composition. It can be the suggestion of motion in a

design as you move from object to object by way of placement and position