Principles of Design Pt. 1

Principles of Design Pt. 1

The Principles of Design support key concepts that designers must understand. These principles are rules/ guidelines / basics that help us create a functional and aesthetic space. The first three elements we looked at are balance, unity, and harmony. 

Balance is critical to feeling a sense of equilibrium in space, even with visual weight. Line, Shape, color, and texture are events that help us see balance in a space. The three main types of balance are symmetrical (formal), asymmetrical (informal), and radial. Symmetry is one of the easiest forms of design. A space can be mirrored, identical, or duplicated to create this effect but could become boring. Asymmetrical balance still has visual weight, but it’s not exactly duplicated. However, it is dynamic and sometimes involves repetition of form + shape to create a spacious environment that makes your eye move around. Radial balance is the arrangement of elements around a central point. It has a sense of movement that is dynamic but is still considered balanced. 

Unity and Harmony are concepts 

They get us to ask questions like “What factors could produce an environment that is not unified and not harmonious?” or “What would a space that is not harmonious feel like?”. Unity is every space flowing together to become an integrated whole. Unity is achieved by repeating elements, each part of the space, that must come together. Harmony is achieved through a common theme, style, material, or color. 

Sketching Interiors assignment: