Architectural Design Principles Proportion Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved. 1

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Good Design Good design is based on principles that are the rules that govern how we use each of the elements of design in any given work of art. Good design is based on principles that are the rules that govern how we use each of the elements of design in any given work of art. As architects or designers, you try to create pleasing spaces, shapes, and forms. As architects or designers, you try to create pleasing spaces, shapes, and forms. This usually allows for a greater acceptance from the general public and those who utilize your creations. This usually allows for a greater acceptance from the general public and those who utilize your creations. 3 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Principles of Design There are several principles of design: Balance Balance Proportion & Scale Proportion & Scale Emphasis Emphasis Rhythm Rhythm Harmony Harmony 4 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Proportion Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The issue is the relationship between objects, or parts of a whole. The issue is the relationship between objects, or parts of a whole. This means that it is necessary to discuss proportion in terms of the context or standard used to determine proportions. This means that it is necessary to discuss proportion in terms of the context or standard used to determine proportions. 5 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Relationships How are various elements related to each other? How are various elements related to each other? In other words, how do they match up according to how we are used to perceiving them? In other words, how do they match up according to how we are used to perceiving them? The way a designer uses elements with each other generates these relationships. The way a designer uses elements with each other generates these relationships. 6 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Bad Proportions Proportion is usually not even noticed until something is out of proportion. Proportion is usually not even noticed until something is out of proportion. When the relative size of two elements being compared seems wrong or unbalanced, it is said to be "out of proportion.” When the relative size of two elements being compared seems wrong or unbalanced, it is said to be "out of proportion.” For example, the dog on the left has a head larger than his entire body. We would say that he is out of proportion. For example, the dog on the left has a head larger than his entire body. We would say that he is out of proportion. 7 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Parts to a whole We can help determine proportion by breaking down an object into parts. We can help determine proportion by breaking down an object into parts. This body is about 5 heads tall if broken down. This body is about 5 heads tall if broken down. 8 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Work Time! Let’s apply your new knowledge and create our own proportion examples. 9 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.