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Principles

Pamela Williams
Feb 26, 2015
2 min read

Axis: The axis is a line established by two points in space, about which forms and spaces can be arranged in a regular or irregular manner. Because an axis is essentially a linear condition, it has qualities of length and direction, and induces movement and promotes views along its path. The notion of an axis can be reinforced by defining edges along its length. These edges can be simply lines on the ground plane, or vertical planes that define a linear space coincident with the axis. The three elements that help to form an axis include points in space established by vertical, linear elements or centralized building forms; vertical planes, such as a symmetrical building façade or front; and well-defined spaces, generally centralized or regular in form. Lastly, an axis can also be implied by a symmetrical arrangement of forms and spaces.

Symmetry: Symmetry creates balance between various parts of a space or form that can either be related or normally unrelated. Variations of symmetry include bilateral and radial symmetry.

Hierarchy: The principle of hierarchy implies that real differences exist among form and space, reflecting the degree of importance of this form and space, as well as the functional, formal, and symbolic role they plan in the organization. Visual emphasis must be used to articulate a form or space as being important or significant to the overall organization. This emphasis can be achieved with techniques such as the use of exceptional size, a unique shape, or location. The example below shows placement hierarchy with the square bench in the center of the space.

Photo by Dan Pearlman

Datum: A datum refers to a line, plane, or volume to which other elements in a composition relate. A linear datum must have sufficient visual continuity that cuts through the elements being organized while a plane, if large enough and/or enclosed, can visually gather a pattern together or act as a background to the elements it works to relate. Similarly, a volume with sufficient size, closure and regularity can visually link elements together within itself or along its borders.

by SABO Project

Rhythm + Repetition: Rhythm refers to any movement characterized by a patterned recurrent of elements or motifs at regular or irregular intervals. Repetition is created when an element occurs over and over again in a space or form. The element can be repeated in a consistent pattern or in a variation of the pattern.

by Soma Architects

Transformation: The principle of transformation includes the ability for a designer to take a basic, or prototype, shape and manipulate it to relate to a specific design concept. In the example below, basic shapes sucha s circles and triangles have been transformed into more organic shapes to create more empasis in the space.