26 Principles of Architecture & Design
Giselle Benitez
Light
The way that light interacts with a structure communicates several things. When surfaces capture darker colors or lighter colors there is a distinguished hierarchy to the way we view it. Direct light and diffused light in these images either draws more attention to the lines in each structure or allows them to blend in with its surroundings, and changes the way any given perspective understands the structure.
Perspective
How we view a structure impacts our understanding of it. In these images each view that is shown of the structure reveals a new concept and function. Additionally, an internal and external perspective reveal just how relevant the internal design is as the outside view.
Mass
In these images the concept of massing through an additive process can be observed. In this case, multiple systems come together (the cubes, prisms, spheres, and pyramids) and construct a new structure. The stacking, spacing, and volume of each system changes how we perceive a new system
The structure of any building or work of architecture changes the way we perceive it. The placement of structure and the chosen space for the structure sets up the entire perspective for the work.
Structure
Space Space provides the entry way for perspective. Wherever there is space, the building or the view will fill that space. Therefore, the way things are placed defines exactly how we will perceive it, and even how we will be able to understand it.
Geometry The geometry behind a building breaks the building down into its more simple and overall attributes. Understanding how a work is built in its most simple geometric gives any view a new perspective for how the building can be understood.
Composition
Composition along with decomposition allow us to understand a building in its many parts, and why it was composed in a certain manner. Often times having a new perspective on a building and its parts can help us appreciate other features of the building that may not be so evident in an original composition.
Color Color can do a number o things when studying architecture. Taking a primarily black and white image and transforming it to something with vibrant colors can alter our perspective on how it functions as a piece.
Transformation By far, transforming an object displays how we can take something that already exists in space and see how it can interact with the open space around it. The way we alter space can change how we are able to pass through and view it.
Material Material also plays a part in the way that we understand objects. Here, solid planes block the field of vision. If this were an actual structure, things such as which planes are transparent versus opaque would change our ability to see certain parts of the building.
Balance
Balance is very important to keep in mind when considering building. Having a balance of materials, space, or lighting can change the way we perceive a building and could even leave perspectives drawing us to one part of the building instead of others.
Symmetry
Symmetry can be thought to play hand in hand with balance. Being symmetrical and asymmetrical has its advantages as a building interacts with its environment. This all changes the way we adapt to a building.
Planes
Everything exists on a plane. Taking a given plane or multiple given planes, cutting and folding them can result in very unique concepts and understanding of space and balance, changing the way we view a structure.
Hierarchy
Hierarchy here shows us that there are certain ways architects can draw attention to the pieces of their work they most intend to be seen. They consider the perspective of their view and intentionally give certain parts of a building a more emphasized appearance.
Presentation
The way an architect presents their project both on sight and in a presentation or layout aids in our understanding of their building. Here, a simple presentation is displayed and it can show how simplicity can often aid in easier understanding.
Environment
The environment can often change the perspective of the architect as well. The direction from which the sun hits, natural shade, and even terrain level influence the architects original ideas for a building.
Texture
Textures of materials can draw attention in several different ways. Rougher textures can draw a viewer to interact with the building or even just capture the attention more due to the way it captures light.
Scale Utilizing a scale in architecture gives people a perspective of exactly how big things are proportionally. Making models with a scale in mind helps us put into a life the way a building can function in society.
Solids are what make a building what it is, but voids are what give it the ability to interact and function for people. This means that the perspective that viewers are even able to have rely on where solids and voids are places and what kind of solids and voids they are.
Solids & Voids
Addition & Subtraction
Adding pieces to a work of architecture or in this case a simple model can change the way the space around it is perceived and the ability to interact with it.
Analysis
Analysis is a key component in the understanding of a building. Being able to analyze another building is important so that we are able to learn and take our own perspective and apply it or change it in reference to our own work.
Grid Having a grid is like having a structure. Although we do not need a fully grid to maintain the structure of a building, it gives us a simple way to create a structure and places the building into a simple perspective.
Movement
The way we move through a building is crucial to the comprehension of it. Solids, voids, space, and many other concepts work closely with movement to ensure a clear use by humans with the building.
Part to Whole
Similar to composition, part to whole shows us how each piece exists outside of the whole, but more importantly shows us how buildings parts work both together and separately to provide the best kind of consideration of its viewers.
Diagrams
Diagrams give us the most insight to a building outside of being there ourselves. Diagrams help us communicate man things and show how a building is meant to be perceived.
Dimensions
The dimensions of a building and its parts are important. Here, we can see that dismantling and resizing the parts of this building give it a new definition and perception from its viewers.