The principles of design are used for the application and skillful composition of the elements. The principles of design can be thought of as a framework that directs or focuses the elements to achieve a particular design effect or solution. In this scenario, comfort is the effect to be produced; therefore, comfort rules can be defined and implemented in the context of both the elements and principles of design. Comfort should be achieved in order to produce inviting, calming, nurturing, and safe environments. The designer manipulates the principles and elements of design to create a solution to a given design-related problem, such as discomfort. Different combinations of elements and principles can produce special results providing comfort in the designed space. Often, the principles of design are not considered. When the principles of design have been applied properly, comfort can be enhanced. The principles include: balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion, scale, unity, harmony, and variety. Each principle is described in a chart that includes a working definition, general rules for use, and a selected justification for each.
Balance
Nissen, Faulkner, and Faulkner (1994) indicate that balance is the principle of design that promotes a feeling of stability due to the illusion of equal tensions or weights on both sides of the composition, or a feeling of equilibrium in a space. There are three types of balance employed in the built environment: 1) symmetrical balance; 2) asymmetrical balance; and 3) radial balance.
Symmetrical balance refers to the arrangement of objects that seem to have an imaginary sketch mirror placed along a central axis that bisects the form and presents equal halves or mirrored images. This type of balance has a more formal or stately presence, but can become static or boring if overused. Psychologically, symmetrical balance gives one a feeling of stability and describes security (Kilmer & Kilmer, 1999).
In asymmetrical balance, there are similar images that visually weigh or stabilize one another. This type of balance is perceived to be more active, exciting, vigorous, and informal than symmetrical balance (Kilmer& Kilmer, 1999).
Radial balance has a central point from which elements extend outward and can exhibit circular, expanding movement. Radial balance is seen in objects such as a wagon wheel, a rose window, or the dome of a capitol building. The radial type of balance is easily disrupted by removing one element of the composition such as the spoke of the wagon wheel (Kilmer & Kilmer, 1999). When radial balance is disrupted, the characteristic of comfort is disturbed.
Rhythm
A sense of order, a quality of gracefulness, and a feeling of movement are phrases that embellish a principle of design called rhythm (Beitler & Lockhart, 1969). Rhythm is borrowed from music (Pile, 2007). It is organized movement, regular intervals, continuity, or recurrence. Rhythm is created by the repetition of line, colors, and/or shape. It can be seen in the pattern of a heartbeat or the waves beating on the shore. It can be seen in the built environment by the brick patterns of a wall, the use of equally spaced columns along a corridor, or the systematic placement of lighting on the ceiling. Rhythm is accomplished through repetition, alternation, transition, contrast, and progression (Kilmer & Kilmer, 1999, and Pile, 2007).
Emphasis
Emphasis is the center of interest, point of importance, or dominant area within the space. Emphasis suggests giving significance to each part and to the whole, calling more attention to the important part than to those of lesser consequence, while introducing variety that will not become chaotic. There are four ways in which to create emphasis: 1) use of contrasts of hue; value or interest; 2) leading lines; 3) unusual detail; and 4) grouping and/or placing of objects. Emphasis is attained through the creation of focal points, rest areas, and progressive degrees of interest in between the areas. Emphasis is achieved through the skillful application of balance and rhythm and thoughtful organization of the elements of design into areas of emphasis (Pile, 2007).
Proportion
Proportion is the principle of design that involves a pleasing relationship between all parts of the design in relation to each other and the whole. Proportion is relative and can be perceived as satisfactory or unsatisfactory (Kilmer & Kilmer, 1999, and Pile, 2007).
Scale
Scale is the relationship between sizes within space in relationship to other objects and involves understanding the principle of ratios (Beitler & Lockhart, 1969). In the built environment, scale is the relationship or size of an object or space relative to the human form. Scale may be increased or diminished (Nissen et al., 1994). A designer working with a child may scale down the objects in the room to be more compatible with the size and stature of the young child.
Unity
Unity is defined as oneness, or the state of being one. A unified composition includes individual parts that relate harmoniously to each other. Unity provides a sense of belonging, consonance, or oneness. It is the basic principle that holds the components of a design together; however, without variety, unity can become dull or monotonous.
Harmony
Harmony is the culmination principle that is sought when selecting and arranging various elements of design for a particular purpose. Harmony is defined as consonance, concord, or agreement among parts. Harmony results when unity and variety are combined; it is demonstrated in developing a single unifying theme that consistently relates the varied components of an interior, whether the interior is a single room or an entire facility (Nissen et al., 1994). Harmony is the skillful use or combination of the other guidelines of design including balance, rhythm, emphasis, scale, and proportion. Without the implementation of harmony, comfort in the built environment would not exist. Harmony is the foundation of creating comfort; without harmony, there would be chaos, stress and discomfort in the environment.
Variety
Variety is the quality or state of having different forms or types of objects in a defined space. Variety is an infusion of energy in an interior space through use of color, forms, shape, color, texture, and line. Appropriate varieties of color, form, shape, texture, and line create a sense of well-being and may be as subtle as a slight variance in color or the juxtaposition of old against new. However, variety with no underlying theme or excess in diversity can cause unrest and discomfort.
References:
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